{"id":112122,"date":"2026-08-11T12:18:28","date_gmt":"2026-08-11T19:18:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=112122"},"modified":"2026-08-11T15:10:08","modified_gmt":"2026-08-11T22:10:08","slug":"back-to-school-move","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/back-to-school-move\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Make a Back-to-School Move Easier for Kids"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A back-to-school <\/span>move<\/span><\/a> can be an exciting new chapter, but for children, it can also bring uncertainty, stress, and big emotions. Leaving behind familiar friends, teachers, and routines while preparing to start at a new school can feel overwhelming, especially when everything changes at once. With the right preparation and support, parents can help their children feel more comfortable, confident, and ready for what comes next.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this Redfin guide, we\u2019ll explore expert tips for helping kids navigate a move during the school year, from preparing them for the transition to creating a sense of familiarity in a new home. Whether you\u2019re relocating from the suburbs of <\/span>Atlanta, GA<\/span><\/a>, to the neighborhoods of <\/span>Chicago, IL<\/span><\/a>, or making a move anywhere in between, these strategies can help make the transition smoother for children.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article:
<\/strong>Why back-to-school moves can be especially difficult for children
<\/a>Talk openly about the move and involve kids early
<\/a>Give children an active role in the moving process
<\/a>Keep comfort items and familiar routines within reach
<\/a>Work with your movers to make the transition smoother
<\/a>Help kids feel excited about what’s ahead
<\/a>How to make a back-to-school move easier for kids<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why back-to-school moves can be especially difficult for children<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A move can be a major adjustment for everyone, but children often experience the transition differently than adults. While parents may be focused on <\/span>packing<\/span><\/a>, logistics, and getting settled, kids are often trying to understand what their new life will look like and how much will change. When a move happens right before the school year begins, those feelings can become even more overwhelming.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe biggest challenge children face during a move is the unknown. Kids are often expected to just accept a move, but they don’t always understand why it’s happening or what life will look like afterwards,\u201d says Matthew Contrady, business development manager at <\/span>Anchor Moving & Storage<\/span><\/a>, an agent of Atlas Van Lines<\/a>, and author of <\/span>Moving Magic: Moving with Children<\/span><\/i>. \u201cWhen moving right before school starts, an additional layer of uncertainty is added, with concern about leaving friends, teachers, and everything that is familiar to them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the biggest challenges children may face during a back-to-school move include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n