Moving house is a big deal. It’s exciting, overwhelming, and often chaotic—especially if you’re a mum juggling kids, clutter, and countless to-do lists. But what if you could make the process smoother, less stressful, and maybe even enjoyable? Removals company Surrey Removals have provided a helpful checklist to help mums move home easier.
This isn’t just another moving checklist. This is your practical, no-nonsense survival guide designed to help mums take charge of the move, stay sane, and settle into your new place with confidence.
Ready to swap stress for strategy?
Why Is Moving So Tough on Mums?
Let’s start with the obvious: you’re not just moving furniture. You’re moving lives.
Mums often carry the emotional load. You’re trying to make it a smooth transition for your kids, stay organised, manage the admin, and still remember where the toothbrushes are.
But why is it particularly challenging?
Time pressure. Mums already work to tight schedules. Packing, cleaning, and planning adds hours to already busy days.
Emotional toll. Saying goodbye to a home full of memories isn’t easy—for you or your children.
Mental load. You’re not just packing moving boxes. You’re thinking of school transfers, address changes, baby routines, and what happens when someone inevitably loses a favourite toy.
It’s a lot. But there are smart, manageable ways to handle it.
Tip 1: Start With a Family Game Plan
Don’t just dive into packing. Take a step back and plan like a general going into battle.
Ask yourself:
What can I delegate?
What’s our ideal move date?
What do we need to set up first in the new home?
Key steps to plan effectively:
Create a moving timeline. Start at least 6 weeks in advance. Break tasks into weekly chunks. For example, Week 1: declutter kids’ wardrobes. Week 2: book removals.
Hold a family meeting. Let kids know what to expect. Involve them in small decisions to give them a sense of control.
Build a ‘move binder’. Keep everything in one place—quotes, checklists, utility info, school details, and floor plans.
Example: One mum created a colour-coded calendar and gave each child a “moving badge” for completed tasks. It made everyone feel involved—and reduced the resistance.
Tip 2: Declutter Ruthlessly, Not Sentimentally
Less stuff = fewer boxes = less stress. Obvious, right? But decluttering with kids around isn’t so simple.
Still, every item you keep has a cost—time, energy, and space.
Practical strategies:
Follow the 3-box method: Keep, donate, bin. No “maybe” pile.
Limit the memory box. Give each child one small box for sentimental items. Teach them to choose what really matters.
Be strategic with toys. Involve kids in donating toys to charity. It builds empathy—and clears space.
Stat to consider: According to a 2023 UK home survey, the average family of four has over 300,000 items in their home. Do you really want to move all that?
Tip 3: Prioritise Kid-Friendly Packing
Packing with little ones in tow? That’s not just logistics—it’s survival mode.
How to make it work:
Create a ‘don’t pack’ zone. A designated space for everyday essentials like snacks, wipes, a few toys, and chargers.
Label boxes by room AND urgency. For example: “Kids Room – High Priority”. You’ll know what to unpack first.
Use transparent plastic bins. Especially for children’s things. You can see what’s inside without tearing it open.
Ask yourself: What will your child want to unpack first in the new home? Make that box easily accessible.
Tip 4: Plan Childcare Strategically
Here’s a hard truth: You can’t pack and parent effectively at the same time—not during the move itself.
Solutions that work:
Swap childcare with a trusted friend. Offer to return the favour after the move.
Hire a sitter on key days. Consider it an investment in your mental health.
Use nursery or after-school clubs. Extend hours if possible, even for a week or two.
Real-life example: A mum of three booked soft play sessions for moving day. Her partner stayed with the kids while she managed the removals. No meltdowns, no injuries.
Tip 5: Create a Moving Day Survival Kit
The day of the move will be chaotic. Chris the manager of removals firm Removals Guildford recommends to pack one box that holds everything you’ll need within arm’s reach.
Essentials include:
Kettle, tea, coffee, and snacks
Basic cleaning supplies
Toilet paper
Nappies and wipes (if needed)
Phone chargers
First aid kit
Pyjamas and bedtime items for the kids
Pro tip: Pack this kit in a suitcase or a bright plastic tub. Label it “OPEN FIRST”.
Tip 6: Prep Your New Home in Advance
The move doesn’t end when the van pulls away. The real challenge? Getting the new house kid-ready fast.
If possible, visit the new place ahead of time to:
Check safety features. Are there stair gates, locks, or sharp corners?
Assign bedrooms. Let children be part of the process—it makes them feel at home.
Set up sleeping areas first. Tired kids + no beds = nightmare.
Fast fix: Blow-up mattresses and night lights help when full bed setups aren’t ready.
Tip 7: Use Technology to Stay Organised
There are apps for almost every stage of the move. Make your phone your personal assistant.
Top tools:
Trello or Notion: Plan, track and delegate moving tasks.
Sortly: Keep an inventory of boxes with photos.
Royal Mail Redirection: Set this up online to avoid missed post.
Change of address checklist: Many UK councils offer free printable versions—download one early.
Ask yourself: What’s one task I keep forgetting? Add a reminder now.
Tip 8: Build Emotional Resilience—for You and the Kids
Moving is one of life’s biggest transitions. Kids pick up on your emotions, even when you think you’re hiding them.
To help your family adjust:
Acknowledge emotions. “It’s okay to feel sad or scared.” Naming feelings helps kids process them.
Tell stories. Share how you moved homes as a child—or how Gran did. It creates a sense of continuity.
Plan a goodbye ritual. Say goodbye to each room. Take photos. Leave a note for the next family.
Did you know? A study by the University of Warwick found that children who moved house frequently before age 10 were more prone to stress in later life—unless they had strong family support.
Tip 9: Build Your New Routine Fast
Kids crave routine. Once the move is done, re-establish a familiar rhythm ASAP.
Suggestions:
Set up the breakfast table the night before. Helps mornings run smoother—even when you’re surrounded by boxes.
Do a “first night” plan. Choose an easy meal, familiar bedtime routine, and keep it low-key.
Walk the school run. Do a test run if possible before their first day.
Bonus idea: Let kids help decorate their new rooms with fairy lights, posters, or peel-and-stick wall decals. It gives them ownership and comfort.
Tip 10: Give Yourself Permission to Take It Slow
This is not a race. You don’t have to unpack everything in a weekend. Life continues between boxes.
Be kind to yourself by:
Celebrating small wins. You found the cutlery? Brilliant. That’s a win.
Asking for help. Friends, family, neighbours—people want to support you.
Taking breaks. You’re more effective when you pause to rest or laugh with your kids.
One mum’s motto? “One drawer a day keeps the chaos away.”
Moving Forward with Confidence
Moving house as a mum isn’t just about packing. It’s about transitioning a whole family into a new chapter. It’s about protecting your energy, helping your children feel safe, and creating a home—not just a house.
So ask yourself:
What would make this move feel successful to you—not just completed, but calm, empowering, and even joyful?
You’ve got this. Not because it’s easy. But because you’re prepared.
