The logistics of a long move are hard enough for adults. For children and pets, the disruption to routine is the hardest part. A little planning keeps everyone steadier.
Helping children through the move
Tell them early and involve them
Give children time to get used to the idea. Show them photos of the new home, school and neighborhood, and let them make real choices, such as how to arrange their room.
Keep routines intact
Regular mealtimes and bedtimes matter more than usual in the weeks around a move. Pack their rooms last and set them up first.
Pack a personal travel bag
Let each child pack a small bag with a favorite toy, a blanket, books, headphones and snacks. These stay in the car, never on the truck.
Plan the goodbye
A small get-together with friends, and a simple way to stay in touch, turns the move into a transition instead of a sudden loss.
Moving with pets
Before the move
- Visit the vet for a check-up, vaccination records and enough medication for the trip.
- Ask about health certificate requirements for your destination state, especially if you are flying.
- Update microchip details and ID tags with your new address and phone number.
- Get pets used to their carrier or crate well ahead of time.
On loading day
Open doors and unfamiliar people are stressful and risky for animals. Keep pets in a closed, quiet room with a sign on the door, or arrange for a friend or a boarding facility to care for them that day.
On the road
- Never leave pets in a parked vehicle.
- Stop every few hours for water and a walk, always on a leash.
- Book pet-friendly lodging in advance.
- Keep food, bowls, waste bags, litter and a familiar blanket within reach.
Moving companies do not transport pets on the truck, so plan for them to travel with you or through a dedicated pet transport service.
The first week in the new home
Set up beds and a familiar corner for each child and pet first. Walk the neighborhood together, find the nearest park, and register with a new pediatrician and veterinarian. Expect a few unsettled days and keep the schedule simple.