Moving is stressful for adults. For children, it’s often overwhelming. A new home, new neighborhood, potentially new school—these changes trigger anxiety and uncertainty in kids. With thoughtful planning and practical strategies, you can make your family’s move to Edmonton or Calgary smoother and less traumatic for everyone involved.
Prepare Kids for the Move Early
Children handle change better when they understand it. Explain the move simply and honestly, starting several weeks in advance. Use age-appropriate language. For younger children, talk about the new home positively. For older kids, acknowledge their concerns while emphasizing excitement about the move.
Read age-appropriate books about moving. Stories like “We Are Moving” or “The Berenstain Bears’ New House” normalize the experience for young children. These books open conversations and help kids process their feelings.
Visit your new neighborhood if possible. Walk around the new house or street. Visit local parks, schools, or shops. Familiarity reduces anxiety. Take photos to share with your children before moving day.
Involve Kids in the Packing Process
Don’t make packing something that happens to children—make it something they participate in. Let kids pack their own boxes, decorate them, and take ownership of their possessions.
Create a “first night box” together. Let children choose favorite toys, games, books, and comfort items for the first night in the new home. This gives them control and excitement about the move.
Have kids label boxes with drawings or stickers. This makes packing fun and helps children identify their own belongings when unpacking.
Maintain Routines During the Move
Maintain Routines During the MoveDisrupted routines increase stress for children. Maintain bedtimes, mealtimes, and regular activities as much as possible before, during, and after the move.
Keep familiar comfort items accessible: favorite blankets, stuffed animals, photos. These items provide security during transition.
Pack a “transition bag” for each child containing comfort items, favorite snacks, entertainment, and a change of clothes. This bag travels with your family, not in the moving truck.
Plan for Moving Day
Arrange childcare for moving day if possible. Younger children especially benefit from staying with trusted family or friends while movers work. This eliminates distractions and keeps kids safe from moving hazards.
If children will be present, keep them in a designated safe area away from moving activity. Set up a comfortable space with snacks, entertainment, and supervision.
Communicate the day’s schedule to your children. Let them know what to expect: movers arriving, boxes being loaded, the drive to the new home. This reduces surprises and anxiety.
Handling School Transitions in Edmonton and Calgary
Edmonton School Considerations
Research Edmonton schools before moving. Edmonton Public Schools, Edmonton Catholic Schools, and independent schools serve different areas. Verify your new address falls within your desired school’s boundary.
Contact the new school several weeks before moving. Request enrollment information and arrange a visit if possible. Meeting teachers and seeing classrooms reduces first-day anxiety.
Obtain school records from your previous school. Forward transcripts and health records to your Edmooversnton school promptly.
Calgary School Considerations
Calgary has Calgary Public Schools, Calgary Catholic School District, and charter schools. School boundaries vary, so verify your new address assignment.
Contact the new school early. Calgary schools often welcome visiting families. Introduce your children to teachers and tour classrooms before the first day.
Arrange record transfers from your previous school to ensure enrollment processes smoothly.
Making the New Home Feel Like Home
Involve children in decorating their rooms. Let them choose wall colors, posters, and furniture arrangements (within your budget). Personal touches make the space feel theirs.
Set up children’s rooms first. Having their comfortable, familiar space established helps them settle faster.
Explore the new neighborhood together as a family. Visit parks, schools, libraries, and local shops. Familiarity builds comfort and reduces the “new place” feeling.
Helping Kids Make New Friends
Research activities and sports in your Edmonton or Calgary neighborhood. Enroll children in classes, sports, or clubs matching their interests. These activities build friendships and community.
Attend neighborhood events and community gatherings. Many Edmonton and Calgary neighborhoods host block parties, farmers markets, and family activities. These events create friendship opportunities naturally.
Maintain old friendships. Plan video calls with friends from your previous location. Technology helps children feel connected despite distance.
Addressing Common Moving Worries
“I don’t want to leave my friends”
Validate this feeling. It’s real and important. Help your child understand friendships can continue through technology and visits. Discuss keeping in touch through video calls, texts, and social media. Plan occasional visits to your old neighborhood.
“What if I don’t like my new school?”
Focus on positive aspects. Discuss new opportunities—new friends, activities, teachers. Acknowledge it takes time to adjust. Set a “settling in” timeline (usually 4-6 weeks). Then reassess feelings.
“Will I like the new house?”
Let children explore the new house thoroughly. Discuss which room is theirs, where their favorite things go, how they’ll personalize their space. Involve them in making the house feel like home.
“What if I get lost in the neighborhood?”
Familiarize children with the neighborhood boundaries, nearby landmarks, and safe routes to school/parks. Practice walking familiar routes together. Older kids benefit from safety guidelines about getting lost.
