Moving with Kids in the Summer: Tips to Keep Everyone Sane

Moving is challenging enough when it’s just you and a moving truck. Add children into the mix—especially during the unstructured days of summer—and you’ve got a whole new level of chaos.

For families, summer is the most popular time to move. School is out, the weather is warm, and the timing aligns well with job changes and new home purchases. But moving with kids during the summer also comes with unique stressors: disrupted routines, emotional transitions, and long, hot days full of logistics.

So how do you keep things running smoothly (and your sanity intact)? Here are some family-focused tips to help make your summer move less stressful and more successful—for parents and kids alike.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 1. Talk About the Move Early—and Often

One of the best ways to ease moving anxiety in kids is to involve them in the conversation early. Even toddlers can sense when something big is happening. The unknown can be scary, so create space for questions and keep the conversation open.

For younger children:

• Use picture books about moving

• Talk about the new home in exciting ways

• Show photos or use Google Street View to “visit” the new neighborhood

For older children and teens:

• Give them a chance to express concerns

• Let them be part of decisions (room decor, what to pack first)

• Acknowledge the sadness of leaving friends or familiar places

📅 2. Create a Countdown Calendar

Kids thrive on routine, and moving disrupts it. A countdown calendar—physical or digital—can help restore a sense of predictability.

Include:

• Daily packing tasks (age-appropriate)

• Fun outings or “goodbye” visits to favorite places

• Visual cues for when the move will happen

Pro tip: Celebrate milestones along the way (e.g., “We packed all the toys!”).

📦 3. Give Them an Active Role in the Move

Feeling powerless can increase anxiety. The more involved your child feels, the more in control they’ll feel. Assign age-appropriate responsibilities to turn the move into a family effort.

Easy ways to involve kids:

• Let them decorate and label their own boxes

• Have them choose what to pack in their essentials bag

• Create a “treasure box” for keepsakes to carry themselves

Bonus: This also helps you get things done faster.

🛠️ 4. Outsource What You Can

When moving with kids, your time is limited and your attention divided. Consider outsourcing tasks that require focus, skill, or heavy lifting to professionals.

Alliance Relocation Services offers third-party moving support designed for exactly these situations. Our services include:

• Full/partial packing

• Custom crating of fragile items

• Furniture disassembly and reassembly

• Appliance disconnection and reconnection

Hiring professionals frees you up to focus on your family—without compromising the quality or safety of your move.

🧳 5. Pack an Essentials Bag for Each Child

The last thing you want is to be digging through boxes looking for a pacifier, favorite stuffed animal, or soccer cleats. Give each child a designated essentials bag or backpack that travels with you—not in the moving truck.

Include:

• Pajamas and a change of clothes

• Comfort items (blankets, stuffed animals)

• Favorite snacks

• Activities or books

• Medications or first-aid items

This not only keeps them comfortable—it reduces your stress on moving day.

🔥 6. Plan for the Heat

Moving in the summer means sunshine—but also sweat. Make sure everyone stays hydrated, shaded, and cool during the move.

Tips to beat the heat:

• Load in the morning or evening to avoid peak heat hours

• Set up a “cool zone” indoors with fans, drinks, and quiet toys

• Dress kids in lightweight, breathable clothes

• Have sunscreen and hats ready if they’re outside

Don’t forget to give the kids (and yourself!) plenty of breaks.

📍 7. Set Up the Kids’ Rooms First

When you arrive at your new home, prioritize setting up your children’s bedrooms. Having a familiar, functional space right away helps them adjust faster and sleep better.

• Set up beds and nightlights

• Unpack favorite toys and books first

• Let them help arrange their space

This gives them a sense of control and normalcy in the midst of change.

💡 8. Normalize Emotions—Yours and Theirs

Moving is an emotional experience for everyone, and kids may show their stress in different ways—acting out, withdrawing, crying, or even seeming unusually excited.

Acknowledge the emotional roller coaster:

• “It’s okay to feel sad about leaving your friends.”

• “I feel overwhelmed too—but we’re doing this together.”

• “We’re going to make new memories in our new home.”

Give them space to grieve the old while embracing the new.

✅ Final Thoughts: Moving with Kids Can Be Manageable (Even Joyful)

Will there be moments of chaos? Of course. But moving with kids in the summer doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With a bit of planning, a lot of communication, and some extra support, you can turn your move into a family milestone—not just a logistical challenge.

Alliance Relocation Services is here to make that process easier. From crating to appliance setup, we handle the behind-the-scenes work so you can focus on what matters most: your family.