Moving with Kids: A Guide to Relocating to Portsmouth, VA with Your Children

Moving with kids to a new city can be an exciting yet challenging experience, especially when you have preschoolers. As parents, you want to ensure that your kids have a smooth transition and a positive environment in which to grow and thrive in their new place. If you’re considering relocation to Portsmouth, VA, with your children, you’re in luck.

This guide is designed to help you navigate the process of moving with kids, providing valuable insights and tips to make your relocation to Portsmouth a successful one. From finding family-friendly neighborhoods to selecting the right preschools, we’ll cover essential aspects to consider when relocating with your children.

Additionally, we’ll explore the array of child-friendly activities and attractions that Portsmouth, VA, has to offer, ensuring that the young children in your family will have plenty of opportunities for fun and enrichment in their new neighborhood and new place. Let’s dive in and discover how to make your relocation to Portsmouth, VA, a seamless and enjoyable experience for the whole family.

How to Make Moving with Kids Easier and Convenient?

Relocating to a new hometown can be a significant upheaval for children and their parents, as they leave behind familiar surroundings, friends, and routines. As a caring parent, there are several strategies you can employ when moving with kids. Here are some valuable tips to consider during the relocation process:

Open Communication

It is important for parents to involve their children in the relocation process right from the start. By doing so, parents can create a sense of understanding and familiarity for their kids. Start by having a conversation with your kids about the reasons for moving to a new house and school. This will help them gain clarity and comprehend the situation better.

Additionally, it is crucial to address any concerns or fears they might have regarding the move. Take the time to listen to their worries and acknowledge their emotions. This will make them feel valued and included in the decision-making process. Encouraging children to express their emotions openly is also essential during this time.

Moving can be an overwhelming experience for kids, and they might have mixed feelings about it. By providing them with a safe space to share their thoughts and feelings, parents are helping them process their emotions in a healthy way. This can significantly reduce any anxiety or stress they may be experiencing. Furthermore, maintaining open lines of communication throughout the moving process is vital. Regularly check in with your children to see how they are coping with the upcoming changes.

Encourage them to ask questions and voice any concerns that may arise. By actively engaging in these conversations, parents are showing their children that their opinions matter and that they are an integral part of the family’s decision-making process. Involving children in the practical aspects of the move can also be beneficial. Assign age-appropriate tasks to them, such as packing their belongings or organizing their room. This not only helps them feel more involved but also gives them a sense of responsibility and ownership over their new living space.

Lastly, remember to be patient and understanding throughout the entire moving process. Change can be difficult for everyone, especially children, who may not fully grasp the reasons behind it. Allow them time to adjust and adapt to their new surroundings. Offer support and reassurance whenever needed, reminding them that this is an opportunity for growth and new experiences. By involving parents’ children in the moving process, addressing their concerns, and maintaining open lines of communication, parents can make the relocation experience smoother for their kids.

Familiarize Them with the New City

Before your relocation to Portsmouth, VA, with your parents, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the city. You can do this by utilizing online resources, maps, and virtual tours. These tools will help you discover all the exciting attractions that Portsmouth has to offer, such as museums, zoos, and amusement parks.

Additionally, you can explore the various parks and recreational areas where you can have fun and play. By introducing yourself to these aspects of the city before moving day, you can get excited about your new environment and anticipate all the opportunities that await you at school.

You can read more here about Portsmouth, VA

Visit in Advance

If you are planning a relocation to Portsmouth with your kids, it’s important to arrange a pre-move visit to the city. This visit will give you and your children the opportunity to explore the city together, visit potential neighborhoods, and tour schools. By doing this, your children will have a firsthand experience of their new home, making them more comfortable and familiar with their surroundings when they finally move in for good.

During your pre-move visit, take your children to different parts of Portsmouth to show them various neighborhoods. This allows them to see the different types of houses and apartments available, as well as get a sense of the community atmosphere in each area. By involving your children in this process, they feel more involved and invested in the decision-making process, alleviating any concerns they may have about moving.

