Home swapping for families: How to do it

When the family grows but the apartment doesn't

There is a special moment in many Danish families' lives when it dawns on them: We need more space. Maybe it's when the second child is on the way. Maybe it's when the children are old enough to need their own room. Or maybe it's just the slowly growing realisation that four people in a 2-room apartment is a bit too tight.

For families, home swapping is often the most realistic path to a larger home. But it requires a bit of extra planning when children are involved. In this guide, we walk through all the considerations you should make.

School districts: The most important consideration

Let's start with what most families think about first: School.

In Denmark, public schools are divided into districts, and your child has the right to attend the school in the district where you live. If you swap to a home in a new area, it potentially means changing schools.

Questions to ask yourselves:

• Is our child at an age where a school change is manageable?
• Can the child stay at their current school even if we move? (This is often possible)
• How are the public schools in the areas we're considering?

A good rule of thumb: Move either before the children start school, or wait for a natural transition point (4th grade, lower secondary). Changing schools mid-year can be tough for children, but it can also be fine - it depends a lot on the individual child.

Tip: Research grade averages and well-being surveys for schools in the areas you're considering. The Ministry of Education publishes these data.

Nurseries and kindergartens

For families with younger children, proximity to childcare is often even more important than school. The daily logistics of drop-off and pick-up are demanding enough as it is.

What to investigate:

• Are there nurseries/kindergartens near the new home?
• How long are the waiting lists? (Use Pladsanvisningen in the relevant municipality)
• Can your child transfer with a guarantee, or do you have to start over on a waiting list?

Remember: If you move to a new municipality, you don't automatically have the right to a place. Contact pladsanvisningen in the new municipality early in the process to understand your options.

After-school care: If your child already attends school, also think about after-school programmes and activities. Are there good options in the new area?

Safe neighbourhoods: What does that mean for you?

"Safe neighbourhood" means different things to different families. For some, it's about low crime. For others, it's the absence of heavy traffic. For others still, it's about knowing your neighbours.

Good questions to ask:

• Are there other families with children in the building or neighbourhood?
• Are there playgrounds, parks or green spaces within walking distance?
• How is the traffic? Is it safe for children to cycle?
• Is there life during the day, or is the area deserted?

Tip: Visit the area at different times - in the morning, afternoon, and at weekends. Get a feel for the atmosphere.

Playgrounds, parks and leisure activities

Children need space to play and move around. Check what's available near a potential new home:

• Playgrounds: Are there playgrounds within walking distance? Are they well maintained?
• Parks and nature: Can you get to green areas without a car?
• Sports clubs: If your children play sports, are there clubs nearby?
• Library: Often a gathering point for families and a great place to meet others

Many municipalities have interactive maps showing all playgrounds and parks. Use them!

Timing: When is the best time to swap?

For families, timing is especially important. Here are some considerations:

The school year: Try to move during the summer holidays if your child needs to change schools. It provides a natural transition and time to settle in before the new school year.

Childcare: Many nurseries primarily admit children in March (kindergarten) or on a rolling basis (nursery). Plan accordingly.

Pregnancy: If you're expecting, it's ideal to be settled in the new home at least a couple of months before the due date. The stress of moving combined with a newborn is not for everyone.

Season: Moving in summer is generally easier for families - better weather, no school, and the children can play outside while you unpack.

Involve the children in the process

Depending on age, children may have strong opinions about moving. It's important to take their feelings seriously, while you as parents make the final decision.

Young children (0–5 years): Don't need to be involved in the decision itself, but talk positively about the new home. Show pictures, visit the place, make it an adventure.

School children (6–12 years): Can be more involved. Let them see pictures of potential homes, listen to their thoughts, and address concerns about friends and school.

Teenagers (13+): Often have the strongest resistance to moving. Listen to their worries, but be honest that it's sometimes necessary. Let them have influence where possible (e.g., decorating their new room).

Tip: If possible, let the children meet the swap partner's children (if they have any). It can make the transition easier.

Making the new home feel like home

Moving is hard for everyone, but children can have a particularly difficult time adjusting to new surroundings. Here are some tips:

• Unpack the children's things first. Let their rooms be the first to be finished and cosy.
• Keep routines. Bedtimes, mealtimes and other daily routines provide security.
• Explore together. Go on a discovery tour of the new neighbourhood. Find playgrounds, ice cream shops and exciting places.
• Invite old friends. Make sure the children can see their old friends, especially at the beginning.

Other families' experiences

We have spoken with many families who have swapped homes. Here are some of their experiences:

Anne and Mikkel with three children: "We were nervous about moving the children from Vesterbro to Vanløse, but it turned out to be the best thing we've done. They have more space to play, we have a garden, and the children quickly found new friends."

Sara, single mother with two children: "I was worried that no one would want to swap with me, but an older woman who wanted to downsize was really interested. My children got their own room for the first time ever."

Thomas and Line with one daughter: "Our daughter was nine and very nervous about changing schools. The first six months were a bit tough, but now a year later she's happy and has lots of friends."

Get started

Home swapping for families requires more planning than for singles or couples, but it's absolutely doable - and often the only realistic path to more space.

Start by reading our guide to home swapping for beginners and tips for creating a good listing.

Remember: Your current apartment is attractive to someone. Maybe an older person wanting to downsize. Maybe a young couple without children. Maybe a single person who needs exactly that size.

Take the leap - your family deserves the space you need.