Relocating With Children

Moving house is stressful enough on its own, and bringing children into the mix adds an extra layer of planning, from school transfers to helping them adjust emotionally to a new city.

Timing Your Move

Where possible, align your move with school term breaks to minimise disruption to your children's routine. If you're relocating between provinces, such as from Cape Town to Johannesburg or Pretoria, check both the sending and receiving school's term dates, since they can differ slightly between provinces.

Sorting Out Schools Early

Popular schools in cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria can have long waiting lists, so start the application process as soon as your move date is confirmed rather than waiting until you've arrived. Ask other parents or local Facebook groups for input on schools in the suburbs you're considering.

Involving Kids in the Process

• Let younger children pack a small box of their own favourite items to keep close on moving day.
• Talk openly about the move and what's changing, giving older kids space to ask questions or express concerns.
• Where possible, visit the new suburb or school beforehand so it feels less unfamiliar on day one.

Settling In

Try to unpack your children's rooms first so they have a familiar space to retreat to while the rest of the house is still in boxes. Establishing a routine quickly, even a simple one, helps kids feel settled faster in a new home and city.

A good moving company can handle the logistics, but a bit of extra planning around your kids' routine and schooling goes a long way toward making the whole move feel less disruptive for the whole family.

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