Additionally, visiting schools in Portsmouth during your pre-move visit can be highly beneficial for your children. It gives them the opportunity to see school facilities, meet potential teachers, and get a sense of the overall environment. This helps ease any worries they may have about starting at a new school and makes them more comfortable with the idea.

Overall, planning a pre-move visit to Portsmouth with your children is a great way to help them acclimate to their new surroundings. It allows them to visualize their future home, explore potential neighborhoods, and familiarize themselves with schools in the area.

By involving your children in this process, you give them a sense of control and involvement, making the transition smoother and less overwhelming for everyone involved. Don’t forget that the time spent planning this visit is an investment in your family’s happiness and well-being during this exciting age of relocation.

Maintain Routines and Familiarity

During the moving process, it is crucial to maintain consistent routines for your children. This includes sticking to regular mealtimes and bedtimes and upholding family traditions. By doing so, you provide a sense of stability and reassurance for your kids during this age of change.

Pack a “Special” Box

When moving with young kids, it is important to involve them in the process to help them feel comfortable and excited about their new school. One way to do this is by letting them pack a special box with their favorite toys, books, and comfort items.

This box will give them a sense of ownership over their belongings and provide continuity and familiarity during the move. Encourage them to decorate the box with stickers or drawings to personalize it. Once you arrive at the new house, unpack this special box first. It will create a small haven amidst the chaos and help your kids feel settled in their new environment. Having their favorite items readily available will provide comfort and familiarity. Unpacking this box together can be a fun family activity that allows everyone to bond.

In addition, involve your children in decisions about their new bedroom or play area. Let them choose where their bed or play table should go to give them control and ownership over their space. Including them in these decisions can alleviate their anxieties and make them feel more at ease.

In conclusion, involving young kids in the moving process by allowing them to pack a special box and prioritizing its unpacking can greatly contribute to their well-being. It provides continuity, familiarity, and control over their belongings and environment. Involving them in decision-making for their new space further enhances their comfort and excitement about the new house.

Get Involved in the Community

Encourage your young kids to engage in activities and join clubs or sports teams in the new city. This will help them make new friends and build a support network. Participating in community events or volunteering together as a family can also facilitate a sense of belonging and connection. Additionally, it’s important to be mindful of the advertisement content your children are exposed to in the house. Make sure to allocate time for them to engage in age-appropriate activities and limit their screen time.

Maintain Emotional Support

It’s important to be aware of their emotions and offer support throughout the process. Consider finding a therapist or counselor in Portsmouth who specializes in helping children cope with transitions to provide extra help when needed.

By implementing these tips, you can help ease the transition for your military kids, fostering a positive and successful move to Portsmouth, VA. Remember, patience, understanding, and support are key as you embark on this new adventure together in the kid’s moving category.

If you want to explore more tips you can read this article: offers some great ideas

Settling In: Building a Supportive Community for Your Family in Portsmouth, VA

Once you’ve moved to Portsmouth, VA, with your family, building a supportive community is crucial for creating a sense of belonging and ensuring a smooth transition for everyone, including the new kid. Here are some tips to help you establish a strong support network and forge connections within the community, especially for young children.

Attend Local Events and Activities

Stay informed about community events, festivals, and gatherings happening in Portsmouth that are family-friendly and suitable for kids. Participate in activities such as farmers’ markets, art exhibitions, or cultural celebrations to engage with local organizations and meet fellow residents who also have children. These events are a great way to discover shared interests within the child-friendly category.

Join Parenting Groups and Organizations

Seek out parenting groups, playgroups, and organizations in the kid’s category catering to families moving to Portsmouth. These groups often organize meetups, playdates, and educational sessions for both children and parents. Connecting with other families facing similar experiences can provide valuable support, friendship, and a sense of community.

Volunteer in the Community

Engaging in volunteer activities is not only a great way for kids to give back but also an avenue for meeting like-minded individuals in the child-friendly category. Look for local volunteer opportunities that align with your interests or a cause close to your heart, especially when moving with children. Whether it’s helping at a food bank, participating in neighborhood clean-ups, or contributing to charitable initiatives, volunteering can foster connections and contribute to the community’s well-being.

