Helping Your Parents Move Out of Your Childhood Home: A Guide for Grown Children

Moving out of a childhood home is a significant milestone—not just for your parents but for you, as well, even if you moved out many years ago. This house holds a lifetime of memories. For your parents, letting go of the family home might feel bittersweet or overwhelming. And as their adult child, you can play a vital role in ensuring this transition is smooth and meaningful.

If your parents are planning their next chapter, whether it’s downsizing or moving closer to loved ones, here are some practical and thoughtful tips to support them through this significant change. 

Start the Conversation Early 

Even if the move is months or years away, start talking about it now. This isn’t just about logistics—it’s about emotions, too. Invite your parents to share what excites them about the move and listen to any concerns they might have. Open communication helps to ease anxieties and ensures everyone feels heard. 

Questions like, “What kind of space are you envisioning for your next home?” “Are there particular items in the house that mean the most to you?” can be good conversation starters for the sensitive topic.

This proactive approach also allows you to identify their priorities and any areas where they may need extra support. 

Help Them Declutter with Sensitivity 

Sorting through decades’ worth of belongings can feel like a lot. Instead of rushing the process, guide your parents through it gently. Acknowledge the sentimental value many items hold rather than treating things as “stuff to deal with.”

Organizing belongings into “keep,” “donate,” “sell,” or “discard” piles is a great way to start. Some things might feel easier to part with when there’s a good cause involved, so consider donating to local charities or gifting family heirlooms to loved ones who will appreciate their meaning. 

Feeling nostalgic, yourself? Ask your parents to share stories about some of the items they’re sorting. You might learn something new about family history, and it can make the process feel collaborative rather than transactional. 

You may also want to consider putting some items into storage if your parents aren’t sure about when or where they’ll be taking certain belongings. It gives them extra time to make decisions without feeling rushed. 

Prioritize Preservation of Memories 

While the photos and knick-knacks are crucial to keep, the memories tied to your childhood home are priceless and ones that you can help your parents to preserve in a few ways. 

Ideas to preserve memories:

• Photo Albums: Compile albums or digitize old photographs. Create one for them and one for yourself as a keepsake. 
• Video Tour: Walk through the house together and film a tour. Narrate as you go, pointing out where big family milestones occurred. 
• Memory Jar: Write down favorite memories and ask your siblings or relatives to do the same. These can be shared during a family gathering before the move. 

Offer Practical Support for the Move 

Moving involves a lot of heavy lifting—both literally and figuratively. Make sure your parents feel supported every step of the way.

Ways you can support:

• Find Movers: Research reputable moving companies in advance. Look for providers specializing in downsizing or senior moves for added peace of mind. 
• Help with Packing: Offer to pack up sentimental or fragile items that you’ll be transporting yourself. Knowing these are in trusted hands can ease some stress for your parents. 
• Organize Paperwork: Help them sort and label important documents. Things like deeds, tax records, and birth certificates need extra attention during a move. 
• Ask the Professionals: If budget allows, consider booking professional organizers or packers to lighten the mental and physical load of downsizing and preparing for a move. 

Empower Them to Design Their New Space 

Moving isn’t just about leaving—it’s also about creating something new. Encourage your parents to think positively about their next chapter and focus on the exciting possibilities of their new home. 

Work with them to design a space that feels fresh but still familiar. Incorporating cherished furniture or decor with a modern twist can blend memories of the past with their future life. 

Ideas to make the new space special:

• Frame old family photos to hang in prominent areas. 
• Choose a few favorite pieces of furniture that fit the new place. 
• Help with simple updates like fresh paint colors or new rugs to make the new home feel uniquely theirs. 

Acknowledge Your Own Feelings 

As your parents move out of the home you’ve always known, it’s natural to experience mixed emotions. Maybe you feel nostalgic, or even sad, as this chapter in your family’s life comes to a close. Give yourself permission to process these feelings and know you’re not alone. 

While it’s important to focus on supporting your parents, make space for your own needs too. Talk to siblings, share stories, or visit one last time to say your goodbyes to a place that’s been so meaningful. 

Remember, leaving the physical home doesn’t mean losing the memories that make it special. 

Celebrate the Milestone Together 

Before the moving truck pulls away, take time to celebrate. Plan a family gathering or a simple dinner where you can reminisce about favorite moments shared in the house. 

Whether it’s capturing photos on the front steps one last time or sharing a special toast, this moment of closure can be deeply meaningful for everyone. 

The Silver Lining 

While watching your parents move out of your childhood home can be emotional, it’s also an opportunity to create new memories and a fresh start for everyone. 

By communicating openly, offering practical support, and preserving cherished memories, you can make this transition a positive experience for your parents and yourself. Also, be sure to take care of yourself during this process. It can be emotionally and physically taxing, so make sure to practice self-care and seek support when needed. 

Overall, approaching this milestone with empathy, patience, and positivity can help make it a smooth and meaningful experience for everyone involved. So, embrace the journey and cherish the memories, both old and new! 

If you’re helping your parents downsize and move, we are here to help. Hilldrup is proud to be one of the best moving and storage companies in the country!

George Roth Author

George Roth is the Vice President of Residential Sales where he oversees the Residential Sales team, Customer Care Center, Virtual Survey team and Premium Services Program. George began his career with Hilldrup in 1990 and graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University.