Children experience a move as the disappearance of everything familiar, in order, over several days. Managing that sequence matters as much as managing the boxes.
Pack children's rooms last, unpack them first
Keeping a bedroom intact until the final day shortens the period of disruption. Setting it up first at the new home gives an immediate anchor.
Arrange care for move day
A home with open doors, dollies and stacked cartons is not a safe place for small children or pets. Care elsewhere is safer and lets the crew work at pace.
Give each child a job
Decorating their own carton, choosing which toys travel in the car, or being in charge of a small bag turns a passive experience into a participatory one.
Rebuild routine quickly
Bedtime, meals and school-run timing should return to normal within the first few days, even if the living room is still in boxes.