Moving house can be a challenge for anyone, but relocating with children or pets adds a whole new level of complexity. Both kids and pets thrive on routine, so a sudden change of environment can feel unsettling. That is why planning ahead, preparing properly, and maintaining familiar routines are key. If you are looking for practical tips to move with kids / pets smoothly, this guide will help you manage the transition with less stress and more confidence.
If you want expert support with your move, contact Three Counties Moves Ltd here to see how we can make the process simpler.
Why Kids and Pets Experience Stress Differently
Children and pets do not process change in the same way adults do. For kids, moving can feel like leaving behind everything they know, from their bedrooms to their friends. Pets, on the other hand, often rely heavily on scent, territory, and routine, so a new space can be disorienting. Recognising these differences is the first step in making the move less overwhelming for them.
Signs of Anxiety in Children
Moving can stir up many emotions for kids, often showing up as behaviours you might not expect. Common signs include:
- Tantrums or irritability: Emotional outbursts can increase as children try to cope with big changes.
- Clinginess: Younger children may want to stay close to parents for reassurance.
- Sleep disruptions: New surroundings may make it harder for them to settle at night.
Understanding these reactions helps you approach your child with patience and empathy.
Signs of Anxiety in Pets
Animals can also become stressed when routines change. Watch for these signs of anxiety:
- Hiding or avoiding interaction: Pets may retreat to quiet spaces when they feel uneasy.
- Loss of appetite: Stress can sometimes lead to eating less than usual.
- Restlessness: Dogs may pace, whine, or bark more often, while cats might over-groom.
Recognising these behaviours gives you the chance to provide comfort before stress escalates.
If you are preparing to move, contact us today to see how we can help your family settle into a new home with ease.
Preparing Ahead: Creative Ways to Involve Your Family
Planning ahead is one of the best ways to make moving day less stressful and more enjoyable for the whole family. Involving children and pets in the process not only helps them adjust but also turns what might feel like a chaotic task into something fun and memorable. With a few creative strategies, you can keep everyone engaged, organised, and even excited about the move.
For Kids: Personalise Moving Boxes
Children often feel left out when big changes happen around them. Including them in the packing process gives them a sense of control and helps them feel more connected to the move.
- Give kids their own moving boxes to decorate with stickers, drawings, or colourful labels.
- Let them add their names, doodles, or even a “handle with care” sign to their personal boxes.
- Encourage them to pack their favourite items themselves, such as toys, books, or art supplies.
- Allow them to choose or create a “first night box” filled with bedtime essentials like pyjamas, storybooks, and comfort toys.
This small step makes children feel more involved and gives them something familiar to hold onto once you arrive at the new home.
For Pets: Introduce Changes Gradually
Pets thrive on routine, and moving can be confusing for them. Preparing them ahead of time makes the transition smoother and helps reduce stress.
- Introduce a new travel crate or carrier well before the move. Keep it open with a soft blanket or toy inside so they associate it with comfort.
- Take short car rides in the carrier to help them adapt to travel. Gradually increase the length of the trips so the moving journey feels less daunting.
- Keep feeding times, walks, and play consistent, even in the middle of packing, to provide stability.
- On moving day, set aside a quiet room for your pet with food, water, and bedding until everything is ready to go.
Timing: Plan Snacks, Rest, and Breaks
Packing, lifting, and travelling can be exhausting for children and pets. Creating a clear schedule helps prevent meltdowns, frustration, and unnecessary stress.
- Pack a “snack kit” with easy-to-carry items like fruit, cereal bars, and bottled water for kids.
- Set reminders to take short breaks during packing, giving children a chance to play, stretch, or relax.
- For pets, prepare a bag with essentials such as treats, a portable water bowl, and a favourite toy.
- Schedule regular stops on long journeys so pets can stretch their legs and children can burn off energy.
These breaks ensure everyone stays refreshed and helps the day run more smoothly.
Create a Moving Countdown Calendar
A countdown calendar can turn the stress of moving into something fun and interactive for the entire family.
- For children, create daily or weekly activities like colouring a moving-themed picture, drawing their new bedroom, or packing a “treasure box” of favourite items.
- For pets, mark activities like extra play sessions, car ride practice, or introducing them to new travel gear.
- Use colourful markers, stickers, or reward charts to make the countdown visual and engaging.
- Add small family rituals, such as watching a film together after packing or visiting a favourite park before leaving.
This not only makes the move exciting but also builds positive anticipation for the new chapter ahead.
Moving Day Strategies: Keeping Stress Levels Low
Moving day is often the most demanding part of the relocation process. From coordinating schedules to managing children and pets, the pressure can quickly add up. However, with the right strategies in place, you can reduce stress and make the day run more smoothly.
