Moving with kids

Kids notice everything about a move — the containers appearing, the rooms emptying, the change in routine. A little planning keeps the whole family steadier. These are general, practical ideas; you know your kids best, so take what fits.

Tell them early and simply

Explain what's happening, when, and what will stay the same. Younger kids do well with a picture calendar counting down to move day. Older kids appreciate being asked for their input on their new room.

Let them help pack

Give each child their own containers to fill and decorate labels for.
Let them choose a few favorite things to keep out until the last day.
Turn decluttering into a 'donate a toy' project.
Pack a special 'my first night' bag for each child with pajamas, a favorite stuffed animal, a book and a nightlight.

Pack kids' rooms last, unpack them first

Keeping a child's room intact as long as possible preserves a familiar space during the chaos. At the new home, set up their bed and a few familiar things first — it helps everyone sleep the first night.

Keep routines going

Stick to familiar mealtimes and bedtimes as much as you can, even with a half-packed house. Familiar routines make new surroundings feel safer.

Plan move day

Arrange a sitter, a friend's house or a relative for younger kids during heavy lifting.
Give older kids a real job: guarding the first-night tote, checking closets in the final walk-through, or directing labeled containers to rooms.
Keep snacks, water, chargers and entertainment in your car.
Keep moving equipment and walkways clear — dollies and stacked containers are not toys.

Schools and records

Contact the new school district early about enrollment requirements and request records from the current school. Find the new pediatrician and transfer medical records.

Settle in

Explore the new neighborhood together — the nearest park, library and a place for a treat. Keep the old routines for a while before introducing new ones.

Why totes help families

Lidded totes stack securely and close tight, which makes it easier to keep small hands out of packed containers. Uniform totes also make it easy to give each child their own color-labeled set.

Moving with teenagers

Teens often feel a move most because of friendships and activities. Involve them in real decisions — the layout of their room, which items to keep — and help them plan how to stay in touch with friends. If they're changing schools, look up clubs, teams or activities at the new school together before the move so there's something to look forward to.

Give them responsibility for packing their own room on a schedule, with a deadline that leaves time to help if they fall behind.

How STORVA tote rental works

STORVA rents reusable 27-gallon black totes with yellow snap-on lids across Dallas–Fort Worth. We drop the empty totes off at your door, you pack, move and unpack your own belongings, and we pick the empty totes back up on the date you chose. We don't move, pack or haul anything for you — we supply the equipment.

Packages start at $79. The 1 Bedroom package and larger include black 4-wheel dollies; extra dollies are $9 each. Next-day drop-off is available across DFW; for weekends and the end of the month, book 2–3 days ahead.

Dorm / Studio: 10 totes, 1 week included, $79.
1 Bedroom: 20 totes + 1 dolly, 2 weeks included, $109.
2–3 Bedrooms: 40 totes + 1 dolly, 2 weeks included, $189.
4+ Bedrooms: 60 totes + 2 dollies, 2 weeks included, $239.

Rent totes · Use the tote calculator

Frequently asked questions

When should I tell kids about a move?

Early enough that they have time to adjust, with simple explanations about what changes and what stays the same.

Should I pack kids' rooms first or last?

Last, so they keep a familiar space as long as possible — and set their rooms up first at the new home.

Can kids help pack totes?

Yes. Give them their own totes to fill with soft items and toys, and let them decorate removable labels.