Howdy! 🤠 We are a family business, so we know a move is never just about boxes. It is about little ones who want to know where their bed is going, and dogs and cats who can tell something is up the minute the first box comes out. Elite Star Movers is a family owned and operated moving company in Buda, TX, and we help families move across Austin, Kyle, San Marcos, New Braunfels, San Antonio, and beyond. These are the tips we share with the families we move, so everyone in the house, two legs or four, lands softly. Serving People & Protecting Furniture, Peace by Piece.
Moving with Kids
Tell them early, and keep it simple
Young kids do well with a short, upbeat explanation and plenty of time to ask questions. Older kids and teens appreciate being part of the plan. Share the move date once it is set, and keep a calendar on the fridge so they can count down.
Give them a job
Kids handle change better when they have a role:
- Let them pack a box of their own things and decorate or label it.
- Ask them to pick one or two favorite toys that stay out until the new house.
- Have older kids help plan their new room layout.
Pack the kids’ rooms last, unpack them first
Keeping their rooms normal for as long as possible keeps routines steady. At the new home, ask our crew to set up the kids’ beds first. A familiar bed on the first night makes a big difference.
Plan move day for little ones
Move day has heavy furniture, open doors, and a lot of foot traffic. If you can, arrange for a grandparent, friend, or sitter to watch young children for the day, at least during loading. If they are home, set up a “kid zone” in a cleared room with snacks, tablets, and a few toys, and keep them out of the path between the house and the moving truck.
School changes
If you are changing schools, contact the new school or district early to ask about enrollment steps and which records they need. Hand-carry copies of records, immunization history, and any special plans in your personal bag.
Make the new place feel like home fast
- Unpack the kids’ rooms first, including night lights and favorite blankets.
- Keep meal times and bedtimes as close to normal as you can.
- Explore the new neighborhood together: the park, the library, the closest taco spot.
Moving with Pets
Before the move
- Visit your vet. Ask for copies of records and refill any medications. If your pet gets anxious, ask your vet for advice ahead of time.
- Update ID tags and microchip info with your new address and phone number.
- Keep routines steady. Feed and walk on the usual schedule while you pack.
- Bring out the carrier early. Leave it open with a blanket and treats so it is a familiar spot by move day.
On move day
Doors will be open and people will be carrying furniture in and out. That is when pets slip out. The safest options:
- Have a friend or family member keep pets for the day, or book a day at a boarding kennel or doggy daycare.
- Or set up a closed “pet room” with water, food, a bed, and a litter box. Put a sign on the door so our crew knows to keep it shut.
- Tell the foreman about pets when the crew arrives so everyone is on the lookout.
Traveling with pets in the Texas heat
Central Texas summers are hot. Never leave a pet in a parked car, even for a few minutes. Plan the trip with water and shade breaks, and travel during the cooler parts of the day when you can. Pets ride with you, not with the movers.
Settling in at the new home
- Set up a quiet room with your pet’s familiar bed, toys, and bowls before letting them explore.
- Walk dogs on a leash around the new neighborhood so they learn the area.
- Keep cats indoors for a while until they adjust.
- Check the fence and gates for gaps before letting a dog out in the yard.
Keep a Family Essentials Bag
Pack one bag (or one per person) that rides with you:
- Medications for people and pets
- Pet food, bowls, leash, and litter
- Snacks, water, and a change of clothes
- Chargers, favorite toys, and a comfort item for each child
- School and vet records
Our moving day prep guide has a full “set aside” list.
How Our Crew Helps Families
Hector Jr leads our crews, and our foreman and crew are with you from the walk-through to the last piece placed. You can tell them which rooms to set up first, which doors stay shut, and where the kids and pets are. If you want fewer boxes to worry about, our packing services can take the kitchen or the whole house off your plate, and our home organizing services can help set up kids’ rooms and closets at the new place.
Moving with Kids and Pets FAQs
Should my kids be home on move day?
If you can arrange it, young children are often happier and safer with a sitter or relative during loading. Older kids can be a big help with their own rooms.
Can my pet stay home during the move?
Yes, in a closed room with a sign on the door, or with a friend or kennel for the day. Let the foreman know so the crew keeps that door shut.
What rooms should be set up first at the new house?
Kids’ beds and a quiet space for pets come first, then bathrooms and the kitchen.
Do you move pets?
No. Pets should always travel with you. We focus on your home and furniture.
Let Us Carry the Load
You take care of the kids and the pets. We will take care of everything else. We Can Handle It. See our local moving and long distance moving services, or start with our moving checklist.
Get Your Free Quote or call (512) 358-7827 (toll-free (855) 358-7827).