Smooth Sailing: How to Plan an Interstate Move with Children
Moving interstate with children comes with unique challenges. Use this step-by-step guide to keep your family organised, supported, and emotionally settled throughout the transition.
1. Start Early and Create a Plan
- Begin planning 6–8 weeks before the move.
- Create a checklist with milestones, such as booking movers, notifying utilities, setting packing timelines, and arranging for school and medical matters.
2. Involve Your Children
- Explain the move in simple terms and encourage them to share their feelings.
- Use visual aids such as photos, videos, or a walkthrough of your new home.
- Let children help with small decisions, such as choosing decor or packing their favourite items.
3. Maintain Routine
- Keep mealtimes, bedtimes, and extracurricular activities as consistent as possible.
- Preserve familiar items—such as bedding, stuffed toys, and family rituals—for comfort.
4. Plan for the Journey
- Pack a “moving-day survival kit” for each child: snacks, drinks, toys, electronics and comfort items.
- Make stops along the route for play, breaks, and exploration to break up the trip.
5. Prepare for Emotional Adjustment
- Give children space to express anxiety, sadness or frustration.
- Acknowledge their feelings, reassure them that it’s okay to miss the old home.
- Read or share stories tailored to moving and starting fresh.
6. Notify and Transfer Key Services
- Inform current and future schools, request record transfers, and enrol children in their new school.
- Obtain copies of medical and dental records, and register with new healthcare providers.
- Cancel or transfer extracurricular memberships.
7. Support Social Connections
- Help kids stay in touch with friends via phone, email or video.
- Arrange visits if feasible, or plan regular catch-ups.
- Encourage involvement in local clubs, sports teams or community events.
8. Set Up Their New Space
- Include children in unpacking and room layout decisions.
- Recreate familiar environments—such as bedding, decor, and toys—to promote a sense of belonging.
9. Organise Moving Day Logistics
- Assign roles: supervise movers, entertain children, and manage valuables.
- Arrange childcare or designate supervision so kids aren’t underfoot during loading/unloading.
- Keep essential documents, medications and valuables with you at all times.
10. Prioritise Self-Care
- Parents need rest and stress relief too—schedule breaks, healthy meals and downtime.
- Strong and calm parents help children adjust more easily.
11. Explore and Integrate
- Soon after arriving, plan a fun family outing, such as visiting a park, museum, or local café.
- Introduce children to their new neighbourhood and help them meet peers.
12. Be Patient and Flexible
- Allow time for adjustment; consistency fosters a sense of comfort.
- Expect some setbacks—be ready with a backup plan and plenty of reassurance.
Need Help with Your Move?
If you’re planning an interstate move with your family, Optimove is here to help. Our experienced team understands the extra care involved in moving with children and can make the entire process smoother from start to finish. Contact us today to receive a free quote or to discuss how we can assist with your move with our friendly team.
