Tell them early and tell them honestly
Children cope far better with a move they have had time to process. Explain what is changing what is staying the same and when it will happen. Show them the new area on a map and find something specific to look forward to such as a park a swimming pool or a football club.
Pack an essentials bag for each child
One bag per child that travels in the car not the van. It should hold two changes of clothes pyjamas a toothbrush a comfort toy a tablet or book and snacks. The single most reassuring thing you can do on move night is produce familiar pyjamas and a familiar bear without opening a single box.
Plan the journey properly
Break a long drive into legs of no more than two hours with real stops. Leave early enough that you arrive in daylight. If the journey is genuinely long consider an overnight stop rather than arriving at ten at night with tired children and an empty house.
Set up their bedrooms first
Ask your removal crew to prioritise children's rooms on unloading. Beds built bedding on toys visible. A child who has their own room ready before bedtime settles far faster than one sleeping among boxes.
Rebuild routine within days
Meal times bed times and weekend habits should return as quickly as possible. Routine is what tells a child the world is still stable. Explore the new area together in small doses rather than one overwhelming tour.
In short
Involve children early keep their essentials with you and get bedrooms set up first. Everything else can wait a day.