Moving with children

The short answer

Moving with children usually means an extra layer of planning around school places, familiar routines and keeping children informed without overwhelming them. Applying for a school place early, involving children in small decisions such as packing their own room, and arranging childcare for the moving day itself all help reduce disruption during an otherwise busy time.

School places and catchment areas

If a move crosses a school catchment boundary, applying to the new local authority as early as possible improves the chances of a smooth transfer, since popular schools can have waiting lists. Contacting both the current and prospective schools directly helps confirm timelines and any paperwork needed.

Preparing children for the day

Involving children in age-appropriate tasks, such as packing their own toys or choosing where things go in the new room, can make the process feel less unsettling. Keeping a favourite toy or comfort item easily accessible on moving day, rather than packed away early, is a small but often appreciated detail.

• Talk to children about the move in simple, honest terms
• Let them pack a small bag of favourite items themselves
• Arrange childcare for moving day itself if possible
• Keep familiar routines such as bedtime as consistent as you can

Settling in afterwards

Setting up a child's bedroom early, even before the rest of the house is unpacked, gives them a familiar space to retreat to. Connecting with local clubs, playgroups or new classmates in the weeks after the move can also help build a sense of belonging.

What to do, in order

1. 1Apply to the new school or nursery as soon as the move is confirmed
2. 2Talk to your child about the move and answer their questions honestly
3. 3Arrange childcare or a quiet activity for moving day itself
4. 4Pack your child's room last and unpack it first at the new home
5. 5Keep a favourite comfort item easily accessible throughout the move
6. 6Look into local clubs, playgroups or activities to help settling in

Local detail for the Lothians

• School catchment boundaries vary between City of Edinburgh Council, East Lothian Council, Midlothian Council and West Lothian Council, so check the correct authority's admissions process for your new address
• Popular Edinburgh primary schools in areas such as Stockbridge or Bruntsfield can have waiting lists, so early application matters
• Commuter towns such as Musselburgh and Linlithgow often have more available capacity at local schools than central Edinburgh
• Nurseries across the Lothians vary in funded hours availability, so check with the local authority about funded early learning places when moving

Common questions

When should I apply for a new school place?

As soon as your move is confirmed, since some Scottish councils have deadlines for placing requests and popular schools can fill up.

Is it better to move during school holidays?

It can reduce disruption to schooling, though it is not essential; many families move during term time without major issues if the school is informed in advance.

Related pages

• Moving home checklist

  A week-by-week plan covering everything from instructing a solicitor to collecting the keys.

• Moving day timeline

  What a typical moving day looks like, hour by hour, from the removal van's arrival to the last box.

• Moving to Edinburgh

  What to know before moving to Edinburgh, from neighbourhoods to parking and city-centre access.