Moving is one of the most stressful things couples do, and doing it with children can be even more overwhelming. However, there are proactive steps you can take to make the moving process less tedious and more exciting, all while staying within your budget. Smart Kidzs shares five tips for parents who need to move and make it work for the family.
1. Consider Downsizing
A larger home is not always the best option for families. You may actually benefit from finding a house with less square footage but more sensible accommodations. Take a look around your home and figure out what you need and do not need. You can downsize your furniture, and get rid of unnecessary items to sell them for the extra cash. Go through toys and clothing and donate or sell items the kids never wear or use anymore. Once you know what you plan to keep or get rid of, search for a realtor or use a real estate platform with a wide reach to find the best options to suit your exact needs.
2. Prepare for an Open House to Sell
First things first: Before buying your new home you need to sell your current place. This begins with reaching out to a real estate agent, then preparing to hold open houses. It might be helpful to put together an open house checklist to ensure that everything looks great when potential buyers come to evaluate your property. This checklist should include things like removing pets from the home, safely securing any valuables, minimizing smells, and ensuring there’s plenty of light.
3. Budget for a Moving Company
The most exhausting part of moving is actually loading, transporting, and unloading your things. Chicago Office Movers suggests including a moving company in your budget. It’s worth it to cut corners elsewhere. Find a furniture mover in your local area who has experience with larger pieces. Read online reviews before reaching out for a quote. A quality company will come to your home for an accurate evaluation to give you a solid quote. You can even find companies that offer deals and credits.
4. Don’t Avoid Homes That Need Work
Don’t be afraid of a fixer-upper. You can find homes that need a little work for significantly less. That gives you time to invest in renovations and build the home you want rather than buying something with mass appeal for a higher cost. You may even be able to move in before the construction is complete if you can handle the noise. The Balance notes that buying a fixer-upper can be more affordable if you can DIY much of the work.
5. Move During the Summer
Moving during the school year only adds to your stress and budget. Plan to move during the summer break when you won’t need to worry about missed school days and switching schools during the middle of the academic year. Be sure to make your move close to the start of summer. Waiting until the end of the summer can make your move more difficult. By then you’ll need to research schools in the area to decide where to enroll the children and start buying school clothes and supplies.
6. Start Packing Early
Give yourself at least two months to pack before the move. Within two months’ time, you can go through each room individually, packing and sorting through items you want to keep, donate, or trash. If you wait until the last minute, you’ll stress yourself out and throw things into boxes with no organizational system. Start with the things you want to keep but rarely use and label the boxes by room.
As you go through this process – including using an open house checklist, budgeting for the move, and packing early – remember to take time for yourself and your relationships. You can combat the stress with a little downtime and some self-care. Prioritizing your wellness will also help you stay on track as a parent during this busy time
