Moving between homes is tricky. You feel like life is sitting in a pile of half-packed boxes. Whether you’re relocating, renovating, or waiting on a closing date, that “in-between” season throws everyone off balance – especially the kids.
Fortunately, good news is just around the corner! With a little intention and a whole lot of care, your family routine could be kept steady, even if your address isn’t. So, do you need this information? Yes? Then here’s how to make the transition smoother for everyone under your roof.
Select Your Temporary Housing Wisely
Not all temporary housing is created equal – don’t be tricked into believing it is. When you’re choosing where to stay, think beyond just price and location. Ask yourself: Will this space support our normal rhythm?
Look for a place with enough room for everyone to spread out a bit. If your kids are used to having their own space to read, play, or unwind, it shouldn’t be a shock when cramming into a tiny studio only increases stress. Access to a kitchen is another big one. Being able to cook familiar meals instead of relying on takeout instantly makes things feel more normal – and it’s usually easier on the budget, too.
Comfort matters – not that this is a surprise. Something as simple as having a dining table for family meals or a cozy couch for movie nights preserves the small rituals that anchor your days. Many families opt for fully furnished rentals when staying in Toronto, for instance, because having beds, cookware, and living essentials ready to go removes a massive layer of stress. The less you have to improvise daily logistics, the more energy you’ll put into your family.
Above all else, prioritize stability. A safe neighborhood, reasonable commute times, and proximity to schools or activities will help life feel less “on pause.”
Keep Core Daily Routines Familiar
When everything else feels different, routines become the glue.
Don’t replicate your old life perfectly. This isn’t always possible, anyway. You should try to preserve the bones of your day. Keep consistent wake-up and bedtime hours. Stick to the same morning flow – like breakfast, getting dressed, packing bags – even if the kitchen layout has changed.
Do you usually have pizza and a movie night on Fridays? Keep doing it. Are bedtime stories a nightly thing? Don’t skip them. These rituals send a powerful message to your kids: We’re still us. We’re still steady.
It also helps to physically recreate small pieces of home. Bring familiar blankets, favorite mugs, a well-loved stuffed animal, or even your usual hand soap. Such items are tiny sensory cues. They signal comfort and continuity.
Consistency doesn’t eliminate stress entirely. It does give everyone something predictable to hold onto.
Explain Changes to Kids Clearly
Children are incredibly perceptive. If something feels uncertain, they notice – and often imagine something much worse than reality.
Have open, age-appropriate conversations about what’s happening. Explain why you’re between homes, what the plan is, and what they should expect next. Be honest, but reassuring. Younger kids need simple timelines – like “We’ll be here until summer, then we’ll move into our new house.” Older kids want more details, the chance to ask questions.
Invite them into the process when possible. Let them help choose decorations for their temporary room or decide where the family game night will happen. Giving them a small sense of control eases anxiety.
And, most importantly, acknowledge feelings. If they’re excited, frustrated, or sad, let those emotions be valid. Change is hard – even when it’s possible.
To conclude, being between homes feels chaotic. It doesn’t need to unravel your family’s foundation, though. A sense of home will be created by following the tips in this post – no matter what address is on the mailbox.
