# How do I help my autistic child move to a new house?

> Preparing with photos and a countdown, setting up their room first, and keeping routines going.

URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/moving-house-autism
By The Autism Kit team · Updated 2026-09-28

**Short answer:** Moving is a huge change. Prepare early with a social story, photos or videos of the new home, and a calendar countdown. Visit if you can. Pack your child's room last and unpack it first, set it up as close to the old room as possible, and keep daily routines the same. Expect some unsettled weeks, and give extra downtime.

**Key takeaways**
- Prepare with a **social story** and **photos**.
- Use a **countdown calendar**.
- **Pack their room last**, **unpack it first**.
- Keep **routines the same**.

## How do I prepare my child?

1. **Write a social story** about moving.[1]
2. **Show photos or video** of the new home, their room, and nearby places.
3. **Visit** if you can.
4. **Count down** on a calendar.[2]

## What helps on moving day?

**Try:**
- A family member or friend to care for your child
- A bag of favourite things kept with them
- Setting up their room first
- The same bedtime routine that night

**Skip:**
- Packing their room first
- Throwing away old things without asking
- Lots of new furniture at once

## What about the first weeks?

Keep routines, meals and bedtimes the same. Explore the new area slowly, one place at a time. Expect some unsettled behaviour, and give extra downtime.

**A 'new house' book.** A small photo book of the new home, street and school can be read again and again.

Free printable: [Free printable: social narrative template](https://theautismkit.com/printables/social-narrative-template.pdf)

## What can I do before the move?

- [ ] Write a moving story
- [ ] Make a countdown calendar
- [ ] Plan to set up their room first

## Common questions

### When should I tell my child we're moving?

As soon as plans are firm, with a countdown calendar so they can see when it will happen.

### Should the new room look the same?

As close as you can. Familiar bedding, furniture layout and night-time items help a lot.

### What about changing schools?

Visit the new school, take photos, and share a one-page profile with the new teacher.

## Sources

1. Carol Gray Social Stories. https://carolgraysocialstories.com/
2. AFIRM (UNC Frank Porter Graham): Visual supports evidence-based practice brief. https://afirm.fpg.unc.edu/wp-content/uploads/Visual-Supports-Brief-Packet.pdf

General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.