Moving House With Children as a Single Mum: A Survival Guide

Moving house is always a challenge; but doing it solo with kids in tow? That takes courage, grit, and a willingness to embrace a little insanity.

As a single mother, you’re not just packing boxes. You’re packing memories, managing emotions, and striving to hold it all together for the kids.

It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. But take a breath; you don’t have to be superhuman. You do have to be kind to yourself, stay organised, and remember: this move isn’t just about logistics. It’s about building a fresh start for you and your children. Below are six key areas to help get you started, and settled in the new home. 

1. Decluttering and Preparation

Start with a clean slate by decluttering before you pack. Fewer items mean fewer boxes and fewer headaches. This preparation can make or break the success of moving day.

While partnered and single, I moved myself and my kids 5 times in 7 years.

The effort you put in here will pay off in the long run - I promise.

• Involve the kids: Let them sort their toys and donate what they’ve outgrown.

• Or don’t involve the kids: Pick a day when they aren’t home (maybe school, or organize a trusted babysitter) and toss all the stuff you know they don’t want, but will become their absolute favourite object if they lay eyes on it again.

• One room at a time: Don’t try to tackle the whole house in one go. If a whole room feels overwhelming, start with a cupboard or wardrobe. 

• Use the “keep, donate, toss” method and be RUTHLESS: If you know you have a stack of gear that needs to be donated (particularly furniture or household items) call around to your local Salvos etc and arrange a collection. 

• Sell it - Anything that can be sold, get on Facebook marketplace. Make a little cash while clearing the decks.  

Decluttering not only clears physical space; it clears mental space too. 

Let go of items that belong to your old chapter. 

You’re moving forward, mama - and while the emotional baggage is harder to offload, getting rid of unnecessary “stuff” makes everything feel lighter.

2. Packing & Documenting

Start packing early, do it smart and methodically.

• Label everything: Use color-coded stickers or labels. Write the room name on each box. With smartphones on hand, you can even take a photo before taping up boxes. 

• Electronics and White Goods: Snap pictures of how electronics are plugged in, and where cords for the modem go etc. Take a video of the washing machine hoses and how they connect. It’s literally a “how-to” tutorial for hooking everything up at the new place.

Pack an essentials box: This will differ for everyone, but the  important things are what you will need for the first night and morning - Some suggestions:

• Set of clothes for yourself and kids plus PJ’s

• Snacks and water bottles

• Phone & iPad chargers 

• Toiletries and any medications

• Set of sheets for each bed and any night time teddies for the kids.

Documenting isn’t just for logistics; it provides peace of mind when the chaos of unpacking inevitably hits!

3. Tips for Success on Moving Day

Moving day is the marathon. Make sure you eat, and drink water. 

• Arrange childcare or playdates if possible - this is important. As mothers we know what we can achieve when we are left alone to lock in and get it done.

• Have snacks, water bottles, and a fully charged phone - pack a large tote bag with all your essentials. Be careful not to leave essentials lying around - everything goes back in the tote so you can find it when you need it. found a bum bag to be most helpful in my last move - phone, keys, and a permanent marker on me at all times.

• Hire help if you can, or ask a friend to be your sidekick for the day. Check out Airtasker if you are not confident rebuilding beds or putting together flatpack furniture. Put the call out to your local community page on Facebook. Borrow a trailer, or someone’s teenagers that might want to earn $50.

  
  

You don’t have to do it all alone. If someone asks what they can do to help - give them a task. They don’t have to spend the whole day unpacking plates and cups. But Susan from playgroup can certainly whip you up a pot of spag bol for your first night. You just have to accept it and say “yes please, that would be great.”

Pride won’t lift a fridge or cart boxes from your car boot to bedrooms. 

Say yes when help is offered.

4. Unpacking and Organisation

Once you’ve landed in the new place, resist the urge to do it all in one night.

• Prioritise the kids’ rooms first to create a sense of security - beds and clothes.

• Unpack the kitchen second; routine meals help keep everyone grounded, and mama is going to need her coffee.