Explore Recreational Programs and Sports

Encourage your children to participate in recreational programs or sports in Portsmouth. Whether it’s joining a moving soccer league, taking art classes in the category of art, or enrolling in music lessons, these activities provide opportunities for your kids to make new friends while pursuing their passions. Additionally, many of these programs also offer opportunities for parents to connect and interact.

Attend Community Meetings and Neighborhood Associations

Stay engaged with your local community, especially if you have kids, by attending neighborhood association meetings or community gatherings. These forums provide platforms for parents to voice concerns about moving, offer suggestions, and actively contribute to improving the neighborhood for their children.

By participating in these meetings, you can meet other parents and residents, learn about local initiatives related to child-friendly activities, and have a direct impact on the community’s development.

Utilize Online Platforms and Social Media

Take advantage of online platforms and social media groups specific to Portsmouth for child moving. Join local parenting forums, neighborhood Facebook groups, or community discussion boards for kids. These platforms facilitate information sharing, recommendations, and connections with other residents who can provide valuable insights and support for a child moving.

Network through School and Extracurricular Activities

Get involved in your children’s school community by attending parent-teacher meetings and volunteering for school events. Join the parent-teacher association to further engage with other parents. Additionally, explore extracurricular activities like sports teams or clubs that your kids participate in. These engagements provide opportunities to interact with other parents and build relationships.

Remember, building a supportive community for your kids takes time and effort. Be proactive, open-minded, and approachable, and don’t hesitate to reach out and initiate conversations about moving. Embracing the spirit of community and actively seeking connections will help you and your child feel more at home in Portsmouth, VA, while fostering a network of support and friendship.

How Professional Off Load Movers Make Moving with Kids a Breeze!

When it comes to moving with kids, we understand the overwhelming nature of the task. That’s why our professional movers at Off Load Moving Co. team are here to help. We specialize in handling the logistics of your move, allowing you to focus on the well-being of your children and ensuring a smoother transition for your family.

With our expertise and experience, we take care of the heavy lifting and intricate details of packing and transporting your belongings. By entrusting us with these responsibilities, you can devote your energy to tending to your children’s emotional needs and ensuring their comfort throughout the moving process. We understand the unique challenges of relocating with kids and work closely with you to create a customized plan that caters to your family’s specific requirements. From scheduling the move during a time that minimizes disruption to their routines to ensuring that their favorite toys or belongings are easily accessible upon arrival, we strive to make the experience as seamless and child-friendly as possible. Reach out today for our top-notch services in Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Hampton Roads, and Portsmouth. Call us at 757 749-7212.

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Off Load Moving

5-Star Moving Company

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5.0
Based on 112 Reviews
Tim Donahue
May 2, 2023

Great moving experience overall. Briar is very professional and his crew handled my property as if it were their own. Highly recommend!

Corry King
April 30, 2023

Moving doesn’t have to be stressful if you hire a company that goes above and beyond to ensure your move goes smoothly! Briar and his team were extremely professional, handled all of my items with extreme care, and didn’t waste any time. If you’re looking to move a few items or an entire home, I definitely recommend Off-load Moving to meet your needs!

Nikole DEmanuele
April 13, 2023

Briar and his team are a pleasure to work with!! Super professional, and respectful!! They take extra measures to make sure that things are done properly and to our standards!! I highly recommend Off-Load Moving!!

Kristin Quigg
March 21, 2023

Don’t even bother looking for another company, Off-Load Moving is by far the best around. Hands down the most professional, friendly, and respectful group of guys I’ve had the pleasure of working with. I’ve moved every year for the last 8 years and I have yet to find a company as good as this, I will 100% use them again for my future moving needs! They were prompt, thorough, and genuinely cared about my home and my property - they ensured everything was protected to the best of their abilities. Moving day can always be stressful, but with this crew at your service you can’t go wrong - and they do it with a smile on their face! Thank you Off-Load Moving for making moving day a breeze.

