Relocating your family can be an exciting new chapter in your lives, but it’s no secret that moving homes, especially with children, can also be one of the most stressful life events. There’s a heap of logistical stuff to consider, from organizing a house sale to clearing out the garage, not to mention the emotional upheaval of leaving behind friends, family and all the memories you’ve created in your home.
If you’ve got a relocation coming up then fear not, we’ve got some great tips to help you prepare.
Start planning early
Have you heard of the expression ‘fail to plan, plan to fail?’ It’s kind of annoying but sadly very true. Planning is everything with a relocation and the sooner the start the better.
Lists are your friend here, but don’t just make lists that say things like ‘sell house’ – break big jobs down into manageable chunks and set a timeline for each task to keep you on track and avoid last-minute rushes. You could even try a list-making tool like Workflowy.
Involve the kids in the move
Moving house can be a huge deal for kids, especially if it’s the first time you’ve ever moved, but involving them in the process can be a great way to help ease their anxiety and it gives them back some control. Let your kids pack their own rooms (with supervision!) and give them small tasks to help them feel included.
If possible, visit the new neighborhood or house before moving day to familiarize them with their new surroundings. Local Facebook groups can also be a way to get tips for a new area.
Consider selling to a property cash buyer
For families on a tight timeline, selling your home quickly can reduce a significant amount of stress. Whether you’ve been relocated for work or need to move for personal reasons, sometimes waiting for your home to sell on the traditional market just isn’t feasible. This is where property cash buyers like Sold come in handy.
By selling to a cash buyer, you can often bypass many of the headaches of the traditional selling process – no need for costly repairs, showings, or waiting for buyer financing. There’s nothing worse than needing to be in a new town to start jobs and schools and having your house sale fall through at the last minute.
Plan for the unpack too!
Just as you prepare for the move, make a plan for the unpacking process as well. Prioritize rooms that will help your family settle in quickly, like the kitchen and bedrooms. The first week in your new home can be chaotic, so having key spaces ready to go will help create a sense of normalcy for everyone.
It’s like planning for a baby – there’s a lot of focus on the birth itself, but less on what comes in the weeks and months afterwards, even though this bit is much more important!
Relocating with a family can be a daunting task, but whether you’re moving for a new job, a fresh start, or simply a change of scenery, remember that a little preparation goes a long way in making your family relocation as seamless as possible.