When parents relocate without considering their child’s developmental stage, kids may struggle with anxiety, academic setbacks, and difficulty forming meaningful connections in their new environment. Explore the best age to move children for smoother transitions and healthy communication.
A Guide on the Best Age to Move Children
Moving to a new place can be a unique experience for children at different ages. Toddlers (1-3 years old) often adapt easily to new environments, while preschoolers (4-5) can embrace the adventure of making new friends. Elementary-aged children (6-11) can adjust well with proper preparation, whereas early teens (12-14) may experience routine disruptions. Teenagers (15-19) might face more significant emotional and academic hurdles.
Parents don’t want to disrupt their child’s development, progress in education, or ability to make friends. While a move may have its challenges, children can benefit from moving by learning how to adapt to new situations. Take a moment to consider the advantages and drawbacks of moving at different ages.
1. Moving With Toddlers (1 to 3 Years Old)
Moving with children aged 1 to 3 years old is often considered ideal because they are in their early stages of development and lack the established social circles of older children. Their developing language skills mean they might not fully grasp the concept of moving, which can alleviate some anxiety.
However, if their routines are disrupted without care, they might show increased fussiness or difficulty sleeping. Expect that they might need extra comfort as they adjust to new things.
One of the things to remember when moving with small children is that getting everything done on moving day might not be as easy. Keep a positive attitude because small children feed off of your energy.
- Pros: Have a limited sense of permanent attachment to a specific house.
- Cons: May need more effort in looking for relevant services, like daycare and a pediatrician.
2. Moving With Preschoolers (4 to 5 Years Old)
Neighbors, relatives, and friends may be a part of a young child’s world, although the immediate family is the core. Moving during this age may be one of the easiest because very young children are less adverse to relocating, as long as they’re with their families.
Preschoolers between 4 and 5 years old can easily make new friends. Many families also like to move prior to kindergarten in the hopes that their kids will go to school with the same group of peers and have consistency throughout their education.
Don’t overlook the difficult reality that a move means an unfamiliar environment for a small child. This can be unsettling to some young children.
- Pros: Readily embrace new environments, finding fun in play and a new adventure.
- Cons: Disruptive to their budding social sense and established play routines.
3. Moving With Elementary-Aged Kids (6 to 11 Years Old)
The benefits of moving with slightly older children are that you can better explain the process to them, reason with them, and receive more precise feedback to help them adjust. Elementary-aged children look up to their parents, so it will be easier to set a positive tone for young ones to emulate.
Children at this age are also old enough to help out during the move, particularly with packing up their own room. Once a kid has started school, they’ve made friends and may genuinely enjoy being in their particular class.
The idea of starting over in a new school can be overwhelming. No move is without hardships, although elementary kids aged 6-11 years old are fairly manageable.
- Cons: Established friendships and academic routines are a concern if you move during the school year.
- Pros: Adapt better than younger ones, especially if moved before or after the school year.
4. Moving With Kids in Their Early Teens (12 to 14 Years Old)
Whether you move or don’t move, the pre-teen and early teen years are a time of discovery, identity, self-involvement, and difficulty. Peer groups at this age are not known for being the most accepting.
Uncertainty isn’t something a middle schooler wants more of if they can help it. Approach a move during this age with a little extra grace and patience.
These years are a somewhat awkward phase we have to muddle through somehow. Despite that, some youngsters aged 12 to 14 may be happy to have the opportunity to start fresh, especially if the new school or city offers more extracurricular activities for their interests.
- Pros: Forms new friendships and explores other interests in a new place.
- Cons: Losing existing friends and familiar social structures is tough.
5. Moving With Teenagers (15 to 19 Years Old)
The experience of moving with teenagers varies wildly depending on the individual teen. Teenagers can be very attached to the home they grew up in – and their peers are pivotal in terms of identity and support.
It may have taken years to build their social circles, and the thought of starting at square one is devastating news. Some teenagers may welcome the opportunity for a new adventure, while others will mourn leaving a tight-knit friend group, girlfriend, or boyfriend.
During this age, the hobbies and extracurricular activities of teenagers aged 15-19 years old are of profound importance. Before moving, explain how they can transition and continue with their school activities.
- Pros: Gain independence and new perspectives from a long-distance move.
- Cons: Leaving behind established lives can make them feel isolated.
Tips for Preparing Children and Teenagers for a Relocation
About 39% of U.S. households have children under 18. Families move for a variety of reasons, and sometimes they don’t control the circumstances or timing of their move. A new job opportunity or a family member that needs help may dictate the where and when of your move.
However, 41% of people move for housing-related reasons. This means many families know a move is on the horizon and consider when moving to a certain area would be best for everyone.
Children’s ages factor greatly into the moving equation. Regardless of your reason for relocating, prepare for the big move and help your young ones adjust to the change.
- Openly talk with your teen about the move and give them the opportunity to express their concerns.
- For younger children, prepare them through play and stories about their new home, discussing what they can expect.
- For older children, talk about the new opportunities and maintaining support systems.
- Consider the timing of the move carefully, managing moving day logistics and travel to ease stress.
Related Questions
What Age Is Hardest for Kids to Move to a New Home?
The hardest age for kids to move generally depends on their individual temperament and support system, although the age bracket often falls between 12 and 18 years old. During these formative teenage years, most kids have established social circles, extracurricular activities, and academic routines, making relocation particularly disruptive.
What Is a Good Age for Kids to Move Out?
While the ideal age for kids to move out varies significantly by individual and circumstance, ages between 18 and 22 years old are widely considered. At this age, many young adults have completed high school, are pursuing higher education, or entering the workforce. What’s important is that they are equipped with the life skills necessary for independent living.
What Is the Best Grade to Move a Child?
The best grade to move a child often depends on the individual child and your family’s situation. Moving between elementary and middle school or middle and high school can be ideal yet challenging due to social and academic shifts. It’s best to talk with your child and consider their specific needs and personality when planning a move.
Conclusion
No matter what age or stage your family members are at, we can help you prepare for a happy move! Square Cow Movers takes every person’s well-being into account from the head of the household to the youngest tyke. Our professional residential movers are here to handle the logistics so you can focus on supporting your children through this life-changing transition.