By Lifestyle Properties
Let’s be honest, moving is chaotic even without little ones in tow. Add kids into the mix, and suddenly you're packing boxes with one hand and diffusing a meltdown over a missing stuffed animal with the other. But here’s the good news: it can be easier. If you're moving with kids in Portland, ME, you’ve already won half the battle. Why? Because you're headed somewhere amazing. From ferry rides on Casco Bay to after-school stops at Holy Donut, Portland has a way of making families feel right at home—and we’re here to help you get there, tantrum-free.
Key Takeaways
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Let your kids pack their own "first night" bag with pajamas, books, and that one toy they never sleep without
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Keep bedtime routines steady, even if it means reading Goodnight Moon on a mattress in an empty room
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Turn a weekend house-hunting trip into a “Portland preview” with donuts, playground stops, and ocean views
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Give goodbye hugs to your old home, and hello hugs to your new one
1. Start the Conversation Early (And Keep It Honest)
Kids have a sixth sense for big changes, so don’t wait until the moving truck pulls up to break the news.
Why This Helps: It Eases Anxiety and Builds Trust
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Tell them what’s happening in plain language—skip the sugarcoating, keep the kindness
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Look at pictures of the new home together and let them imagine where their toys will go
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Point out the fun stuff nearby: “There’s a park three blocks away, and yes, we can still get pizza on Friday nights”
2. Let Them Help (Even If It’s Messy)
Giving kids a job makes them feel like part of the process, not a bystander to it.
Why This Helps: It Gives Them a Sense of Control
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Set out crayons and let them decorate their moving boxes (dinosaurs and glitter are totally allowed)
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Have them pack a backpack with snacks, toys, and their go-to cozy hoodie for moving day
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Put them in charge of something real—like choosing music for the car ride or “supervising” the family pet
It won’t be fast. It won’t be tidy. But it will be theirs.
3. Keep Routines Steady
Amid the chaos of moving, your usual bedtime stories and pancake Sundays are more important than ever.
Why This Helps: Familiarity Lowers Stress
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Keep the same bedtime, even if the mattress is still on the floor
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Make a moving-day breakfast that feels normal (or pick up your go-to bagels from Scratch Baking Co.)
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Bring your kid’s nightlight or sound machine along for the first night in the new house
Consistency is the comfort food of childhood. Serve it up as often as you can.
4. Explore Your New Neighborhood Together
Turn “we’re moving” into “we’re going on an adventure.”
Why This Helps: It Builds Excitement and Familiarity
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Walk to a local playground or grab fries and milkshakes from Duckfat on your first visit
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Let your kids pick a new library book or postcard from a local shop as a keepsake
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Make a mini scavenger hunt: “Find a blue house, a lobster sign, and someone walking a dog”
When kids can picture themselves in the new place, it stops feeling so scary.
5. Pack Strategically (Translation: Pack with Kids in Mind)
You don’t have to KonMari your entire life—but you do need to think ahead.
Why This Helps: It Makes the First Few Days Way Easier
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Label one box as “open first” and fill it with must-haves: snacks, pajamas, paper towels, and scissors
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Put their bedding and comfort items at the top of the pile so bedtime doesn’t turn into a hunt
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Pack a separate tote with activities for downtime—think sticker books, puzzles, or a surprise new toy
First-night survival = snacks, stuffies, and storybooks. Everything else can wait.
6. Make It Fun (Seriously!)
We know, we know—“fun” is not the first word that comes to mind when you’re buried in bubble wrap. But a little silliness goes a long way.
Why This Helps: It Shifts the Mood from Stress to Play
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Let them say goodbye to rooms with a silly ritual (like twirling or blowing kisses to the ceiling)
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Have a pizza picnic on the floor the night before the move, no plates required
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Challenge them to pack 10 toys in under 10 minutes while music blasts—winner gets the front seat on moving day
If all else fails, remember: every meltdown is temporary. Memories last way longer.
FAQs
How far in advance should I tell my kids we’re moving?
Ideally, tell them once plans are firm—weeks or even months ahead. Kids need time to ask questions and feel heard.
What if my child is struggling with the idea of leaving?
Acknowledge that it’s hard. Then show them what there is to look forward to, like the promise of a new room or walks on the Eastern Prom.
Should I change schools mid-year or wait until summer?
If you can wait, great. If not, plan a visit ahead of time to meet the teacher and see the classroom before the first day.
Reach Out to Lifestyle Properties Today
At Lifestyle Properties, we’ve helped countless families transition smoothly into their new homes here in Portland. We get that moving with kids isn’t just about logistics—it’s about emotions, memories, and the comfort of knowing you’re making the right move.
Whether you're still deciding on neighborhoods or you’ve already packed the crayons, we’re here to make your family’s next chapter something truly special. Reach out to us at Lifestyle Properties, and let’s make this move the easiest one yet.
Whether you're still deciding on neighborhoods or you’ve already packed the crayons, we’re here to make your family’s next chapter something truly special. Reach out to us at Lifestyle Properties, and let’s make this move the easiest one yet.
