Moving to Palm Beach County With Kids: Packing Checklist, School Enrollment and First-Week Tips
October 1, 2026 · 8 min read · By Onias Derilus, Broker
A practical packing checklist for kids moving to Palm Beach County, plus the documents the school district asks for, how to check school zones, and first-week ideas that help children settle in.
A good packing checklist for kids makes moving day calmer for the whole family. Children handle change better when their favorite things show up right away and the first night in the new house feels normal. This guide gives you a room by room list, the papers you need to enroll in Palm Beach County public schools, and simple ideas for the first week in Florida.
Key takeaways
- Pack a separate "open first" box and a carry-on bag for each child with bedding, a few toys, clothes and medicine.
- To enroll in the School District of Palm Beach County, plan on two current proofs of residence, proof of birth, an immunization record (DH 680 or DH 681) and a physical exam record (DH 3040).
- A home purchase contract with a closing date can count as proof of residence, but the district asks for a copy of the deed within 30 days of closing.
- Use the district's "Find My Zoned School" tool before you pick a home, and note school choice deadlines.
- Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30, so a summer or fall move should include a storm kit.
Why a packing checklist for kids matters
Adults pack by room. Kids, on the other hand, think in terms of what they need tonight. So when the stuffed animal or the night light ends up at the bottom of a truck, bedtime gets hard fast.
A short list fixes most of that. It also gives older children a job. When kids pack some of their own things, they feel more in control of a change they did not choose.
Start the list about four to six weeks before the move. That gives you time to sort, donate and order anything you need without a rush.
The packing checklist for kids, by age
Each age needs slightly different things. Use these lists as a starting point and adjust for your family.
Babies and toddlers
- Portable crib or travel bed, fitted sheets and a sleep sack
- Diapers, wipes and changing pad for at least three days
- Bottles, formula or snacks, and a sippy cup
- White noise machine and night light
- Two or three favorite toys and a comfort item
- Stroller and car seat, kept out of the moving truck
School-age kids
- Two or three outfits, pajamas and swimwear
- Favorite pillow, blanket and stuffed animal
- Books, a tablet with charger and headphones
- A small game or craft kit for the trip
- Toothbrush, toothpaste and any medicine
Teens
- Phone, laptop, chargers and school supplies
- A week of clothes, including clothes for the heat
- Sports gear they will need in the first week
- Toiletries and any prescriptions
Also ask teens to label their own boxes. Then let them decide where the boxes go in the new room.
Add an open first box to your packing checklist for kids
Every child should have two things that do not go on the truck. First, a carry-on bag that travels with them in the car or on the plane. Second, an "open first" box that goes into the new house before anything else.
The carry-on holds what they need on the road. In contrast, the open first box holds what makes the first night feel like home: sheets, a lamp, a few toys and a towel.
Mark each open first box with the child's name and a bright color. Then unpack those boxes before the kitchen. A made bed and a familiar blanket go a long way.
Packing checklist for kids: Florida extras
Moving to South Florida adds a few items that many families forget. Here are the ones that help most in the first weeks.
- Sun gear: sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and rash guards.
- Water bottles: one for each child, because the heat is real for much of the year.
- Bug spray: useful for evenings outside and at parks.
- Swim gear: many homes and parks have pools, so pack swimsuits where you can reach them.
- Rain gear: afternoon showers are common in summer.
Storm items for the packing checklist for kids
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, according to NOAA. So if you move during those months, build a basic storm kit before you need it.
For kids, add a few extras to the family kit. For example, pack a flashlight for each child, a power bank, a card game and copies of medical records. Also show older kids where the kit lives and talk through the plan in a calm way.
School enrollment documents in Palm Beach County
Most families in this area enroll through the School District of Palm Beach County. New families can start the process online. According to the district's registration checklist, students who are new to the county need these documents:
- Two proofs of residence that show your home street address.
- Proof of birth, such as a birth certificate or passport.
- An immunization record on Florida form DH 680 or DH 681.
- A physical exam record on Florida form DH 3040.
