Basker's Moving Service: How to Make the Transition Smooth

Basker’s Moving Service

Is your child already attending Basker? We make moving easier. With our Moving Service, you get priority for a place at one of our other locations. Use our location finder to check if we have a childcare setting near your new home.

How Does the Moving Service Work?

1. Moving house? Let us know! You can inform your location manager or use our contact form.
2. Our team will check if there’s availability at a location near your new home or in your new town.
3. Because your child is already with us, you’ll get priority for a spot at a new location.
4. If there’s availability, we’ll transfer your existing contract for you.
5. Once you’ve moved, your child can start at a Basker childcare setting near your new home. That’s one less thing to worry about during this busy time!

Tips for a Gentle Start at Childcare

• Plan a settling-in visit: Come along with your child for a short visit before their official first day. This helps them get familiar with the space and meet our childcare professionals.
• Share your routines: Let us know what your child is used to when it comes to sleeping and eating. Do they have a favourite cuddly toy? The more we know, the quicker your child will feel at home.
• Bring something familiar from home: This could be a soft toy, a blanket, or any item that smells like ‘home’.
• Stay for a little while at drop-off: Giving your child time to acclimatise makes the transition less abrupt.
• Keep goodbyes short and predictable: Use a simple ritual, like a hug and a short phrase: “See you later!” This gives clarity and reassurance.
• Talk positively about childcare at home: Share fun things that happen there so your child stays curious and excited.
• Give your child time to adjust: Every child settles at their own pace. It’s perfectly normal for it to take a little while before they feel completely comfortable.

Tips for a Gentle Start at Home

Moving house can feel overwhelming. These tips will make the transition easier for you and your child.

Babies and Toddlers (0–2 years)

• Use familiar elements in the new bedroom, such as the same wall colour or bed position.
• Don’t wash the bedding straight away so the familiar scent remains.
• Stick to your child’s usual routine as much as possible.

Preschoolers (2–4 years)

• Read a book together about moving house, such as Bobbi Moves House.
• Take your child to the new home for a visit before moving day.
• Life for a preschooler revolves mainly around home, so moving can feel like a big change. Allow space for emotions. If you show that the new home is a happy place, your child will soon feel safe.
• Let your child pack a small suitcase or box with their favourite things and unpack it themselves in the new home.

Reception Age (4 years and up)

• Involve your child actively in the move. Explore the new neighbourhood together, read a book about moving, or choose colours and furniture for their new room.
• Encourage them to pack and unpack some of their own belongings so it feels like their own space.
• Remember that your child is saying goodbye to a familiar place. Allow space for the emotions that come with that.

Older Children

• The older your child, the more you can prepare them and involve them in decisions. Create a mood board for their new room together and let them choose colours and accessories.
• Visit the new neighbourhood in advance and discover local playgrounds or (sports) clubs they can join.
• If your child is starting at a new school, it can help to visit beforehand and take a look at their new classroom.