Social Story About Moving to a New House (Free & Printable)

Moving changes almost everything a child knows: their bedroom, their routines, the view from the window, sometimes their school and friends. For children who depend on sameness, such as many autistic children, a move can be one of the most stressful events of childhood.

This social story explains the moving process step by step and focuses on what stays the same: family, favorite things and bedtime routines. Start reading it a few weeks before the move.

Want this story with your child’s name? Use the free personalizer below or open the full social story generator.

We Are Moving to a New House

My name is Zoe. I live in a house with my family.
1
Soon my family is moving to a new house. Moving means we will live in a different place.
2
Before we move, we put our things in boxes. My toys and clothes go in boxes too.
3
I can keep my favorite toy with me the whole time.
4
On moving day, a big truck takes our boxes to the new house.
5
I might feel sad, excited or worried. All of these feelings are okay.
6
In the new house, I will have a bedroom. My bed and my things will be there.
7
My family moves with me. We will still read stories and have our bedtime routine.
8
Soon the new house will feel like home. I can help make it cozy!
9

Why this social story helps

The story balances change with continuity. It names every new thing (boxes, truck, new bedroom) but keeps returning to what stays the same: a favorite toy, family, bedtime stories. Giving the child a job (“I can help make it cozy”) restores a sense of control during a period when most decisions are out of their hands.

How to use this social story

Print the story (two pages per sheet works well) or show it on a tablet.
Read it together once a day during a calm time, for at least a few days before the situation.
Read it again just before the situation happens, and keep a copy nearby as a reminder.
Swap the name and details for your child, or add real photos, so it matches their world.

What makes this a good social story

This story follows the social story approach described by Carol Gray. It is written from the child’s point of view, uses short and literal sentences, and spends most of its words describing the situation and how people feel. Only a few sentences gently suggest what to do, and they use “I can” instead of “I must”. The story names a difficult feeling as normal and ends on an encouraging note, so the child links the situation with calm and confidence rather than with being told off.

Tips for parents and teachers

Show photos or videos of the new house and the child’s new room before moving day.
Let the child pack a special “first night box” with favorite items.
Keep daily routines, especially meals and bedtime, as consistent as possible.
Set up the child’s room first so they have a familiar space right away.
Visit the new neighborhood, park or school ahead of time if you can.

Questions to talk about after reading

What does moving mean?
What goes into the boxes?
What will stay the same in the new house?
How can you help make the new house cozy?

Personalize this story

Add your child’s name and age and we will rewrite the story just for them. It’s free.