Moving home is a big adventure… especially for children

For many families, the summer holidays feel like the perfect time to move.

School is out, evenings are longer and there’s an opportunity to settle into a new home before the September routine begins.

But while adults are often focused on solicitors, removal vans and endless boxes, children can experience a whole range of emotions. Excitement, uncertainty, curiosity and even sadness can all appear in the same afternoon.

The good news is that, with a little planning, moving during the school holidays can become an exciting family milestone rather than a stressful experience.

Why summer is one of the best times to move

There are practical advantages to moving during the holidays.

Without the daily school run, families have more flexibility to pack, organise and prepare.

If you’re relocating to a new area, children also have several weeks to explore their surroundings, make new friends and become familiar with local parks, shops and activities before starting a new school.

That extra breathing space can make a huge difference to their confidence.

Help children feel part of the move

Children often cope better with change when they feel involved.

Rather than simply watching adults make all the decisions, give them opportunities to play a part.

Talk about the move well in advance.

Show them photographs of the new home.

If possible, visit the area together and explore the local park, café or playground.

For younger children, helping choose the colour of their bedroom or deciding where furniture will go can create excitement and a sense of ownership.

A move feels far less daunting when it begins to feel like their adventure too.

Create a moving day survival kit

The removal van may be full, but there are a few things you’ll want close at hand.

Every family member should have a bag containing essentials for the first night, including:

• Pyjamas and toiletries.
• A change of clothes.
• Phone chargers.
• Favourite toys or comfort items.
• Medication if required.
• Drinks and snacks.

Keeping these separate from the removal van means you’re not hunting through dozens of boxes when everyone is tired.

You’ll thank yourself later.

Keep familiar routines where you can

Moving day naturally creates disruption.

Even so, children often find reassurance in the routines that remain unchanged.

Eating meals at familiar times, keeping bedtime as close to normal as possible and taking a break together during the day all help create a sense of stability.

Small moments of normality can make an unfamiliar house feel like home much more quickly.

Make time to say goodbye

It’s easy to become focused on the future, but children sometimes need help leaving the past behind.

Encourage them to take photographs of their bedroom or favourite places nearby.

Visit a favourite park one last time.

Say goodbye to neighbours or friends if appropriate.

These simple moments help provide closure and acknowledge that it’s perfectly normal to miss somewhere you’ve been happy.

Think beyond moving day

Once the boxes have arrived, there’s no pressure to unpack everything immediately.

Instead, focus on helping everyone settle.

Build beds first.

Find the kettle.

Order a takeaway if needed.

Then spend some time exploring your new neighbourhood together.

Finding the nearest park, walking into the town centre or discovering a favourite local café often creates positive memories from the very beginning.

For families moving to Thetford or the surrounding Breckland villages, you’re fortunate to have plenty to explore, from Thetford Forest and riverside walks to independent cafés, parks and community events throughout the summer.

Remember that children take their lead from you

Children are remarkably perceptive.

If moving feels stressful and overwhelming, they’ll often pick up on that.

If it feels like an exciting new chapter, they’re far more likely to embrace the adventure.

That doesn’t mean pretending everything is perfect.

It simply means reassuring them that it’s normal to feel a mixture of emotions and reminding them that, wherever you live, home is ultimately about the people you’re with.

At Location Location East, we’ve helped hundreds of families move over the years, and one thing has always remained true.

The moves people remember most fondly aren’t necessarily the ones where everything went perfectly.

They’re the ones where the family tackled the journey together and looked forward to creating new memories in a new home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is moving house during the school holidays better for children?

For many families, yes. Moving during the summer holidays gives children time to adjust before a new school term begins and removes the pressure of juggling school alongside the move.

How can I make moving day less stressful for younger children?

Prepare a first-night bag with familiar toys, snacks, toiletries and bedtime essentials. Keeping routines as consistent as possible and involving children in small tasks can also help them feel more settled.

Should I visit the new area before moving?

If you can, it’s a great idea. Visiting local parks, cafés or the new school beforehand helps children become familiar with their surroundings and can make moving day feel far less daunting.

When should I tell my child’s school we’re moving?

As soon as your plans are confirmed. Early communication gives both your current and new school time to prepare the necessary paperwork, helping ensure a smoother transition.

What’s the first thing we should unpack?

Start with the essentials. Beds, bedding, toiletries, kitchen basics and children’s favourite comfort items should all be easily accessible. Everything else can wait until you’re settled.

About the Ethical Agent Network

Location Location East is proud to be a founding member of the Ethical Agent Network, an organisation that recognises independent estate agents committed to honesty, transparency and high professional standards. Membership is independently assessed and reflects our belief that moving home should always be built on trust and clear advice.

Sources

• Ethical Agent Network: https://www.ethicalagentnetwork.co.uk

Article by Andrew Overman | Partner | Location Location East