Here are practical moving day strategies to keep stress levels low and ensure everything goes according to plan.
Loading the Van
The way you load the van sets the tone for the entire move. A thoughtful approach prevents damage and makes unpacking easier later on.
- Efficient loading order: Start with the heaviest items such as furniture, appliances, and large boxes. Place fragile items and lighter belongings on top or at the end for added protection.
- Plan around tricky spaces: Many UK homes have narrow staircases and awkward doorways. Measure furniture in advance and disassemble larger pieces if necessary. Having a toolkit and protective blankets on hand makes moving bulky items safer.
- Label boxes clearly: Mark boxes by room and indicate fragile contents. This ensures the removal team knows exactly where to place them.
Getting the loading order right not only saves time but also reduces the risk of breakages.
During Transit
Once the van is loaded, the journey to your new home can present its own challenges. Staying informed and proactive helps you stay calm.
- Stay in touch: Most professional movers offer real-time tracking or regular updates. Keep your phone charged and confirm the estimated arrival time.
- UK-specific challenges: City moves may involve congestion charges or restricted access zones, while rural areas can mean narrow lanes and limited parking. Inform your removals company in advance so they can plan the best route.
- Comfort for children and pets: If travelling together, pack snacks, water, and familiar items such as toys or blankets to make the journey easier.
Unloading and Initial Setup
Arriving at your new home is exciting, but the unloading process can feel overwhelming without a plan.
- Assign rooms in advance: Share a floor plan or clear instructions with the movers so each box and piece of furniture goes directly to the right room.
- Check for damage: Inspect items as they are unloaded and flag any issues immediately with the removal company.
- First-day comfort: Set up essential furniture first, such as beds, a sofa, and kitchen basics. Having a place to sit, eat, and rest makes the first night in your new home much more enjoyable.
This approach allows you to settle in quickly, even before the unpacking is complete.
Settling In: Helping Kids and Pets Adjust Quickly
Moving into a new home is an exciting milestone, but it can also be overwhelming for children and pets. Both groups thrive on routine and familiarity, so sudden changes in environment can trigger stress, confusion, or even behavioural issues. The good news is that with preparation and thoughtful planning, you can make the transition smoother for everyone.
Creating a Safe Zone for Children
Children often need reassurance during times of change. One of the most effective ways to keep them comfortable is by setting up a designated “safe zone.”
- Choose a small room or corner where your child can retreat when the house feels chaotic.
- Stock it with familiar toys, books, snacks, and a tablet or portable DVD player for entertainment.
- Keep their bedding or favourite blanket nearby to reinforce a sense of security.
Having this familiar spot ensures they have a space that feels like home, even before the rest of the house is organised.
Setting Up a Quiet Space for Pets
Pets are equally sensitive to change, especially when there are movers in and out of the property. To keep them calm:
- Assign them a quiet room away from the main activity. Fill it with their bed, toys, and water.
- If possible, ask a trusted caregiver, friend, or family member to supervise them during the busiest hours of moving.
- For cats, ensure the litter box is placed in a quiet corner where they will not be disturbed.
This approach prevents accidents, keeps pets safe from open doors, and reduces their overall stress.
Transport Tips for a Smooth Move
Travelling itself can be stressful for children and pets. A little preparation goes a long way.
- For children: Pack a “moving essentials bag” filled with snacks, drinks, comfort items, and entertainment for the car ride. Keeping them occupied makes the journey less stressful for both child and parent.
- For pets: Always use secure carriers or harnesses in the car. Covering carriers with a light blanket can create a sense of calm. Stop for short breaks if the trip is long to allow pets to stretch and hydrate.
Planning ahead ensures the travel stage of your move is safe and comfortable for everyone.
Unique Tips to Minimise Stress
Small, thoughtful touches can make a big difference during a move.
- Noise-cancelling headphones for kids: These help block out the sounds of movers, traffic, or general chaos, keeping children calmer.
- Pheromone sprays or diffusers for pets: These products mimic natural calming signals and can ease anxiety in cats and dogs.
Incorporating these techniques can create a more peaceful environment and make the move feel less overwhelming.
Settle Into Your New Home With Ease
Moving doesn’t have to be stressful when you’ve got the right team on your side. At Three Counties Moves Ltd (TCM), we know how important it is to feel confident that your belongings are in safe hands. That’s why we offer everything from local and long-distance removals to packing services and short- or long-term storage solutions. Our crew is all about making things simple and stress-free, carefully handling your possessions with quality packing materials and giving attention to every detail. We treat your move as if it were our own, so you can settle into your new place without the worry.Give us a call on 0800 699 0001 or drop us an email at [email protected]
