Moving house when you’re a mum is like running a three-ring circus. Only, the clowns are tired, the monkeys have opinions, and someone’s always asking for a snack. It’s not just about changing addresses. It’s about shifting entire routines, packing up childhood memories, and somehow keeping everyone sane while you do it.
If you’re planning to look for affordable removalists in Adelaide or maybe budget removalists in Brisbane, this isn’t just a checklist. It’s your survival kit.
Forget the generic advice. This is practical, emotionally intelligent, mum-tested content to help you breathe a little easier, and maybe even enjoy the process.
First things first: Accept that moving with kids is a full-body workout
Let’s be honest. No two family moves are the same. But if you’re living in suburbs like Glenelg, Burnside or Tea Tree Gully in Adelaide, or Chermside, Indooroopilly, or The Gap in Brisbane, you’ll face similar challenges:
- Narrower streets and awkward parking
- School catchment drama
- Deciding what to keep, donate, or bin before packing the tenth soft toy no one remembers owning
That’s why getting affordable removalists in Adelaide or budget removalists in Brisbane is only one piece of the puzzle. The bigger goal? Moving without losing your mind.
Week 4: The mental load begins here
Book your movers before they vanish
Suburban moves fill up fast. Especially during school holidays or just after rent cycles. Don’t wait. If your timeline is set, hop on a platform like Connect Market to compare local movers who understand the streets you live on.
Declutter without guilt
This is the golden hour to say goodbye to the baby bath that hasn’t seen water in four years. Involve your kids if they’re old enough. Make it a “give to someone who needs it” mission. It teaches compassion and keeps little hands busy.
Sort your admin early
Print out a fresh checklist (or go digital if that’s your jam). Note down:
- Utility companies to call
- Change of address notifications
- School transfers
- Local council waste pickups (especially in places like Logan or Mitcham that may need advance booking)
Create a ‘moving folder’
Digital or physical, your call. But keep everything in one spot. Removalist receipts, quotes, school emails, new house documents. Trust me, it’ll save your brain.
Week 3: Start packing, emotionally and physically
Tell the kids the plan
Kids aren’t just small people. They’re little empaths. Even toddlers pick up on stress. Let them know what’s coming. Use picture books, role play, or show them photos of the new home.
Start with the things no one needs right now
Guest towels, Christmas decorations, clothes that don’t match the current weather, pack those. Label every box by room and contents. Write it like you’ll be the one unpacking after two sleepless nights. Spoiler: you will be.
Take photos before disassembly
Unscrew the bunk bed? Snap it first. Got IKEA furniture? Photograph the back panel before removing it. Even better, let the kids take the photos. It keeps them involved and feels like a mini project.
Get your packing supplies sorted
No, you don’t have enough tape. Yes, you need more boxes. Most movers will supply these if asked early. Otherwise, your local Bunnings or Facebook marketplace can save the day.
Week 2: Prep the people before the place
Secure childcare for moving day
This is crucial. If someone offers to take the kids for a few hours, say yes. Your movers will thank you. Your back will thank you. And the kids will be happier somewhere with snacks and cartoons instead of dust and chaos.
Pack a Mum Survival Kit
This is your “first 24 hours” bag. Put in:
- Clean clothes for everyone
- Basic toiletries
- Favourite cuddly toy
- Tea bags and instant coffee
- Chargers
- A few plates and cups
- Panadol and plasters
- A bottle of wine (non-essential but helpful)
Label this bag like it’s sacred: Do Not Lose This Bag.
Redirect the post
Australia Post offers a simple redirection service. Don’t forget to update Medicare, the school admin, sports clubs, and your go-to pizza joint.
Back up the devices
Photos. Important PDFs. Your Spotify playlist. Back it all up before someone accidentally packs the laptop bag at the bottom of the wardrobe box.
Week 1: The home stretch
Clear the pantry like it’s a MasterChef challenge
Time to play “What can I cook with three rice crackers, a tin of chickpeas and frozen peas?” Use what you can. Donate what’s unopened. Chuck what’s expired.
Deep clean or hire help
End-of-lease clean? Bring in the pros if you can afford it. Otherwise, tackle it room by room. Don’t forget light switches, window tracks, oven trays, and the dreaded skirting boards.
Say goodbye to your current suburb
Take a walk with the kids. Say a little farewell to the park, the corner café, the cranky neighbour you secretly liked. Closure helps everyone settle into the next chapter.
Confirm your movers again
Call them. Confirm the time. Recheck access (do you need lift bookings or parking permits?). Especially in inner suburbs of Brisbane or Adelaide, where laneways and driveways can get tricky.
Moving day: Go time
Wake up early and caffeinated
You’ll be operating on adrenaline and granola bars. That’s fine. But get five minutes of calm before the storm hits.
Keep the kids engaged
If they’re around, assign simple jobs. Let them carry a pillow. Give them a “special helper” sticker. But also accept that this might be the day you hand over an iPad and call it a win.
Supervise, don’t micromanage
You’ve booked professional movers for a reason. Let them do their thing. Be available for questions. Offer water. Tip them if they’ve been especially great.
Do a final walk-through
Look behind curtains. Check bathroom drawers. Open every cupboard. The most forgotten item? Chargers and half-used shampoo bottles.
First night in the new home
Unpack the essentials only
Beds. Bedding. Towels. Cutlery. The kettle. That’s it. You’ll do more tomorrow. No medals for overachieving on day one.
Order dinner guilt-free
Whether it’s Thai in Toowong or pizza in Parkside, treat yourself. Everyone’s tired. No one wants to cook. It’s allowed.
Keep bedtime familiar
Even if the bed’s in a new corner, make it feel like home. Same pillow. Same lullaby. Same bedtime story. Comfort is in the details.
The week after – Don’t rush the reset
Give yourself grace
You don’t need to have the house picture-perfect by day three. Settle in. Let the kids explore the new backyard. Introduce yourselves to the neighbours.
Unpack with a strategy
Go room by room. Kitchen first. Then bathrooms. Then kids’ rooms. The garage can wait. So can the photo frames.
Discover your new local spots
Find the nearest GP, chemist, bakery and playground. Take the kids on a suburb adventure. Buy a local coffee. Breathe in the change.
Let’s Keep It Real
Moving with kids isn’t just logistics. It’s emotional. It’s chaotic. It’s beautiful in the weirdest ways. One minute you’re crying over baby clothes, the next you’re celebrating finally finding the toaster.
The goal is not perfection. It’s peace of mind.
Let Connect Market Handle the Hard Part
You’ve got a million things on your plate already. So here’s one task you can offload with confidence.
Connect Market helps you compare and book reliable, affordable movers in Adelaide and movers in Brisbane. No hidden surprises. No dodgy quotes. Just proper removalists who show up on time and handle your stuff like it matters, because it does.
Whether you’re moving across the street or across suburbs, visit Connect Market to book your move in minutes. Easy, breezy, done.
