Moving House During the School Holidays: Practical Tips & Expert Advice

Moving house during the school holidays can be both a challenge and a blessing.

While it’s the perfect time to minimise disruption to your children’s schooling, juggling the logistics can become overwhelming.

To help make the process easier, we’ve combined our years of experience in removals at White & Company with practical tips from families who’ve experienced moving during the school break for themselves.

Here’s how to make your summer move smoother, stress-free, and perhaps even enjoyable!

Why Move During the School Holidays?

Moving house during the school holidays is a very popular choice for a number of reasons.

Families typically choose to move during school breaks to avoid interrupting their children’s education.

According to conversations on Reddit, many parents prefer summer holidays, as affords their children more time to adjust to their new surroundings before the start of a new school year.

From our experience at White & Company, summer holidays also offer more flexibility in scheduling your removal service.

However, it’s important to book early as the demand for removals tends to peak during this period!

Be sure you get in touch with us early if you are considering a summer holiday move.

Involve Your Children Early On

Getting your kids involved with the move is key. 

Children cope better when they understand what’s happening.

Introduce the idea of moving early and involve them in the process throughout.

Tasks like packing their toys, deciding the layout of their new room, or making a list of new places they’d like to visit near your new home can help them feel more in control of a situation that is often overwhelming for them.

Plan Your Move Date Strategically

Picking the right day to move is an essential step of the moving process.

Choosing a midweek moving date can often save money and stress.

Weekends and bank holidays, particularly during summer, are usually the busiest and most expensive times to move.

The quietest days tend to be Tuesdays and Wednesdays, so aim for these if possible.

At White & Company, we recommend arranging your removals service at least six weeks in advance to secure your preferred date.

Consider Temporary Childcare Options

Arranging child care on the day of the move could make things less stressful for everyone involved.

Moving day can be chaotic, and young children might find it stressful.

Consider arranging temporary childcare with friends, family, or childcare providers.

Alternatively, Childcare.co.uk can help you find registered babysitters or nurseries near your new location, ensuring your children remain safe and occupied while you focus on the move.

Take Advantage of the Good Weather

With less chance of rain, your move should go off without a hitch. 

Summer provides ideal weather conditions for moving, reducing the risk of rain-related delays or damaged possessions.

However, hot weather can be taxing, so ensure everyone stays hydrated and take regular breaks.

Prepare a moving day kit with cold drinks, snacks, sun cream, and hats.

Be Mindful of Busy Traffic Periods

Avoiding rush hour, where possible, will always be advantageous.

With schools out and holidaymakers hitting the roads, traffic can be heavier during peak summer weeks.

Avoid key dates such as weekends at the start or end of the school holidays.

Websites like AA Route Planner offer real-time traffic updates, allowing you to plan around busy periods.

Pack Essential Bags for Immediate Use

A moving day essentials bag will come in very handy.

It’s easy to overlook the practicalities of the first night in a new home.

Pack individual overnight bags for each family member containing essentials such as toiletries, pyjamas, medicines, chargers, and favourite toys.

Reddit users suggest treating it like an overnight trip, making the first night more comfortable and less stressful for everyone involved.

Insights From Industry Experts at White & Company

With over 150 years of helping people relocate, we know a thing or two about moving.

As an established removals company operating across the UK, our expertise has taught us several valuable lessons about moving during the school holidays:

• Early booking is crucial. Peak seasons see slots fill up fast; booking early ensures your move goes as planned.
• Communication is key. Regularly update your removal company on any changes to your plans, so they can adapt quickly.
• Storage options. If your new home isn’t immediately available, temporary storage facilities provide flexibility and peace of mind. At White & Company, we offer secure storage solutions for exactly these situations.

Real-Life Advice from Families on Reddit

Check out what these real families had to say about moving house in the school holidays.

Nothing beats real-world experience when planning a family move.

Parents on Reddit have shared several insightful tips:

• “We moved at the start of the holidays, giving our children plenty of time to settle and make new friends before school started. Best decision we made!”
• “Involve your kids as much as possible. It makes them feel part of the process, reduces anxiety, and gets them excited about the new adventure.”
• “Hire professional movers. We tried to do it ourselves once – never again, especially with kids running around!”

You can explore more real-life experiences and practical tips from other families in the r/Parenting subreddit.

Settling Into Your New Area

Once the move is over its time to settle in.

After the move, prioritise activities that help your family settle into the new area:

• Explore local attractions: Museums, parks, and beaches are ideal family outings to familiarise yourselves with the new environment.
• Connect with neighbours: Summer barbecues or community events are perfect opportunities to meet neighbours and build new friendships.
• Visit your new school: Most schools welcome visits or introductory meetings ahead of the new academic year. It helps ease your child’s anxiety about starting somewhere new. Check your local school’s website or visit gov.uk’s Find and Compare Schools page to learn more.

Need Help Moving House During the School Holidays?

Need Help Moving house during the school holidays.

At White & Company, we’ve been helping families successfully move home for over 150 years.

We understand the unique challenges associated with moving during the busy school holiday period and have the expertise to handle them effectively.

From comprehensive packing services and secure storage solutions to professional removals and expert advice, we ensure a smooth transition for the whole family.

To arrange a free home survey or discuss your upcoming move, contact our friendly team today or call your local branch directly.

By planning ahead and following these practical tips, moving house during the school holidays can be an exciting new chapter for the whole family, rather than a stressful chore.

Max Peterson

Max is a seasoned writer and blogger in the real estate and home moving sectors, as well as a knowledgeable source of information for expatriates living and working abroad. His detailed insights have helped thousands of people move and live abroad with greater simplicity and ease.