7 Ways to Make Moving with Kids Easier

7 Ways to Make Moving with Kids Easier – and Surprisingly Fun

Relocating with children can feel like a juggling act—packing boxes, keeping spirits high and managing meltdowns all at once. But it doesn’t have to be a chaotic ordeal. At Samonas Prime Moving, we believe a move can actually become a family adventure. Here are 7 playful, practical strategies to ease the tension and help your kids feel like active participants. 

1. Host a Pack-and-Play Party

Turn the chore of packing into a friendly competition or game: 

• Divide the room into zones (toys, books, clothes, etc.). Set a timer for 10 minutes. Whoever packs the most (without breaking things!) wins a silly prize—maybe picking the first movie night or choosing dessert. 
• Give each child colorful markers or stickers to decorate their boxes (with their name, doodles, or “Fragile: Dragon Eggs”). It turns “box duty” into creative play. 

This approach helps kids feel involved, not sidelined. 

2. Create an Adventure Map

Kids love maps and stories. Draw (or tape together) a “journey map” from your current home to the new one: 

• Mark rest stops, snack points, “danger zones” (traffic, construction), or even whimsical hazards (e.g., “dragon valley,” “pirate cove”). 
• Let them suggest elements—a “treasure chest” stop, “alien landing zone,” or secret shortcut. 
• Use this map during the move: “Next, we hit the ‘Snack Oasis’ at the halfway mark,” or “We’re now entering the ‘Mount Couch Pass’.” 

It gives them a sense of control and turns a mundane route into a story. 

3. Pack a Surprise Box for Each Kid

Keep excitement alive with mystery: 

• Fill a small box per child with something fun (a new toy, art supplies, a favorite snack, or a surprise book). 
• Reserve a moment mid-move (or when things get overwhelming) to open it. 
• It gives them something to look forward to—an emotional “boost” during the process. 

4. Let Them Be “Move Ambassadors”

Give each child a role (with a fun title) to make them feel helpful: 

• “Box Wrangler” – hands you tape or labels 
• “Couch Navigator” – guides where to steer large furniture 
• “Doorway Guardian” – ensures pathways are clear 
• Provide a nametag or printable badge for them. 

When kids feel they’re contributing, they’re more cooperative and less anxious. 

5. Storytime – But Make It About the Move

Transform the move into a narrative that everyone co-writes: 

• Before bed or during the drive, frame it as an epic quest: your boxes are spaceships, the moving truck is a time machine, the new house is a castle. 
• Let kids pitch plot twists: “The couch turned into a sea monster!” or “Aliens want our lamps!” 
• This playful reframing helps them process change and shifts the mood from stress to curiosity. 

6. Pack a “First Night Box” with Kid Favorites

Make the first night in the new home feel familiar: 

• Include their favorite pajamas, a beloved stuffed animal, bedtime stories, a nightlight, or small comfort items. 
• Make sure it’s easy to access (top of the truck or first in the car). 
• Even if boxes are still being unpacked, your child wakes up in a space that feels safe and recognizable. 

7. Celebrate the Last Night at the Old House

Give closure before you say goodbye: 

• Do a “last walk” through the house together—let kids pick one thing they’ll miss. 
• Let them draw messages or memories on removable paper (not permanent). 
• Have a “living room picnic” or pizza night inside boxes waiting to go—make it fun. 
• Take a family photo in front of the house before leaving. 

These rituals help ease the emotional transition and acknowledge the significance of what’s being left behind.  We’ve moved hundreds of families, big and small, all over the East Coast throughout the years.  Take it on faith, we know how important your children are.  We are parents too!  Make it fun.  Keep them occupied.  You’ll thank us for it! 

Bonus Tips & Parental Hacks 

• Keep the same routines where possible — mealtimes, bedtime, bath time as anchors of normalcy. 
• Provide emotional space — kids may feel excited and sad. Acknowledge both. 
• Communicate ahead — tell them what’s happening next, where things will go, what surprises await. 
• Celebrate small wins — first box loaded, arrival at new place, unpacking a room. 
• Be patient — there might be tears, confusion, or reluctance. That’s okay; reassure them. 

When the move is over, you’ll have more than a new house — you’ll have stories, shared memories, and a fresh start together. 

If you’re ready to move forward with confidence, let’s talk. Contact Samonas Prime Moving at 631-509-7059 today for a free quote.
Or click here to complete our online form, and we’ll get back to you soon!

“Moving Shouldn’t Be a Nightmare.
We Are Here to Be the Easiest Part of Your Move.  Let Us Make It Simple.”