Tips for Moving House with Kids (Kingston & Richmond Edition)

Moving with children in London can feel like juggling boxes, bedtimes and bus routes all at once. The good news? With the right prep—and a mover who knows Kingston and Richmond inside out—you can keep stress low and smiles high. Here’s your practical, parent-tested guide for house moves with kids.

Why house move with kids needs a different plan

Children thrive on routine and familiarity. A move changes bedrooms, schools, friends—and even the nearest park. The aim is to keep comfort items close, involve them in small decisions, and keep the grown-up logistics quietly organised in the background.

1) 4–6 weeks before moving day: set the foundations

Talk early, keep it positive.Explain the move in simple terms and focus on what stays the same: family, favourite toys, weekend rituals. Use a countdown calendar they can tick off.

Declutter together (by category, not room)

• Broken toys, outgrown clothes, duplicate books → donate, sell or recycle.

• Involve older kids: give them a “keep/donate” box each.

• Reduce before you pack—cheaper, quicker, easier.

Create a Family Move Binder (digital or paper)

• New address, key contacts, quotes, school and GP paperwork, after-school clubs info, pet records.

• Keep passports/birth certificates in a separate, always-with-you folder.

School planning (if applicable)

If you’re changing schools, gather transfer records and application timelines early. For continuity, keep uniforms, PE kits and stationery in clearly labelled “School” bags.

Choose your mover wisely

Ask for:

• AM arrival window to fit around naps/school runs

• Sturdy wardrobe boxes (no crumpling uniforms!)

• Protective wrap for cots, bunk beds and prams

• Optional packing service the day before to minimise chaos

Kingston & Richmond Removals can supply child-safe packing materials and timed slots to suit family schedules. Just ask when you book our services.

2) Kid-smart packing: make it visual and simple

Colour-code by child/room.

• Stick one colour per child on every box (e.g., green = Mia’s room).

• Add icons (🧸 for toys, 📚 for books) so little ones can “help”.

Pack the “First-Night Kids Box” (don’t let it go on the van!).

• PJs, favourite cuddly toy/blanket, bedtime books, nightlight, nappies/wipes

• Thermometer, basic meds, toiletries, 2 changes of clothes

• Snacks, sippy cups/water bottles, plates/cutlery, kettle/tea

• Phone/tablet chargers and a multi-plug

Keep clothes on hangers: Bundle 10–15 items, slide a bin bag over from the bottom, tie at the hooks. Straight from old wardrobe to new—done.

Protect the sleep routine

• Mark “BEDS + BEDDING – UNLOAD FIRST” on boxes.

• If you have a cot, keep the hardware in a zip bag taped to the frame.

Label like a pro: Write: child/room, contents, and “OPEN FIRST” when critical (school kit, baby supplies).

3) Moving week: reduce surprises

Confirm child-care cover: If possible, have a grandparent/friend take the kids out (Richmond Park playgrounds, Bushy Park, Canbury Gardens). Less noise, fewer tears, quicker loading.

Parking & access: Secure parking/permits for the van near both properties (especially terraced streets in Richmond, Kew, St Margarets, Kingston, Norbiton, Surbiton). Clear hallways and stairwells the night before.

“Load Last” list: Buggy, changing bag, car seats, snacks, cleaning caddy, toolkit, pet kit. These go on the van last, off first.

4) Moving day with children: calm, clear, quick

Set up one safe zone: Choose a quiet room for the kids (or a playmat area). Keep small parts and tools out of reach.

Stick to the snack plan: Hungry kids = meltdowns. Pack easy wins: fruit pouches, crackers, cereal bars, water bottles.

Assign roles: One adult handles movers and access; the other is on kid duty. If you’re solo, ask our team to prioritise kids’ room and beds first.

Walk-through before you leave: Do a final sweep for chargers, school letters, and that favourite dinosaur that always hides behind the radiator.

5) First 48 hours: anchor the new routine

Build the bedrooms first: Beds up, bedding on, curtains closed by dusk. Familiar smells (their usual detergent) help them sleep.

Recreate bedtime exactly: Same book, same white noise, same lullaby. Comfort = faster settling.

Explore the neighbourhood together: A mini “adventure walk” to the local park or bakery helps kids map their new world. In Kingston & Richmond you’re spoiled for choice—riverside paths, green spaces, and family-friendly cafés everywhere.

Paperwork sprint: Register with a local GP/dentist; check school travel routes; note bin days and collection points.

6) London-specific tips that save sanity

• Busy/skinny roads: Streets in Kew, Ham, St Margarets, and parts of Kingston/Surbiton can be tight. Pre-plan where the van will stop and warn neighbours if needed.

• Flats & lifts: Book lift slots and measure sofas/wardrobes for stair turns.

• Stairs & terrace entries: Tell us in advance—our team brings extra hands, ramps and protectors for banisters and floors.

• Rain plan: Have plastic sheeting and towels ready; our crews carry floor protection.

Sample 2-week countdown (family version)

Day 14–10 – Declutter kids’ rooms; order packing materials; start non-essentials.

Day 9–7 – Pack out-of-season clothes; confirm childcare; arrange permits.

Day 6–4 – Pack children’s books/toys by halves (leave a “play set” out).

Day 3–2 – Disassemble guest beds/unused furniture; label “OPEN FIRST” boxes.

Day 1 – First-Night Kids Box ready; fridge snack bag; photograph meter readings.

Move Day – Kids out with a helper; beds set up first at the new home.

+1–2 – Bedrooms complete; school/GP admin; short local walk to explore.

What Kingston & Richmond Removals does for families

• AM starts to suit school drop-offs

• Child-safe packing service (no blades left around, tidy work areas)

• Wardrobe boxes and mattress covers included on request

• Disassembly/reassembly of cots, bunks, and wardrobes

• Floor/banister protection for narrow London homes

• Priority unload of kids’ rooms and beds

Want a tailored family move plan? Tell us the ages of your children and any special routines—we’ll build your schedule around naps, feeds and bedtimes.

Quick checklist (print this!)

•  Tell kids & start a countdown calendar

•  Declutter toys/clothes/books together

•  Family Move Binder set

•  School/GP transfer steps ready

•  Parking/permit confirmed both addresses

•  Colour-coded labels + icons

•  First-Night Kids Box (kept with you)

•  Beds and bedding marked “Unload First”

•  Childcare arranged for moving day

•  Explore the new area together within 48 hours

• 
  

FAQs

How do I keep toddlers safe on moving day?

Set up a single “safe room” away from the loading route, with stair gates if you have them. Keep tools/screws in lidded tubs. If possible, arrange childcare out of the house.

Should I move during term time or holidays?

Holidays reduce disruption to lessons, but term time can mean quicker school transfers and a more predictable routine. If moving mid-term, let teachers know early so they can send transition work.

Do you rebuild children’s furniture?

Yes. We’ll disassemble and reassemble cots, bunks and wardrobes, and we label fixings so nothing goes missing.

Planning a family move in Kingston, Richmond, Surbiton, Teddington or nearby? Get a free, no-pressure quote from Kingston & Richmond Removals. Tell us your children’s ages and key routines—we’ll craft a moving plan that keeps nap time sacred and bedtimes on track.