Lauren T
March 20, 2023

Briar and the team at Off Load Moving were professional, respectful, and reliable from start to finish with the move they completed for me. They communicated clearly ahead of time and provided an extremely accurate and easy to understand estimate of the cost with no hidden fees or gimmicks. The day of the move Briar showed up on time, reviewed the service contract with me, and made sure I had no additional questions. There was no waste of time or resources. They got to work immediately upon their arrival, and did not stop working until everything had been completed. They moved large, heavy, oversized items from my old house to my new house across the water, and took extreme care in packing my most delicate and fragile items with the up most responsibility. Nothing was damaged, and I had the opportunity to inspect everything prior to them leaving. During the move I did not have to do any additional work, and I was informed of what was happening every step of the way. If I ever needed anything moved for any reason or occasion again, Briar and the team at Off Load are my first and only call. Their level of care, class, and professionalism is above and beyond.

Andy Nelson
March 11, 2023

Prompt, professional, and courteous service. Great team!

Victoria Walker
March 11, 2023

My friend recommended me giving Off-Load Moving a call. They responded in the same day and were able to get me scheduled for a Saturday a few days later! They communicated with me and were able to move my small couch into a my place very quick. I will definitely use them next time i move and recommend them to anyone in need of moving service!

Caitlin Kane
March 10, 2023

It was & absolute pleasure working with these gentleman, they were absolutely amazing. Definitely a 10 out of 10 experience.

VaLisa Welsh
March 8, 2023

Great group of people. First met them when they delivered my new furniture. I then hired them for our move. So glad I did. They are professional and were so careful with all of our things. I highly recommend them for any of your moving needs.

Denise Rose
March 7, 2023

5+ STARS!!! Quick responses. Great communications. On time arrival. Packing expertise. Very fair pricing.

Krystle Lipetzky
March 5, 2023

The Work Load: on different occasions, Off-Load Moving (OLM) moved a piano, and delivered two sets of couches, not to mention assembled necessary reclining couch pieces for us. The Crew: This hard working crew is professional, yet personable and they meant business in safely moving our goods. Not to mention, they did everything in a timely manner and were very easy to work with. Overall Assessment: Would absolutely recommend OLM to everyone. Stop wasting your time searching for a moving company, because OLM can do it all. The care they took with not just the items coming into our home but they carefully moved our current belongings aside to make way for the new furniture, they added padding to the door frame, and took away the obnoxiously large delivery boxes. It was a stress-free and first class experience. Side Note: OLM’s owner recommended we check out Casual Home Furniture in Chesapeake, which was an absolute win.

Nicole Salsbury
February 25, 2023

This team made my move stress free. They were very professional and quick. I highly recommend this wonderful team for your move!

Christin Bell
February 23, 2023

I can not recommend this company more! Briar and his team were trustworthy, fast, and the pricing was great! We will be using them for our future moves!

Tuck Da Monsta
February 23, 2023

Briar was exceptionally professional. He and his crew went above and beyond while providing additional services after delivering my household goods from storage. I would highly recommend his company for any and all things related to moving. You will not be disappointed.

Eric & Lisa Saar
February 18, 2023

Off-Load Moving did a great job moving our existing shop to a new location. They were on time and did everything promised and more. Thank you so much for the professionalism and cleanliness. We will use you for our next move.

Patty Preston
February 16, 2023

Off Load Moving company made this process so easy for me. They were professional handled everything with care and very respectful. If you want a stress free and professional move these are the guys I recommend. Thank you again for a great experience.

Ryan Finn
February 10, 2023

From the initial request up until after the move was completed, Briar and the rest of his team were amazing. My wife sent in a quote request and we received a very professional phone call from Briar to get an idea of what we were moving, when we were moving and to schedule a in-person estimate. The estimate was quick but thorough and on time! Come moving day, the team was very friendly, considerate of our home and belongings, and worked quickly and efficiently to get us moved into our new house. Briar showed up to check in on us and his team and to assist with a few of the more valuable and fragile items. After move in, Briar reached out to us and came out to make sure everything was done to our satisfaction. All in all, the team was fantastic and the move went very smoothly. The prices were right and the cost estimates were transparent and clearly spelled out for us. 10/10 would recommend Off-Load moving company to anyone in the Hampton Roads area and we will be utilizing them in the future, should we move in the area again!

Teonna James
February 10, 2023

Best moving company there is !

