House Hunting with Kids? Here’s How to Survive and Actually Enjoy It 🏡👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

House hunting with kids can feel like a juggling act. Between keeping them entertained during showings, making sure they feel included, and still focusing on finding the right home, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But it doesn’t have to be stressful! With the right strategy, you can make the process smoother—and even fun—for the whole family.

Step 1: Set Realistic Expectations

Before you start looking at homes, have a conversation with your kids about what’s happening. Let them know that not every home will be a winner and that they may have to visit several houses before finding the perfect one.

✅ Explain the Process – Use simple terms to explain that house hunting is about finding the best home for everyone, but it takes time.
✅ Manage Their Expectations – Let them know they won’t get to see every room in every house and that some visits may be quick.
✅ Encourage Participation – Give them small tasks, like picking their favourite room or spotting fun backyard features.

Step 2: Make a “Must-Have” List (Kid-Friendly Edition)

You likely already have a list of home features you’re looking for, but what about the things your kids need? While they may dream of an in-house slide or a personal candy store, you can help them prioritize practical needs.

📌 Consider Kid-Friendly Features:

✅ Safe, quiet neighbourhood
✅ Nearby parks or playgrounds
✅ Schools within walking distance
✅ A backyard big enough for outdoor play
✅ Enough space for a playroom or homework area

Letting your kids have a say (within reason!) can help them feel involved and excited about the process.

Step 3: Pack a House Hunting Survival Kit

Kids can get restless during long days of house hunting. Having a “survival kit” on hand can make the experience more enjoyable for them (and easier for you!).

🎒 What to Pack:
✅ Snacks & water (hungry kids = cranky kids)
✅ Colouring books, small toys, or tablets for entertainment
✅ Comfortable shoes (there may be a lot of walking!)
✅ A small notebook for older kids to jot down what they like about each home
✅ A reward system (like stickers for good behaviour or a fun treat after a long day)
✅ A Scavenger Hunt! – At elevated & co., we provide a fun house-hunting scavenger hunt to keep kids engaged and excited during the process!

Step 4: Time Your Showings Wisely

Avoid scheduling back-to-back home viewings during nap time, meal times, or right after school when kids may be tired and cranky.

⏰ Best Times to Schedule Showings:
✔ Mid-morning or early afternoon on weekends
✔ After snack time but before naps
✔ Right after school if they have some downtime before dinner

If possible, try to limit the number of homes you see in one day to avoid burnout for both you and the kids.

Step 5: Keep Kids Engaged During Showings

Instead of having kids run wild in each house, give them small jobs to keep them engaged while you focus on evaluating the home.

🏡 Fun Ways to Keep Kids Engaged:
✔ House Rating Game – Let them rate each home from 1-5 stars based on what they liked best.
✔ Treasure Hunt – Ask them to find something special in each home (a cool window, a unique light fixture, etc.).
✔ Backyard Test – If there’s a yard, let them see if it’s big enough for their favourite activities.
✔ Scavenger Hunt – Looking for a way to keep kids entertained? Ask us about our house-hunting scavenger hunt designed just for families!

Step 6: Plan Breaks & Rewards

House hunting can be exhausting, so schedule breaks to keep energy levels up.

🍦 Break Ideas:
✅ Stop for a snack or lunch between viewings.
✅ Visit a nearby playground for a quick run-around session.
✅ End the day with a fun treat to celebrate their patience.

This makes house hunting feel more like an adventure rather than a chore!

Step 7: When to Leave Kids at Home

While involving your kids in the process is great, there are times when it might be easier to house hunt without them.

🚨 Consider Leaving Kids at Home When:
✔ You’re attending an important second showing or making an offer.
✔ You’re viewing multiple homes in one day and need to focus.
✔ You have younger children who struggle with long outings.

If possible, bring them along for a final walkthrough to get them excited about their potential new home!

Final Thoughts: House Hunting with Kids CAN Be Fun!

With a little planning, house hunting can be an exciting experience for the whole family. By setting expectations, packing wisely, and making the process engaging, you’ll not only survive house hunting with kids—you might actually enjoy it!

👉 Thinking about making a move? Let’s find the perfect family-friendly home together.
📩 Book a consultation today!

#YourMoveElevated 🚀