The best time to move with school-age children is usually a school holiday, because it avoids missed lessons and gives children time to settle. Term-time moves can work with planning. This guide compares holiday and term-time moves, school admissions and how early to book removals.
If you have children in school, the question is rarely whether to move but when. Nobody wants a child to miss lessons, arrive at a new school halfway through a term or spend their exam year in a house full of boxes. On the other hand, you cannot always choose your dates, because a house sale has its own timetable.
We move families across Southampton and Hampshire, and the same questions come up every year. This guide covers the best time of year to move house with school-age children: the school holidays, term-time moves, admissions, how early to book and how to make either work. We have not made any claims about cheaper or dearer seasons, because prices depend on your move, and we would rather be straight than guess.
What is the best time of year to move with children?
For most families, a school holiday is the simplest option. Children do not miss lessons, they have time to settle before they start at a new school and you have time to unpack without worrying about the school run. The summer holidays are the longest, and the obvious choice, but they are also the busiest time for house sales and moves.
The honest answer is that the best time is the one that works for your family and your chain. Completion dates depend on the sale, the purchase and everyone in between, and it is rare to be able to choose a date freely. Plan for the timing you would like, and be ready for the one you get.
Moving in the school holidays
A holiday move has clear advantages, and a few things to watch.
- Time to settle. Children can explore the new home and the area before school starts.
- No missed lessons. There is no need to arrange time off, or to move children mid-term.
- Time for admissions. If you are moving to a new area, you can apply for a school place and prepare before term begins.
- Busy periods. Popular dates, such as the start of the summer holidays, fill up quickly, so book early.
- Completion timing. A date can still shift with the chain, so keep some flexibility.
If your move falls in a holiday, use the time well. Visit the new school, work out the route, buy uniform and get to know the neighbourhood. A few small steps before term starts make the first morning easier.
Moving during term time
A term-time move can work well with planning. Many families do it, and it is often the only option.
- Half terms. A week off school is a natural window for a move, and it keeps disruption to a minimum.
- Mid-year admissions. If your children need a new school place in the middle of the year, you will need to apply for an in-year place. Ask Hampshire County Council how this works, and how long it takes, because places depend on availability.
- Keeping routines. Try to keep meals, bedtimes and activities as normal as possible around the move.
- Exam years. If a child is in a key exam year, think carefully about the timing, talk to the school and try to avoid a move in the run-up to exams if you can.
Tell your children's current school as early as you can, ask about passing on records and, if you can, arrange a visit to the new school before the first day.
School admissions and moving dates
Check school admissions before you fix a date, especially if you are moving to a new area. GOV.UK says your local council handles applications for state-funded schools, and that schools must publish their admission arrangements. Where you live may decide which schools you can apply to, so check the exact address, and what proof of address each school or council needs.
Our guide to moving to Romsey with children explains catchments, in-year applications and proof of address in more detail, and our guides to Eastleigh schools, Hedge End schools and Bursledon schools apply the same rules to those areas. Talk to the council as early as you can, because places can take time to arrange.
How early to book
We recommend booking at least one to two weeks ahead to secure the date you want. Popular periods fill first, and that includes the school holidays, when many families are moving at the same time, so if you have a fixed date, ask for a quote as soon as you can. We work seven days a week across Southampton and Hampshire, and a free quote is always available.
If your date is not fixed, tell us what is likely, and we will talk through the options. It helps to know your key timings early, and to tell us if they change. Our guide to how long a house move takes explains how the day itself works.
Small things that help children through a move
- Talk to them early, and honestly. Explain where you are going, when and why, and let them ask questions.
- Involve them. Let them choose a room, pick a colour or help pack their own things.
- Pack their room last and unpack it first. A familiar bed, toys and books make the new house feel like home much sooner.
- Visit the new area before the move. A walk to the park, the shops and the school makes it less strange.
- Keep in touch with old friends. A promise of a visit, or a video call, can make a big difference.
- Keep a few normal routines going, such as bedtime stories, meals and weekend activities.
Every child is different, and some take a move in their stride while others need more time. Look out for signs that your child is struggling, and talk to their school or your GP if you are worried. A little patience in the first few weeks goes a long way.
Making either work
- Choose the date that suits your family and your chain, and keep some flexibility.
- Check school admissions for the new area before you commit.
- Tell your children's school, and arrange records and a visit.
- Book your removal company early, and confirm your key timings.
- Keep routines and familiar things close, so children have something steady.
Summary
- Holidays are usually simplest for children.
- Completion dates often decide the timing.
- Check school admissions before fixing a date.
- Book early for popular periods.
FAQs
Usually a school holiday, because it avoids missed lessons and gives children time to settle. Term-time moves can work well with planning, and completion dates often decide the timing.
It gives the most time, but it is also the busiest period for moves. If you are moving in the summer holidays, book early and keep some flexibility.
Yes. Half terms are a good window, and an in-year application may be needed if your children change school. Tell the school, and check admissions with the council.
Tell them as early as you can, and ask about passing on records and any support your child may need. Ask the new school about arrangements for the first day.
We recommend at least one to two weeks ahead, and earlier for popular periods, such as school holidays. Ask for a quote as soon as you have a date.
One Last Thought
Planning a family move in Southampton or Hampshire? Call K2 Swift Removals on 023 8111 3116 or 07356 097791 and we will give you a straight, free quote.
