Moving is stressful for adults who understand what's happening. For kids and pets, it can be genuinely frightening. A little planning turns a chaotic day into a manageable adventure.
Kids — before the day
Talk about the move early and often
Let each kid pack their own labelled 'my room' box
Show photos or drive past the new place if you can
Arrange a play-date or grandparent day for move-day itself
Pack a kids essentials bag: snacks, water, tablet, favourite toy
Pets — before the day
Update microchip and council rego with the new address
Get vet records + a supply of any medication
Pack a pet bag: food, bowls, lead, litter, familiar bedding
Book boarding or a friend's place for move-day if possible
For cats, prepare a carrier they can retreat to
Move-day flow
- 1
Get kids and pets out of the house first
Ideally offsite. If not, set up one quiet room with a closed door and clear signage: 'DO NOT OPEN'.
- 2
Move the rest of the house around them
The crew can work faster and safer without little ones underfoot or a scared dog at the door.
- 3
Set up their space FIRST at the new house
Pets: bed, water, litter tray. Kids: a made bed and a familiar toy.
- 4
Reintroduce slowly
Let cats explore one room at a time. Walk dogs around the new block before letting them settle inside.
Key takeaways
- Offsite is the calmest option for kids and pets on move day
- Set up their space first at the new house
- Keep comfort objects with you, not on the truck
- Reintroduce pets to the new home slowly