Moving during the cold winter months creates additional challenges for families. Shorter days, unpredictable weather, and trying to keep kids warm and comfortable can make an already stressful event even more stressful. Still, a winter move can run smoothly if you plan early, maintain your family’s regular routines, and stay organized with a detailed checklist. With the right preparation and planning, you can reduce your kids’ stress during a winter move and help them feel more in control.
Regardless of their ages, it’s of primary importance to keep your kids warm and support them emotionally during the transition. The goal is to have a winter move that is easy and even fun for the whole family.
Prepare your kids emotionally before your move
Children can manage change better when they know what to expect. First, plan a family meeting and have age-appropriate discussions about the move, your new home, and what will happen on moving day. You may find that younger children will need more reassurance, while older kids might have questions about their new school or activities in your new neighborhood.
To help reduce some of your kids’ stress, try to keep regular schedules for routines like mealtimes, naps, and bedtimes whenever possible. Moving causes a lot of disruption to daily life, but if you keep to your normal, predictable structure as much as possible, you can help your kids feel more secure.
Tip: Post a countdown calendar in the kitchen or family room where kids can add stickers or drawings each day as you get closer to move day.
Create a warm and safe environment for kids on moving day
It’s important to prepare for the cold weather by dressing your kids in layered winter clothing. Thermal base layers, warm hats, gloves, and insulated booths will keep your kids warm. Also, make sure you have backup clothes in case any of the layers get wet from snow or slush. It’s not unusual to underestimate how quickly kids can get chilled in cold weather.
Create a designated cozy play area or kids’ zone away from the open doors as movers transfer items to the moving truck. Include blankets, snacks, toys, and books. An insulated thermos with hot chocolate will also keep your kids warm and happy – what kid doesn’t love hot chocolate on a cold day?
Tip: Having hand warmers or extra mittens nearby can help keep little fingers warm.
Pack smart with winter organization strategies
Customize your “first-night box” specifically for cold weather. Include warm PJs, cozy blankets, slippers, and winter comfort foods your kids enjoy along with toiletries, medications, story books, and stuffies.
Make sure you have plenty of essentials as well, such as tissues, wipes, snacks, extra socks, and screen-free entertainment. Babies will need formula, bottles, diapers, and a warm swaddle to help them get settled in.
Tip: Keep kids engaged while the truck is being loaded with moving day games or other kid-friendly indoor activities.
Use fun activities to keep children entertained during a snowy move
Don’t be surprised if your kids get restless while the truck is being loaded or while waiting in the car. Keep things positive with fun, kid-friendly activities. Indoors, a cozy reading nook or story time corner with pillows and blankets is a good way to keep little ones occupied. Simple helper tasks, like choosing which stuffed animals should be packed last, help older kids feel more involved in the moving process.
If the weather cooperates, it can be good for kids to take short outdoor breaks to get some fresh air and let off steam. Safe snow play, a mini snowball fight, or a quick treasure hunt in the yard could be fun distractions during a long day and help burn off some excess energy. Keep outdoor play brief and supervised.
Tip: An indoor treasure hunt with stickers or small toys hidden in one room can be a fun distraction to keep kids occupied while packing.
Plan for winter delays and keep routines intact after arrival
Winter weather can be unpredictable, causing unexpected changes to your schedule. It’s important to keep your kids in the loop. Talk to them about the possibility that there may be delays and let them know that any shifting plans are to keep everyone safe. If you can, schedule your move earlier in the day. Mid-morning is a good time to move in winter with kids because temperatures are warming and the daylight is the strongest.
When you get to your new home, setting up the kids’ bedrooms first will help them feel settled and comfortable quickly. Having familiar items like bedding, stuffed animals, and accessories in a cozy space and their normal bedtime routine will go a long way to help kids adjust even if they have had a long, chaotic day.
Tip: Make sure to unpack a few favorite toys right away so your kids can explore their new place with familiar, comfortable items.
Make your winter move easier
Moving with kids in winter doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Thoughtful preparation and a family-focused winter moving plan go a long way to help you maintain routines, keep your kids safe and warm, and reduce everyone’s stress during the transition. Working with an experienced, professional moving company is the best way to make your cold-weather family relocation simple and successful.