Moving day is busy, noisy and full of open doors. For young children and pets that can be unsettling, and occasionally unsafe. A little planning makes a big difference.

Before the move: preparing children

  • Tell children about the move early, and be honest about what will change.
  • Show them photos of the new house and their new bedroom, and visit the area if you can.
  • Let older children pack a box of their own things and decorate it.
  • Keep routines such as bedtimes and mealtimes as normal as possible in the weeks before.

Moving day with children

If you can, arrange for children to spend moving day with family or friends. If they're staying with you, set up a quiet room away from the action with snacks, favourite toys and a tablet, and make sure everyone knows not to load that room until last.

Give older children age-appropriate jobs: checking rooms are empty, or being in charge of the essentials box. Pack a separate bag with comforters, pyjamas and a favourite toy, so their first night feels familiar.

Moving day with pets

  • Dogs: ideally stay with a friend or at kennels on the day. If not, keep them in a closed room with water, bedding and a sign on the door.
  • Cats: shut them in a quiet room the night before with litter, food and water, so they can't disappear when doors are propped open.
  • Small pets and fish: move them yourself in the car rather than on the removal van, and keep tanks and cages out of direct sun.

Update microchip details

Update your pet's microchip database with your new address and phone number before you move. It's a legal requirement for dogs, and for cats in England. Put a tag with your mobile number on their collar for the first few weeks.

Settling into the new home

  • Set up children's bedrooms first, so they have a familiar space that evening.
  • Keep cats indoors for at least two weeks so they learn the new house is home.
  • Walk dogs around the new neighbourhood on a lead to help them get their bearings.
  • Check gardens for gaps in fences before letting pets out.

Planning the rest of the move? Our moving house checklist counts you down week by week.