Moving house is stressful enough for adults — for children, it can feel completely destabilising. Research shows that children as young as three pick up on parental stress during a move. A few simple steps can make the process much smoother for the whole family.

1. Tell them early and honestly. Children need time to process change. Explain the move in terms they understand and focus on the positives — a bigger garden, closer to a park, a new bedroom to decorate.

2. Involve them. Give children some control over the process. Let them pack their own toys, choose their bedroom colour, or help unpack in the new house. Involvement reduces anxiety.

3. Keep routines intact. During the chaos of moving, try to maintain mealtimes, bedtimes and other daily rituals as much as possible. Familiarity is reassuring.

4. Pack a children’s essentials bag. Keep their favourite toys, comfort items, books and snacks separate and easily accessible on moving day — not buried in a sealed box.

5. Say goodbye properly. Let children say goodbye to their old home, their friends and their neighbours. Don’t downplay these goodbyes — they’re important.

6. Plan something special. Give them something to look forward to at the new home — a trip to a local park, a takeaway on the first night, or a playdate with a neighbour’s child.

Vantage 24/7 Services handles family moves across Cambridgeshire every week. Call 01223 660 400 for a stress-free moving experience.