How to Prepare Your Children and Pets for a Move

Moving is a big transition for anyone, but it can be especially emotional for children and pets. Unlike adults, kids and animals often have little control over the process and may not fully understand what’s happening. Whether you’re making the move to Kitchener-Waterloo, or relocating within Waterloo Region, the process can feel overwhelming for the youngest (and furriest) members of your household.

The good news? With a little planning and a lot of empathy, you can help your kids and pets feel secure, involved, and even excited about the big move.

Here’s how to support your little ones through a move with minimal stress and maximum care.

1. Start the Conversation Early

For Children:

Children thrive on routine and familiarity, so a big change like moving can feel overwhelming. Start talking about the move as soon as it’s confirmed. Tailor your language to their age and maturity level, but be honest and reassuring.

Toddlers and preschoolers may not fully understand what moving means. Use picture books or simple stories to explain.
School-aged children might worry about leaving friends, changing schools, or adapting to a new home. Involve them in planning and give them time to say goodbye.
Teenagers may be more resistant, especially if they’re leaving behind a social network or romantic relationship. Acknowledge their feelings and try to give them some control over aspects of the move.

Highlight things they can look forward to. For example:

A bigger backyard
A room of their own
Proximity to local favourites like Waterloo Park, Bingemans, or THEMUSEUM

Reassure them that even though some things will change, your love and family routines will stay the same. Encourage questions and validate any worries.

2. Make Them Part of the Process

For Children:

Involvement helps kids feel empowered rather than uprooted. Depending on their age, let them:

Help house-hunt or look at photos of the new place.
Decorate or plan their new room.
Pack a special “moving day” bag with favorite toys, books, and comfort items.
Choose a goodbye activity with friends or classmates—like a pizza party or keepsake craft.

Even small responsibilities, like labeling boxes or organizing their toys, can help kids feel invested in the transition.

3. Keep Routines as Normal as Possible

Children and pets both benefit from consistency. In the weeks leading up to your move, try to maintain regular mealtimes, bedtime routines, and family rituals like Friday night movie nights or weekend pancake breakfasts.

Sudden changes can cause emotional upset, so if your child is switching schools or daycares, consider timing the move during a natural transition period like the start of a new school year or term break.

4. Prepare Your Pets Gradually

Kitchener-Waterloo is full of pet lovers, so chances are your fur baby is just as much a part of the family as your kids. But pets don’t always handle change well, so here are a few ways to ease their transition:

Before the Move:

Visit the vet for a wellness check and ensure all vaccinations, medications, and records are up-to-date. Ask about travel advice if you’re moving far.
Update ID tags and microchip info with your new address and phone number.
Acclimate your pet to their carrier well in advance by making it a cozy, safe space. Leave treats or toys inside to build positive associations.
Keep their routine steady with the same feeding times, walks and bedtime snuggles.

5. Manage Moving Day Thoughtfully

For Children:

Keep kids engaged and out of the way of movers. If possible, arrange for a family member or friend to spend time with your kids on the big day. This allows them to have fun, and you can focus on the logistics fo your move.

You can also give the kids their own moving day “mission” to focus on. For example:

Taking care of their own “essentials” bag
Saying goodbye to each room in the house
Taking fun photos at the old and new houses’ front doors

For Pets:

Moving day can be stressful and chaotic, so consider:

Booking a spot at a local pet daycare like K9 Central or The Dog Haus.
Keeping your cat or dog in a quiet room with food, water, toys, and a familiar blanket.
Using calming aids like pheromone sprays, vet-recommended supplements, or a white noise machine.

6. Settle Into the New Home Gently

For Children:

Unpack your child’s bedroom first so they have a familiar space to retreat to. Create continuity by setting up their room with familiar bedding, toys, and décor. If they’re starting a new school, visit in advance to tour the building and meet teachers.

You can also help them stay in touch with old friends by scheduling playdates or video chats, especially if the move meant changing schools or neighbourhoods.

For Pets:

Let pets adjust gradually. Start by confining them to one room and then slowly expand access as they get more comfortable.

Stick to familiar routines: same feeding times, same food and treats.
Take dogs on regular walks around the neighbourhood to establish a sense of territory.
Avoid leaving them alone for long stretches in the first few days—they need time to feel safe and secure.

7. Explore Your New Neighbourhood Together

For Children:

Get them excited about their new surroundings by exploring together. You might check out:

McLennan Park’s splash pad and toboggan hills
Waterloo Public Library or Kitchener Public Library for storytimes and maker spaces
A new playground or community centre (like RIM Park or Forest Heights)

Plan fun outings to explore the new neighbourhood: find parks, trails, playgrounds, or local attractions. Creating new rituals can help kids feel more at home such as Saturday morning visits to the St. Jacob’s Market or walking a new route to school.

For Pets:

Go for short walks around the block to let them get used to new scents and sounds.
Check out local dog parks like Bechtel Park or Kiwanis Park.

8. Watch for Signs of Stress

Big changes can affect kids and pets in surprising ways.

In Children:

You might notice changes in sleep, appetite, behaviour, or mood. Younger children may regress temporarily and need more comfort at bedtime or have accidents after being toilet trained.

Patience and reassurance are key. Maintain open communication.

In Pets:

Watch for signs of stress like hiding, vocalizing, aggression, or house soiling. Give them time and try not to punish behaviour changes. They’re just trying to process the shift.

9. Celebrate the New Chapter Together

Make moving an adventure by celebrating milestones along the way.

Host a family pizza night when the last box is unpacked.
Take first-day-of-school photos in front of the new house.
Create a scrapbook or memory box of the move.
Host a BBQ and get to know your new neighbours
Start a family ritual like walking to a nearby local ice cream shop, or a family bike ride on a trail.

Framing the experience as a shared journey helps both children and pets feel like they’re part of something meaningful and not just being dragged along. These moments help create a sense of belonging and give everyone a fresh start to look forward to.

Moving can be an emotional rollercoaster, but with the right strategies, it can also be an opportunity to bond and grow as a family. By preparing your children and pets with care, you’re not just moving your belongings, you’re moving your life, your memories, and your sense of home.

And with a little planning, patience, and love, everyone in your household can make the transition with confidence and comfort.

Need help finding the perfect family- and pet-friendly neighbourhood in Kitchener-Waterloo? We’d love to help you discover the right place to put down roots. Whether it’s close to schools, parks, trails, or your new favourite coffee shop, reach out anytime for real estate advice tailored to your family’s needs!