Timeline for Moving with Kids
8 Weeks Before the Move
- Tell children about the move
- Read age-appropriate books about moving
- Research Edmonton or Calgary schools
- Visit the new neighborhood
6 Weeks Before
- Contact new school, arrange visit
- Involve children in packing decisions
- Discuss what to expect
- Start talking about friends and staying in touch
4 Weeks Before
- Begin packing non-essential items
- Involve kids in packing their belongings
- Research activities and clubs in new area
- Maintain normal routines
2 Weeks Before
- Visit new school if possible
- Pack “first night box” together
- Create transition bag
- Discuss moving day plans
1 Week Before
- Finalize school arrangements
- Pack most items
- Plan childcare for moving day if needed
- Create excitement about the move
Moving Day
- Execute childcare if arranged
- Keep kids safe away from moving activity
- Maintain normal mealtimes and routines
- Stay patient and calm
First Week in New Home
- Prioritize setting up children’s rooms
- Maintain bedtime routines
- Explore neighborhood together
- Allow adjustment time
First Month
- Begin school and activities
- Build new friendships
- Establish new routines
- Address concerns as they arise
Pro Tips for Moving with Kids
Pack a “New Home Survival Kit”
Include toilet paper, paper towels, hand soap, snacks, phone chargers, basic medications, first aid supplies, and comfort items. You’ll need these immediately upon arrival.
Take Photos Before You Leave
Have children take photos of their old room, house, and neighborhood. These memories help with closure and provide conversation starters about the move.
Create a “Welcome to Our New Home” Experience
Have pizza for dinner the first night. Unpack the “first night box” together. Watch a favorite movie. Make the first night special and fun.
Document the Move
Let kids take photos during the move. Create a photo album documenting the process. This gives them a sense of control and creates lasting memories.
Be Patient with Emotions
Some children regress during moves—reverting to younger behaviors, increased clinginess, or mood changes. This is normal. Be patient, provide extra reassurance, and maintain routines.
Celebrate the Move
Once settled, celebrate your new home with a family dinner, neighborhood exploration, or special outing. Positive associations with the move help kids embrace their new home.
Moving with Different Age Groups
Toddlers (1-3 Years)
Toddlers handle moves better when routines remain consistent. Maintain sleep schedules, mealtimes, and nap times. Familiar comfort items and toys provide security. Moving is less emotionally complex for toddlers.
Preschoolers (3-5 Years)
Preschoolers need simple, honest explanations. Use concrete language. “We’re moving to a new house” is better than abstract concepts. Involve them in age-appropriate ways. Maintain routines.
Elementary School Children (6-11 Years)
This age group benefits from more detailed information. They understand cause-and-effect and anticipate changes. Involve them in planning, packing, and decorating. Address specific concerns about school and friends.
Teenagers (12+ Years)
Teens often resist moves, especially away from established social circles. Acknowledge their concerns. Involve them in decisions about their new space. Discuss schools, activities, and community. Focus on opportunities (new activities, new experiences, independence).
School District Information
Edmonton Public Schools
Edmonton has multiple school boundaries. Use the Edmonton Public Schools website to verify which school serves your new address. Schools are organized geographically with designated catchment areas.
Edmonton Catholic Schools
Catholic schools serve Edmonton but have different catchment areas. Verify your address’s assigned school on the Edmonton Catholic website.
Calgary Public Schools
Calgary Public Schools assigns schools based on residential address. Use their boundary tool to confirm your new school assignment.
Calgary Catholic School District
Calgary Catholic schools serve the Calgary area with specific catchment boundaries. Check their website to identify your assigned school.
Calgary and Edmonton Parks and Recreation
Both Edmonton and Calgary offer extensive parks, recreation centers, and community programming. Research facilities near your new home. Most neighborhoods have parks within walking distance and community centers offering activities for all ages.
Edmonton Parks: 16,000+ acres across 160 parks Calgary Parks: Over 6,000 acres across 800+ parks
Both cities emphasize family-friendly activities and community engagement.
Making Star Family Movers Part of Your Move
Moving with children requires coordination and expertise. Star Family Movers Edmonton and Calgary specializes in family relocations. We handle logistics so you can focus on helping your children adjust.
Our residential moving services include:
- Careful packing and protection of belongings
- Professional loading and unloading
- Safe transportation
- Flexible scheduling around school calendars
- Clear communication throughout the process
- Respectful handling of your home and family’s needs
We understand that moving with children is more complex than standard relocations. We coordinate timing, manage logistics efficiently, and treat your family’s move with the care it deserves.
Start Planning Your Family Move
Moving with kids is manageable with planning and support. Whether you’re relocating within Edmonton, moving from Edmonton to Calgary, or settling in a new area, preparation reduces stress and builds excitement.
Contact Star Family Movers Edmonton and Calgary for professional moving services that understand family relocations. Let us handle the heavy lifting while you focus on helping your children adjust to their new home.
Our family moving specialists are ready to answer questions, provide detailed planning, and execute your move professionally.
Call Star Family Movers today for a free consultation. Let’s make your family’s move to Edmonton or Calgary smooth and successful.