Lucas4life L.
February 2, 2023

Briar and his team were the best! This was the best moving experience I have ever had. I will be ONLY using them in the future. I appreciate you all so much.

Johnita Forbes
February 2, 2023

This company is filled with all stars! Great customer service and very professional! I was referred to them to do a hard job at new condo and they boldly stepped up to the challenge!! Choose this company 1st for your moving services. I had to learn the hard way that all moving companies are not build like Off-Load!

Christina Frierman
February 1, 2023

Briar and Gavin were awesome!! I called them with a short term need to rearrange some furniture in my house due to a medical need. They came quickly! They were professional. Call Briar and Off-Load moving for all your needs!! I can’t recommend them highly enough!

Justin Acosta
January 31, 2023

I’ve worked with offload moving several times, and their customer service has always been spot on! I always recommend them to anyone I know. They really know how to put their clients first, and make things happen fast!

Nicole pixler
January 28, 2023

Off-load moving is the way to go! Briar the owner contacted me to donate his time to my non profit StandUp for kids, Hampton Roads! He and his company came to meet me with a 16ft box truck, followed me to 3 different pickup locations in Virginia Beach and then to Norfolk to deliver. They did this out of the goodness in their hearts!! So thankful for this young man and his desire to give back!!

Jonathan Grissom
January 28, 2023

Briar helped me out for a bike transport. The service was quick and easy. If you need a motorcycle moved, I would highly recommend for the quality of service and price.

Chris Anderson
January 20, 2023

Very easy move. Thank you

josh F
January 20, 2023

10/10 would recommend!!

OFTP_Adamtheki113r
January 16, 2023

First off I’d just like to say GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE. When moving it is always so stressful and timelines are always changing, but with this company everything ran very smoothly. Very Accommodating to my timeline of needs and overall just very friendly and easy to work with. I can’t think of anything that cements good companies to great companies better than their customer service and responsiveness. I was moving from Virginia down to SC and all my stuff was here the same day as pickup. Nothing was damaged everything arrived and was taken great care for. I witnessed so many horror stories where stuff was broken and items arriving late. With this company I am so grateful I didn’t need to experience that first hand. Last thing if you want great service and careful handling of your most valuable household items this is worth every single penny. I am ecstatic to set up my new life down here and explore the many new places to see!!

Sydney P
January 14, 2023

Meet and greet by the owner was very professional and he was very layback. He and his crew had free time before my pac date where they came over and started packing and all their packing was done professionally . They treated all items like if it was their own property . Showed up on time communication was outstanding. I highly recommended this company to anyone who is in search of a local or long distance move out. Once again really appreciate your time and effort

Lauren F
December 29, 2022

Briar made the whole process of moving for me stress free. Great customer service, good communication, fast, timely, and efficient. Would definitely recommend and use their services again!

Shannon Shifflett
December 21, 2022

Blair and his crew were phenomenal. They were timely, efficient and just wholesome people. They helped out tremendously for a last minute moves and I couldn’t be happier. Thank you Off-load Moving!!!

Fontaine Smith
December 20, 2022

It was absolutely ?

Maria Lancaster
December 11, 2022

We had another great move in day with Off-LOAD Moving! We are so grateful to find such a great resource for all our moving needs and projects. All of our stuff is handled carefully and padded for transfer. Brier the owner is very organized and professional. Don't bother calling anywhere else! They're the BEST! Maria Lancaster, Virginia Beach, VA

Sarah Providente
December 9, 2022

Quick and efficient! Hard workers!

John McGrath
December 4, 2022

Very professional & a great experience dealing with this business!!

Josh Ford
December 4, 2022

This place is wonderful. The family who runs it, are beyond professional. On top of it are the most genuine and kindhearted people. The employees are very hard working and flexible, and we’re great to work with. Beyond happy and grateful for the work they’ve done. If I ever needed a move again, this will be the business I use. Not to mention a great veteran run business. Thank y’all so much, much love. It was a pleasure

Mark Bradley
December 1, 2022

Called and they were able to move a MONSTER of a dresser up 3 flights of stairs the same day. They are very personal and care about your belongings. I would recommend to anyone.

