Books That Help Toddlers Understand Moving to a New House
Harnimom – By Julia Roberts
When we moved houses, I was juggling boxes, a to-do list, and a toddler who kept asking, “Where’s my bed going?” Change is hard for little ones—especially when their whole world is being packed into cardboard.
If your toddler is facing a big move (or even just a new room), storybooks can offer the reassurance and consistency they need. In this post, I’ll walk you through how to use books to gently prepare toddlers for moving—and recommend a few that made a world of difference in our home.
Why Moving Feels So Big for Toddlers
Even a positive move can feel overwhelming for a toddler. Here’s why:
- Toddlers thrive on familiarity and routine
- They don’t fully understand time or permanence
- Their sense of safety is tied to specific objects and spaces
- They can’t always express what they’re feeling, so it comes out in behavior
Common reactions might include:
- Clinginess
- Sleep struggles
- Regression (potty training, tantrums)
- Confusion or fear
Storybooks create a bridge between the old and the new, helping toddlers emotionally prepare before, during, and after a move.
How Books Help Toddlers Navigate a Move
Books give toddlers a “preview” of what’s coming. This helps them:
- Visualize the process of packing, leaving, and settling in
- Name their feelings about leaving favorite people, toys, or rooms
- See that change can be positive and safe
- Learn that their family stays constant even if surroundings change
Featured Book: Ellie Moves to a New Home
In Ellie Moves to a New Home, Ellie worries when boxes take over her house. She doesn’t want to leave her treehouse, her neighbor’s cat, or her yellow bedroom. But with the help of a magical moving box and her parents’ love, she learns that her new room—and home—can feel just as special.
Perfect for toddlers ages 1–4 going through:
- House moves
- Apartment transitions
- Room changes or new sleeping spaces
- Family separation and co-parenting adjustments
Available now in the Ellie Storybook Collection on Harnimom.com
Book Recommendations for Moving with Toddlers
Here are my top picks for gentle, age-appropriate stories:
A Kiss Goodbye by Audrey Penn
From the makers of The Kissing Hand, this sweet story follows Chester Raccoon as he moves away and learns that love comes with you.
Big Ernie’s New Home by Teresa Martin
Addresses the emotional side of moving in a straightforward, comforting way. Great for toddlers and preschoolers.
We Are Moving by Mercer Mayer
A Little Critter classic. Shows packing, leaving, and adjusting with humor and honesty.
Ellie Moves to a New Home by Julia Roberts
Validates toddler feelings, models healthy coping, and ends with a joyful, personalized touch.
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Tips to Maximize the Impact of Storybooks
Try this before and during your move:
- Read moving books weeks ahead of time to start conversations early
- Let your toddler ask questions—even if you don’t have all the answers
- Use dolls, toys, or drawings to act out the move
- Take photos of the new home and look at them together
- Pack a “special box” your toddler can decorate and unpack first
Bonus: Print out a picture of your child’s new room and let them choose where to put favorite toys or books.
Final Thoughts: Your Home Is Where You Are
What helped my daughter most wasn’t the new paint color or fancy bed—it was knowing that we were still there. Her books came with her. Her bedtime routine stayed the same. And her storybook friend, Ellie, helped her feel seen and heard every step of the way.
With patience, love, and the right books, your toddler can learn to embrace change gently and grow through it.
