Deciding whether moving house during school holidays or during the school term is the better call is one of the most common questions we get from families here in Wollongong. After years on the trucks, the honest truth is there’s no single right answer – it depends on your kids, your budget and how much notice you’ve got. So here’s the advice we’d give our own family, laid out plainly so you can pick what suits you.
Moving house during school holidays: the honest pros and cons
For most families, moving house during school holidays is the default choice – and for good reason. Nobody’s missing class, the kids can pitch in (or at least stay out from underfoot), and there’s a buffer of days to unpack and settle before the routine kicks back in. But it isn’t all upside.
Why the holidays work
The biggest win is settling-in time. A move is a big deal for a child, and having a week or two to find where the cutlery lives, meet the neighbours and get comfortable in a new bedroom takes the edge off. If you’re changing schools as well, the holidays let your kids start fresh on day one instead of walking into a half-finished term. You’ll also have the whole family available to help pack, which speeds up the days before we arrive.
The catch nobody mentions
Everyone else has the same idea. School holidays – especially the summer break in January – are the busiest stretch of the year for removalists across the Illawarra. That means the good time slots book out early, and demand is at its peak. If you leave it late, you may struggle to get the date you want. Book as far ahead as you can, and read our Wollongong removalist cost guide so there are no surprises on the day.
Moving during school term: when it actually makes sense
Moving during the school term gets a bad rap, but plenty of families do it without any drama. If you’re staying in the same catchment and the kids aren’t changing schools, a term-time move can be smoother and cheaper than fighting for a holiday slot.
The trick is to move on a weekday and treat moving day like a normal school day – the kids go to class, come home to their new address, and you’ve had the whole day clear to get furniture placed and beds made. Mid-week moves (Monday to Wednesday) are usually a removalist’s quietest and often cheapest days, so you get more attention and a better rate. The downside is less slack in the schedule: there’s no spare week to unpack at your own pace, and if you’re switching schools mid-term, your child walks into an established classroom, which can be harder socially.
How to move with school kids without the meltdown
Whichever timing you land on, a few small things make a huge difference when there are children in the mix:
- Pack a “first night” box for each child. Pyjamas, a favourite toy, a nightlight, toothbrush and a couple of books. When everything else is in cartons, that one box keeps bedtime normal.
- Give them a job. Even little ones can pack their own soft toys or decorate their moving boxes. Feeling involved beats feeling shipped around.
- Set up their room first. On moving day we can prioritise the kids’ bedrooms so they have a familiar space to retreat to while the rest of the house comes together.
- Keep the routine. Same dinner time, same bedtime, same Saturday-morning pancakes. Routine is what tells a child that home is still home, even in a new house.
For a full run-through of the jobs to tick off beforehand, our things to do before you move checklist covers everything from mail redirection to disconnecting the fridge.
Booking tips from our side of the truck
Timing your removalist matters as much as timing the calendar. A few things we tell every family who calls:
Book early – earlier than you think. The most popular holiday dates go weeks in advance. If you know your settlement or lease date, lock in your movers straight away, even before you’ve finished packing.
Let us do the packing if life is hectic. Juggling work, kids and a move is a lot. Our packing services in Wollongong can wrap the whole house properly so you’re not up until midnight the night before. Well-packed boxes also load faster and travel safer.
Ask about mid-week rates. If your dates are flexible, moving Monday to Wednesday often costs less and gets you a quieter crew.
In a hurry? Sometimes a move can’t wait for the holidays. If you’re up against a tight settlement, our same-day removalists in Wollongong can step in at short notice.
And if you want to keep the whole thing lean, the tips in our moving house on a budget guide pair nicely with smart timing. The government’s MoneySmart guide to managing moving house costs is also worth a read before you set your budget.
So – term or holidays? Our honest take
If your children are changing schools, move in the holidays and give them room to settle. If they’re staying put and you just need to shift houses, a mid-week term-time move is often cheaper, easier to book and just as smooth – provided you keep the routine steady. There’s no medal for suffering through the busiest week of the year if a quiet Tuesday in term would do the job. Whatever you choose, get your removalist locked in early and let the crew carry the heavy stuff while you look after the little people.
Frequently asked questions
Is moving house during school holidays more expensive?
Often, yes. Holidays – particularly the January summer break – are peak season for removalists, so popular dates book out and demand runs high. If you can be flexible and move mid-week, or move during term time, you’ll usually get a better rate and more choice of slots.
Should I change my child’s school mid-term or wait for the holidays?
Where you can, line a school change up with the start of a new term or year so your child starts alongside everyone else. If a mid-term move is unavoidable, let the new school know in advance – teachers are used to welcoming new students and will help them settle in.
How far ahead should I book a removalist for a school-holiday move?
As early as possible. For summer-holiday moves we’d suggest booking several weeks out, since that’s our busiest window. Once you have a settlement or lease date, call us on 1300 015 050 and we’ll hold your spot.
What’s the best day of the week to move with kids?
A weekday, ideally Monday to Wednesday. Mid-week is quieter and often cheaper, and if it’s during term the kids can be at school while we handle the heavy lifting, then come home to their new place at the end of the day.
Ready to plan your family move?
Whether you’re moving these school holidays or squeezing a move into term time, we’ll make it easy on the whole family. Give our friendly Wollongong team a call on 1300 015 050 for a straight-up quote, or check out our house removalists service to see how we work. Fill in the form below and we’ll get straight back to you.
