Moving to a new home is a major change for the entire household. For families with children or pets, moving day often requires additional preparation so everyone remains comfortable, safe, and organized.
Planning ahead can make the transition easier for both children and animals.
Prepare Children Before the Move
Children often respond better to a move when they understand what is happening and have time to become familiar with the new environment.
If possible, talk about the move in advance, show them the new neighborhood, and explain what moving day will look like.
Visit the New Neighborhood
If the new home is nearby, visiting the area before moving day can help children become familiar with local parks, streets, schools, shops, and other surroundings.
Pack a First-Day Essentials Kit
Keep important items separate so they are easy to find after arrival.
A family essentials bag might include:
- Favorite toys
- Snacks
- Clothing
- Pajamas
- Medications
- Toiletries
- Chargers
- Important documents
For more preparation tips, see our NYC moving day guide.
Let Children Participate
Age-appropriate involvement can make the move feel less unfamiliar. Children can label or decorate boxes, pack toys, or help choose which belongings they want to keep accessible.
Moving With Pets
Dogs and cats may find moving day stressful because of noise, unfamiliar people, open doors, and changes in routine.
Keeping pets away from the busiest part of the move can help reduce stress and prevent them from getting underfoot or escaping through open doors.
Create a Safe Space for Pets
Before movers arrive, consider keeping pets in a quiet closed room, with a family member, or with a pet sitter until the heaviest moving activity is complete.
Keep Identification Updated
Make sure your pet's collar tags and microchip information reflect your current contact information and new address when appropriate.
Maintain Familiar Routines
Try to keep feeding, walking, medication, and sleeping routines as consistent as possible before and after the move.
Keep Walkways Clear
Children and pets should be kept away from active loading areas, dollies, ramps, stacked boxes, and open doors during the move.
Keeping pathways clear helps reduce unnecessary hazards and allows the moving crew to work efficiently.
Use Professional Packing if You Need More Time
Families with limited preparation time can reduce the amount of packing work by using our full packing services.
Residential and Local Moving
For apartment, condo, and household moves, see our residential moving services and local moving services.
Need More Time to Prepare?
If you have not yet chosen a moving date, read our guide on how far in advance to book movers in NYC.
You can also use our NYC moving checklist to organize the weeks before moving day.
Moving With Family Across NYC
Lovely Moving & Storage provides residential moving services for families relocating in Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, and nearby areas.
Planning a Family Move?
Provide accurate information about your home, destination, furniture, building access, moving date, and packing needs so your relocation can be planned properly.