Moving with Kids: Making the Transition Easier for Families

You've found the perfect house. The mortgage is approved. Everything's falling into place. Then reality hits: how are you going to move with kids without losing your mind?

After 20+ years helping families in Forest Grove and Washington County, I've seen plenty of parents stress about this exact situation. Moving is already one of life's biggest challenges. Add kids to the mix, and it feels like you need a miracle.

Why Moving Hits Kids So Hard

Kids don't see moving the way we do. While you're excited about the bigger kitchen or shorter commute, they're worried about leaving their best friend down the street.

Children thrive on routine and familiarity. Their bedroom isn't just a room; it's their safe space. Their school isn't just a building; it's where their friends are. Even teenagers who act like they don't care often feel anxious about starting over.

The younger the child, the less they understand why this change is happening. They might think they did something wrong or that you'll keep moving again and again.

Start the Conversation Early

Don't wait until boxes appear to tell your kids you're moving. Start talking about it as soon as you know it's happening.

Be honest but age-appropriate. A five-year-old doesn't need to know about interest rates, but they do need to know they'll have their own room in the new house.

Let them ask questions. Some will be practical: "Where will I go to school?" Others might surprise you: "Will my stuffed animals like the new house?"

Make it visual. Drive by the new house together if possible. Show them photos of their new room. Look up their new school online. The unknown feels scary, but seeing helps.

Get Kids Involved in the Process

Give children age-appropriate jobs during the move. Little ones can pack their toys in a special box they decorate. Older kids can research their new neighborhood or help choose paint colors for their room.

Let them make some decisions. Which stuffed animals go in the car versus the moving truck? Should we set up their room first or the living room?

This isn't about making them do the work. It's about giving them some control when everything else feels out of their hands.

Keep Important Things Close

Pack a "first week" box for each child with their most important belongings. Favorite stuffed animal, special blanket, a few beloved books. These should travel in your car, not the moving truck.

Do the same for practical items. Pack enough clothes, toiletries, and any medications for at least a week in suitcases that come with you.

Set up their rooms first, even if it means living with boxes in the kitchen for a few extra days. Having their space ready helps them feel settled faster.

Plan for the Emotional Stuff

Expect some big feelings. Even kids who were excited about moving might have a meltdown on moving day. This is normal.

Let them say goodbye properly. Have friends over one last time. Take photos of their old room. Drive by places that were special to them.

Keep routines as normal as possible. If you always read bedtime stories, do that even if you're reading by phone flashlight because you can't find the lamps yet.

Help Them Connect to Forest Grove

If you're moving to Forest Grove, you're picking a great place for families. The community here really looks out for each other.

Visit Rogers Park before you move in. It's where lots of local families spend time, and kids can start to see the fun parts of their new town.

Check out the Pacific University campus. Even if your kids are years away from college, they might enjoy seeing the beautiful grounds and old buildings.

Look into youth sports or activities through the Forest Grove Parks and Recreation department. Many programs welcome new participants throughout the year.

Connect with schools early. Forest Grove Elementary, Tom McCall Upper Elementary, and Neil Armstrong Middle School all have great counselors who can help your child transition.

Make Moving Day Less Chaotic

Have a plan for moving day itself. If possible, have someone watch younger children while you handle the logistics. If that's not an option, create a "safe zone" with snacks, tablets, and activities.

Order pizza for dinner. Nobody wants to cook on moving day, and kids often find the whole experience more fun when there's pizza involved.

Set up one bathroom completely on day one. Trust me on this – when your six-year-old needs to go, you don't want to be hunting through boxes for toilet paper.

Give It Time

Don't expect kids to adjust overnight. Some settle in within weeks, others need months. Both are normal.

Watch for signs they're struggling more than expected. Changes in eating, sleeping, or behavior that last more than a few weeks might mean they need extra support.

Celebrate small victories. They found the library. They talked to a neighbor kid. They stopped asking when you're moving back to the old house. These are all good signs.

Trust the Process

Here's what I've learned from helping hundreds of families move: kids are more resilient than we think. They adapt faster than adults in many ways.

That doesn't mean it's easy. But with patience and planning, most children not only adjust but end up loving their new home even more than their old one.

Your Next Steps

Moving with kids takes extra planning, but it's absolutely doable. Start these conversations early, involve them in age-appropriate ways, and be patient with the adjustment period.

If you're considering a move in Forest Grove or Washington County, I'd love to help you think through the process. After 8 years living here and 20+ years in real estate, I understand what families need.

Give me a call at (541) 592-4682 or email misscilicia@outlook.com. Let's talk about how to make your family's move as smooth as possible.

Your kids might surprise you – they could end up loving their new home even more than you do.