Relocating is a major transition, but when kids are involved, it’s not just about boxes and logistics. It’s about emotions, routines, and helping your children feel secure through a big change. Whether you’re relocating within Park City or arriving from out of town, moving with kids takes a bit of extra planning and a lot of empathy.
Here are seven practical, family-focused tips to help your next move feel a little less overwhelming and a lot more manageable.
1. Start the Conversation Early and Honestly
Kids can handle change better when they know what to expect. The earlier you can start the conversation, the better. Keep it age-appropriate, but be clear about why the move is happening and what will change and what won’t.
If you’re staying local in Park City, emphasize the familiar: maybe they’ll still see the same friends at the library, or keep skiing at the same resort. If you're moving into the area, focus on the exciting parts: new hiking trails, a bigger backyard, or being closer to school.
It’s not about making the move feel perfect. It’s about making your kids feel included.
If you’re staying local in Park City, emphasize the familiar: maybe they’ll still see the same friends at the library, or keep skiing at the same resort. If you're moving into the area, focus on the exciting parts: new hiking trails, a bigger backyard, or being closer to school.
It’s not about making the move feel perfect. It’s about making your kids feel included.
2. Explore the New Area Together
Helping your kids get excited about the move starts with helping them picture what life will look like there. If you can, spend some time exploring your new neighborhood together before the big day. Walk around the local park, grab a hot chocolate from a nearby café, or point out things like playgrounds or ice cream shops.
Park City is full of family-friendly spots, from the open trails in Trailside Park to the cozy community vibe in Prospector. Let your child help choose something to do near the new home; even just picking out a local pizza place for your first night can give them something fun to look forward to.
No chance to visit in person? Take a virtual tour using photos, maps, or videos online.
Park City is full of family-friendly spots, from the open trails in Trailside Park to the cozy community vibe in Prospector. Let your child help choose something to do near the new home; even just picking out a local pizza place for your first night can give them something fun to look forward to.
No chance to visit in person? Take a virtual tour using photos, maps, or videos online.
3. Let Kids Take Charge of Their Own Space
Packing can feel overwhelming for everyone, but giving your child a sense of control goes a long way. Start by having them pack a few special items on their own: favorite books, stuffed animals, or toys. Give them a box to decorate, and make it the first thing they open in the new home.
Additionally, let them help plan how their new room will be set up, even if it’s just deciding where their bed goes or picking out a new poster. It doesn’t have to be a full redesign; it’s about giving them something to own in the process.
Additionally, let them help plan how their new room will be set up, even if it’s just deciding where their bed goes or picking out a new poster. It doesn’t have to be a full redesign; it’s about giving them something to own in the process.
4. Stick to Routines as Much as Possible
Moving with kids can throw off even the most structured households, but keeping a few routines intact will help provide stability during the transition.
Try to maintain regular meal and bedtimes, especially in the weeks leading up to the move and right after you arrive. If bedtime stories are a nightly tradition, keep that going, even if it’s on an air mattress surrounded by moving boxes.
The familiarity of small routines can help make an unfamiliar space feel more like home.
Try to maintain regular meal and bedtimes, especially in the weeks leading up to the move and right after you arrive. If bedtime stories are a nightly tradition, keep that going, even if it’s on an air mattress surrounded by moving boxes.
The familiarity of small routines can help make an unfamiliar space feel more like home.
5. Say Goodbye in a Thoughtful Way
Don’t skip the emotional side of moving. Even younger children can feel a sense of loss when they say goodbye to a house, school, or neighborhood.
Take time to walk through your current home together, talk about favorite memories, and say goodbye to each room. You might even take photos of the home or make a simple memory book. Encourage your child to write notes or draw pictures for friends or teachers, and plan a fun farewell activity, like a final visit to their favorite park or a goodbye ice cream trip.
Acknowledging the goodbye helps your child feel more ready for what’s next.
Take time to walk through your current home together, talk about favorite memories, and say goodbye to each room. You might even take photos of the home or make a simple memory book. Encourage your child to write notes or draw pictures for friends or teachers, and plan a fun farewell activity, like a final visit to their favorite park or a goodbye ice cream trip.
Acknowledging the goodbye helps your child feel more ready for what’s next.
6. Create a Moving Day Game Plan
The day of the move can be chaotic. Planning ahead can help keep stress levels down for everyone, especially kids.
If they’re old enough, give them a small job to do, like helping pack a cooler of snacks or checking off items from a list. If possible, arrange for a friend or family member to hang out with your kids for part of the day so they have a break from the hustle. A familiar face and a little breathing room can make a huge difference.
Also, pack an “essentials bag” for each child. Include favorite toys, pajamas, snacks, and anything that will help make the first night in the new house feel comforting.
If they’re old enough, give them a small job to do, like helping pack a cooler of snacks or checking off items from a list. If possible, arrange for a friend or family member to hang out with your kids for part of the day so they have a break from the hustle. A familiar face and a little breathing room can make a huge difference.
Also, pack an “essentials bag” for each child. Include favorite toys, pajamas, snacks, and anything that will help make the first night in the new house feel comforting.
7. Get Involved in the New Community
Once the boxes are unpacked, the real adjustment begins. Help your kids get comfortable in their new environment by jumping into community life. Attend local events, sign up for activities, or just take regular walks around the neighborhood to meet new faces.
Park City has no shortage of ways to get involved, from community rec programs to outdoor adventures that welcome kids of all ages. Whether it’s enrolling in ski school or exploring a new bike trail, helping your child make local connections will ease the transition and help the new house start to feel like home.
Park City has no shortage of ways to get involved, from community rec programs to outdoor adventures that welcome kids of all ages. Whether it’s enrolling in ski school or exploring a new bike trail, helping your child make local connections will ease the transition and help the new house start to feel like home.
Moving with Kids? You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Moving with kids isn’t always easy, but it can be easier with the right support. From finding a home in the right school district to recommending trusted movers or local hangouts, the team at Jensen and Company understands what Park City families need for a smooth transition.
If you’re planning a move and want expert guidance every step of the way, reach out today. With local insight, family-friendly know-how, and a streamlined approach, they’ll help you find more than just a house. They’ll help you find the right place to call home.
If you’re planning a move and want expert guidance every step of the way, reach out today. With local insight, family-friendly know-how, and a streamlined approach, they’ll help you find more than just a house. They’ll help you find the right place to call home.