The district also lists several registration forms, such as a student registration form, contact and pickup details, and a records release for the previous school. So keep your child's last report card and any special program records handy.
Proof of residence when you just bought a home
The district's checklist lists many accepted documents. These include a Florida driver's license, an electric bill, a lease, a mortgage, and a home purchase contract with a set closing date. However, if you use the purchase contract, the district asks for a copy of the deed within 30 days of closing.
Post office boxes and business addresses do not count. So set up your utilities early, because an electric bill in your name is one of the simplest proofs.
Health forms and timing
The district says a school entry health exam is required for all students new to the district, plus students in pre-K, kindergarten and seventh grade. The exam must be completed within 12 months before entry. You then have 30 days after entry to turn in the form.
Your new Florida pediatrician can usually complete the DH 3040 form. In addition, ask your current doctor for a full vaccine record before you leave.
Check school zones before you choose a home
School zones follow street addresses, not city names. So two homes in the same city can feed into different schools. The district offers a "Find My Zoned School" tool on its website, and it is worth using before you make an offer.
Palm Beach County also has choice programs and magnet academies. To apply, a child needs a Palm Beach County student ID number. For the 2027 to 2028 school year, the district lists September 8 to December 4, 2026 as the window to request an ID. It also lists March 1 to 5, 2027 for Controlled Open Enrollment applications.
Keep in mind that Port St. Lucie is in St. Lucie County, which has its own school district. So families looking at Port St. Lucie homes should check that district's rules instead. You can also see the current Palm Beach County school calendar for start dates and breaks.
Moving day with kids
Moving day is long and loud. If you can, line up a sitter or a relative to watch younger children for part of the day. Older kids can help, but give them a clear task with a start and an end.
Also keep snacks and water within reach all day. Then plan a simple dinner, because no one wants to cook on the first night. Finally, set up the kids' beds before you start on anything else.
For a broader list, see our post on things to remember when moving house.
First-week tips to help kids settle in
The first week sets the tone. A few small habits help children feel at home faster.
- Keep the old routine: same bedtime, same breakfast, same story.
- Explore close to home: find the nearest park, library branch and ice cream shop.
- Visit the school: walk or drive the route before the first day.
- Find an activity: sports leagues, swim lessons and library programs help kids meet friends.
- Stay in touch: set up a video call with old friends in the first week.
Every area has its own feel. For example, many families in Wellington spend weekends at parks and equestrian events. Families near the coast often build routines around the beach instead.
Unpacking the packing checklist for kids
Once the boxes are in, unpack the kids' rooms first. Then the kitchen and the bathrooms. Save the garage and the guest room for later.
Let children help decorate their new space. Even small choices, like where the bed goes, help them feel ownership. Also keep one empty box handy for things that still need a home.
Frequently asked questions
What should be on a packing checklist for kids?
Include bedding, a comfort item, clothes for a few days, medicine, chargers, a few toys or books and toiletries. Put these in a carry-on bag and an "open first" box that skip the truck.
What documents do I need to enroll my child in Palm Beach County schools?
The district's checklist lists two proofs of residence, proof of birth, an immunization record on form DH 680 or DH 681 and a physical exam record on form DH 3040.
Can I enroll before I close on my house?
The district accepts a home purchase contract with a set closing date as one proof of residence. You then provide a copy of the deed within 30 days of closing.
How do I find out which school my new home is zoned for?
Use the district's "Find My Zoned School" tool with the home's street address. Zones can change, so check again before you sign a contract.
When is the best time to move with school-age kids?
Many families move in early summer so kids can start the new school year on day one. Still, a summer move falls in hurricane season, so plan for storms.
Sources
- School District of Palm Beach County, student registration
- School District of Palm Beach County, registration checklist (PDF)
- School District of Palm Beach County, school entry health requirements
- School District of Palm Beach County, school choice
- NOAA, tropical cyclone climatology
Selling your current home before the move? Pure Equity can give you a free home value report and a timeline that fits the school year. If you are buying here, ask for a free relocation consultation and we will help you compare neighborhoods and school zones. Contact our team.