Phil, Brittany and Wes Family
November 26, 2022

Briar (the owner) and his family did an absolutely amazing job moving us in VB! They moved all of our large and heavy items in one day. Briar was also extremely flexible and willing to work with us on moving our move date due to some issues with closing on our new house. During the move one of our organizing units for the kids playroom broke and Briar immediately bought us a new one and had it shipped to our new address. Moving is always a very stressful experience and OFF-Load Moving made it as stress free as possible! I would highly recommend OFF-Load moving to anyone looking for an affordable, reliable and professional moving company ?

Chris Tlustos
November 26, 2022

Absolutely amazing quality of work. Logan and his family always take great care of all your stuff and they are absolute professionals. Couldn’t be happier with the service. Great work!

Andrew Will
November 26, 2022

First time using a moving company and they were so professional and accommodating. It’s a shame I’m moving away from them! Would recommend to anyone moving in the area!

Ira Lind
November 24, 2022

I used Off Load Moving when moving into my house, and they did a phenomenal job! Always double checking making sure they had everything going to the right place, they were fast, professional, and I would recommend them to ANYONE moving ANYTHING. TRUST ME YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT!

Brieanne Hamilton
November 22, 2022

The best movers we could have asked for! Made moving back into our house a breeze! I would recommend over and over again!

Antoiwon Brooks
November 22, 2022

I have used Off-Loading moving for two moves and have referred them to several friends and family members who used them. This is the best moving company on the east coast hands down. They were on time, they took care to properly move everything without damage, they were so easy to work with. And I got an amazing discount for being military. The owner himself even showed up and moved my furniture! Amazing company and I’ll continue to use and refer them. They have a customer for life

Danajah Gatling
November 22, 2022

Off-Load Moving is a very wholesome and professional moving company! I recommend them for every move, small or large. All your needs will be met and you won’t be disappointed !

Jo Ann Morgan
November 21, 2022

We were getting new furniture and we had to get rid of our old. They were great and so reasonable! Life savers!

Ryleigh Kramp
November 2, 2022

My first time ever moving I used a different company and I had an awful experience so I was dreading my second move. I can say that off- load moving changed my experience and I was extremely satisfied. I would 100% recommend to anyone. Briar was very flexible and accommodating to match my schedule. They showed up a few minutes early to make sure everything was ready to start loading at our set time. They were very efficient and delicate. I trust them with my belongings, nothing was damaged and everything was well taken care of. Definitely would use this company again for my next move.

MG A
June 15, 2022

I can't say enough good things about Off-Load Moving! Veteran owned, Family ran, the highest moral and ethical standards. AND the price was better than much of the so called competition. They did everything they could to help out. This is the 3rd time I have used this company. Will never trust anyone else with my furniture, and precious cargo. Thank you for all you do!

gktii
September 28, 2021

What a great experience working with these guys. Super attentive, very professional and insanely polite! They moved my elderly mother into her new place and were so thoughtful of her transition, and made sure she felt comfortable the entire time. Highly recommend these guys if you need movers..

Bob Faison
September 3, 2021

I have moved quite a bit in my life and I have never had such a GREAT experience. Moving is never fun but Briar and his TEAM did an excellent job! Customer service seems to be less and less important to companies in many cases these days but definitely not the case with OFF-LOAD. I actually receive text messages on holidays from Briar personally as well as a thank you card which also contained a gift card - pretty impressive. It's the little things in my mind that set companies/people apart. I would also like to give a "shout out" to Briar's parents who actually helped out during the move. Great people and they raised a great young man, kudos to you! I hope this helps in your decision making process when choosing a company for your moving needs. Thanks for reading.

Yvonne Cole
August 24, 2021

They were so nice, accomadating and professional. Took care of the furniture, it was wrapped and secure. I would highly reccomend for any moving and I say this without reservation. They were awesome!

Christian Sharrock Miller
July 18, 2021

Briar and his team were polite, knowledgeable, honest, helpful and Humorous. They moved three households and were on time, accomdating, honest and fun all in one. It was the best experience as a client and Real Estate Agent I've ever had or seen and I've moved all over the world, can't thank then enough! You guys rock!