• Create a dumping zone: An area for boxes and crap that you’re not sure what to do with yet. This ensures rooms that are unpacked and organised stay that way.

5. Settling In - You and the Children

This isn’t just a new house; it’s a new beginning.

Be gentle with yourself and the kids as you settle in.

• Keep routines as consistent as possible. Swimming lessons, naps and school. Keep it going - it’s hard but important. Everything will feel new and different in your new home, so keep these things constant.

• Explore the new neighbourhood together; find a nearby park or café. Moving can have you quickly feeling like you’ve not seen the outside of four walls in days. Take a walk, have a look around and breathe.

• Talk openly about feelings; yours and theirs. The kids will not wither from emotional trauma if you let them know (in age appropriate language) that you are tired. That you need an early night. Or that your brain has been so busy that you forgot to do something they’d asked. This is reality.

  
  

This is the moment to reconnect with yourself and the kids, rebuild, and create new memories. Be there for yourself, so that you can better show up for your children. 

6. Looking Ahead: Your Fresh Start

Moving is exhausting, yes; but it’s so fricking brave.

You’ve just done something powerful. You’ve moved your family forward.

Now’s the time to dream. Set new intentions for this space. You’ve proven to your children and yourself; that you are resourceful, resilient, and capable.

10 Things to Avoid When Moving House

1. Leaving everything to the last minute

2. Not decluttering and reducing before the move

3. Not budgeting for moving expenses

4. Rejecting offers of help - from moving, to childcare and cooking

5. Forgetting to update your address

6. Letting the kids pack their own essentials (you'll regret it!)

7. Not packing a “first night” box

8. Ignoring your own emotional needs

9. Overcommitting your schedule around the move

10. Comparing your move to someone else’s

10 Must-Have Moving Tools for Mums

1. Heavy-duty moving Bags – Yes, moving bags. You can pick up boxes from other people that have moved and are willing to pass them on. Check your local hardware, grocery and department stores that may have freebies. These are a no brainer. But these bags or all linen, clothes and soft toys are a game changer

2. Color-coded moving labels – Essential for quick unpacking. Simple labelling works, bright colours and a Sharpie. But for next level moving - check out these!

3. Furniture sliders – Save your back!

4. Permanent Markers – Get a mutli-pack.

5. Tool kit with screwdriver set – For disassembling and reassembling furniture. This does not have to be fancy. Just a few basics for small tasks. You will surprise yourself what you can fix and tighten with a small kit and a YouTube video.

6. Packing Tape Gun – Worth every cent. Tape boxes up like a pro, save your teeth and your sanity looking for scissors and the end of a roll of packing tape.

7. First-night essentials box – Pre-packed and ready to go - SO important. The basics that you need overnight - think about what you would back on a one night sleepover, and walk through in your mind what you cannot live without first thing in the morning.

8. Portable trolley/dolly – Game-changer for solo movers. Borrow one if you can, however… This is a solo parent essential in my eyes, not just for the move. But a good investment for down the track - moving furniture for a new look, pulling out the fridge or washing machine to clean.

9. Stretch wrap – Keeps drawers closed and items secure. I used masking tape to keep drawers and doors shut on my first move. It left that sticky residue and I was still finding the goo and cleaning it off a month later. I was just grateful that it didn't damage the paint!

10. Room diffuser – This is a bit overboard… I know. But think about this - you know how everyone’s house or car or clothing has a “smell”? If you have a diffuser going in your current home a few weeks before moving, you can replicate that scent in your new place. You will be surprised how much it will help you and the children feel like this is “your place.”

Final Thoughts

Moving house with children as a single mother isn’t just a logistical task; it’s a test of patience, courage, and self-belief. But trust yourself. Ask for help. Do what you can, and let go of perfection. My dad would always say “done is better than perfect.” 

The new chapter ahead isn’t just about a new address. It’s a new beginning.

NOTE: Leaving or moving is the most dangerous time for anyone suffering through domestic, physical, financial or emotional abuse.

The advice and suggestions in this post are general in nature and is not suitable for those in situations of domestic violence. If you need help - please reach out for it: 1800RESPECT