Long Distance Move Prep for Families With Kids and Pets

Moving is always a big deal, and preparing for a long distance move with kids and pets adds extra layers of planning. You’re juggling school calendars, doctors and vets, travel logistics, and the emotions that come with change. National Van Lines has helped families relocate for nearly a century, so we know what works in real homes with real timelines. This guide brings that expertise into practical steps you can start using right away.

In this guide, you will find:

• How to prepare both kids and pets in age- and species-appropriate ways
  
• Ideas that make long distance moving feel positive for kids
  
• Safety and comfort strategies for pets from vet visit to arrival
  
• What to pack in your easy-to-reach travel kits
  
• How to manage school, healthcare, and routine changes with less stress
  
• Tips for helping everyone settle into the new home
  

How Do I Prepare Kids and Pets for a Long Distance Move?

It’s no secret that a move (especially a long distance move) can become stressful or overwhelming. Add kids, pets, or both into the mix and it might seem like an impossible task. Thankfully, the right preparation lowers stress for everyone and makes each next step feel predictable. 

What should I do for my kids?

Kids need honesty and involvement. Call a family meeting early so they know what’s happening and when. Even young kids understand more than we sometimes expect, and having a chance to ask questions reduces anxiety. From there, use a calendar or countdown chart to show milestones like “packing starts” or “last day of school.”

Older kids may enjoy being part of the move itself. Let them pack their own room, choose items to donate, or make lists of what they want to keep nearby on moving day. Little responsibilities give them ownership and lessen feelings of being “dragged along” in the process.

Ways to help kids prepare:

• Give age-appropriate responsibilities (sorting toys, labeling boxes, creating inventories).
  
• Explore the new area online and let them see parks, schools, or local attractions.
  
• Start a “goodbye list” to help them close one chapter and look forward to the next.

What should I do for my pets?

Pets thrive on routine and familiarity. Schedule a vet checkup to update vaccines and request records. If they’re not already microchipped, now is the time. Begin crate or carrier training weeks ahead by making it a positive, safe place.

Pet prep checklist:

1. Practice short car rides to build comfort with travel.
   
2. Research pet-friendly hotels, rest stops, and airline or state regulations.
   
3. Refill prescriptions and stock up on their usual food.
   
4. Keep ID tags and microchip information up to date.
   

How Do I Make Long Distance Moving Feel Positive for My Kids?

Kids often see moving as something happening to them. Turning the process into an adventure helps children feel like active participants instead of bystanders.

For example, you can let them decorate moving boxes, build a fort out of empty moving boxes, or make a travel playlist together. Teens may enjoy creating a mood board for their new room or organizing a packing challenge. Framing tasks as games or creative projects turns chores into memories.

Ideas that spark excitement:

• Timed “clean-up races” to sort items into keep and donate piles.
  
• Choosing one new decoration or bedding for their future room.
  
• Road-trip bingo cards or scavenger hunts for travel days.
  

How Do I Keep My Pets Comfortable and Safe During a Long Distance Move?

Pets don’t understand the concept of adventure the way kids do. Their priority is comfort and safety, so your planning should center on minimizing stress.

Stick to normal feeding and walking times during the lead-up to the move. On busy packing days, set aside a quiet room with food, water, and toys so they aren’t underfoot or startled by constant activity. On travel day, pets should always ride with you and never in the moving truck.

Comfort strategies that work:

• Use a secure crate or travel harness in the car.
  
• Pack familiar blankets and toys to provide calming scents.
  
• Schedule regular breaks for water and bathroom needs.
  
• Keep medications, vet records, and ID tags accessible.
  

How Do I Keep Daily Life Balanced While I Get Ready?

Packing boxes and handling logistics is only half the challenge. The other half is keeping family routines steady. Anchoring the day with just a few non-negotiables, like dinner together or a bedtime routine, gives kids and pets a sense of normalcy.

At the same time, don’t be afraid to lean on your support network. Whether it’s a neighbor walking the dog, a friend handling carpool, or a sitter watching kids while you pack, small favors help you avoid burnout.

Quick balance tips:

• Choose 2–3 core routines and protect them.
  
• Pack one room at a time so daily items don’t get buried.
  
• Post a weekly family schedule where everyone can see it.

What Should I Keep Accessible for Kids and Pets on Moving Day?

One of the biggest mistakes families make is letting essentials disappear into the moving truck. An overnight kit keeps stress down and makes arrival smoother.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison table you can use as a quick reference:

Having these kits handy means fewer meltdowns, fewer surprises, and a calmer first night in your new home.

How Do I Handle Schools, Doctors, and Vets After I Arrive?

Once the move is complete, getting paperwork and appointments in order helps your family feel settled. Schools usually need transcripts, immunization records, and proof of residency before enrollment. Gathering these in advance saves stress later.

Healthcare comes next. Book checkups with new doctors and dentists so your family gets into their systems quickly. Pets need continuity of care too, so register with a veterinarian and note the nearest emergency clinic.

Post-move priorities:

• Confirm school enrollment requirements and deadlines
  
• Transfer medical and dental records before your first appointments
  
• Update health and pet insurance providers with your new address
  
• Verify that microchip information and ID tags reflect current contact details

How Do I Help Everyone Adjust After a Long Distance Move?

Adjusting takes time, but exploration and routine make the process smoother. For kids, visiting parks, joining local sports teams, or checking out the library helps them connect with new peers. Pets also need to get familiar with their environment, whether that’s new walking routes or a designated safe room to explore gradually.

Inside the home, create simple traditions. Maybe Saturday pancakes or a nightly walk around the block becomes your new family ritual. Small, repeatable habits turn a strange house into a home.

Adjustment ideas to try:

• Explore one new place each weekend as a family
  
• Schedule short playdates to spark early friendships
  
• Encourage kids to document the move with drawings or photos
  
• Keep feeding times consistent for pets
  
• Use familiar beds, toys, or blankets to make them feel secure

Getting the Whole Gang There

Moving with kids and pets has never been simple, but it doesn’t have to feel impossible, either. A little planning makes space for routines to stay steady, for pets to feel secure, and for kids to see the adventure in starting fresh. By keeping essentials close, setting realistic expectations, and leaning on support when you need it, your long distance move can be more manageable— and even meaningful— for the whole family. That way, when you finally get to where you’re going, you can get started right away with focusing on your new future. 

No matter who’s along for the ride, you’ve now got a variety of practical tips for managing both your furry friends and your kids during a long distance move. Now, you’re likely curious about what goes along with kids: the toys. How do you store and move those? We’ve got you covered in our article about toy storage tips for long distance moving.