Moving House with Kids: A Practical Checklist for Melbourne Families

Tell children what is changing—and what is staying the same

Children can respond differently depending on age, temperament and the reason for moving. Give clear information once the plan is reasonably certain, allow questions and avoid promising details you cannot control. Explain the date, the new home, school or childcare arrangements and how they will stay connected to important people.

Raising Children Network provides guidance about choosing, starting and moving schools. Use school-specific advice when a change of school is part of the move.

Organise school, childcare and care arrangements early

• Confirm final and starting dates, records and uniform or equipment requirements.
• Update emergency contacts, approved pickup people and transport arrangements.
• Keep school bags, devices, medication and important documents outside the moving load.
• Tell relevant teachers or carers about the move where appropriate.
• Plan who will supervise children during packing, cleaning and moving day.

Add these organisations to the Australian change-of-address checklist.

Involve children without making them responsible for the move

Give safe, limited choices: which toys go in the first-night box, the colour of room labels or which books travel in the car. Adults should handle sharp tools, heavy cartons, chemicals, dismantling and decisions about valuable or unsafe items.

1. Create a “keep with us” bag. Include a comfort item, snacks, water, spare clothes, toiletries, chargers and required medicine.
2. Photograph the old room. This can help children remember it and can guide familiar furniture placement.
3. Pack in short sessions. Stop before the task becomes exhausting and keep the sleeping area functional until late.
4. Use clear labels. Add the child’s room and a simple content description to each carton.
5. Keep one activity available. Books, drawing materials or headphones can help during waiting periods.

For the full household sequence, follow the Melbourne moving-house checklist.

Moving-day safety and supervision

The safest option for young children is often a trusted carer away from the property. When that is not possible, assign one adult whose primary responsibility is supervision—not carrying furniture, directing the truck and answering every logistics question at the same time.

• Keep children away from truck movements, ramps, trolleys and lifting routes.
• Control access to open front doors, balconies, stairs and driveways.
• Store tools, tape cutters, cleaning products and loose hardware out of reach.
• Do not allow children to climb on boxes or furniture waiting to be secured.
• Keep medicine, allergy plans and emergency contacts immediately available.

Pack a family first-night kit

Carry this kit in the family vehicle so it is available even if unloading takes longer than expected.

Restore routines in the first week

Set up sleeping spaces and basic eating, bathing and school routines before perfecting every room. Let children explore the home with supervision, identify safe boundaries and choose one familiar arrangement or decoration. Expect mixed emotions; excitement and sadness can exist together.

• Keep bedtimes and mealtimes as consistent as practical.
• Visit the route to school, childcare, parks or local shops together.
• Make time for old friendships and familiar family activities.
• Watch for ongoing distress and seek appropriate professional support when concerned.

Make the moving plan easier for the whole family

Share both addresses, access, parking, major furniture, box estimate and any time window with the mover. Professional packing support may reduce late-night work for parents, while a clear moving quote request helps define the schedule.