Relocating to Another City With Your Family: 7 Simple Tips
Are you facing relocation to a new city? To some people, moving to a new place is an exciting venture, but to others, it is a chore and an added stress to their daily routine. The emotional and physical cost of packing your home and saying goodbye to friends and nearby family can take its toll on you. How can you reduce the stress of moving to another city with your family?
- Communicate with Family Members
Since the move will affect all in the family, when you discuss the reasons for moving with all members, you get support, which lessens the stress of moving. Especially so when you have teenagers and older children staying with you. Discuss with your spouse whether both of you need to work in the new location. If you are moving for a new job post, will your spouse be ready to leave their current work? Can they get employment in the new place?
Some of your older children might choose not to move if they can support themselves. Therefore, you will need less housing space as you cater to fewer family members.
- Scout New Location
The place to start is to scout the area you will move to stay. You will need to know the closeness of the school you select for your children and report on the security of the school area. Are there any shopping facilities or community centers nearby where you can purchase the necessities for your family? How far is the commute for you and your wife? For example, if you want to move to downtown Dallas apartments, have you researched the suitability of the place for you and your family?
You might find some valuable information on new locations online or by making phone calls to property agents. However, it is best to visit the area you want to settle. Get a feel, walk or drive around and look at various rental properties or homes you want to buy.
- Calculate the Financial Cost
The foremost concern to figure out is where your family will financially stand if you relocate to a new location is critical. Some cities are more expensive than other cities making the cost of living within these cities high. Will the income of both or one spouse sustain your family’s livelihood as it does in your current location? What about the new city’s taxes? Will you need to pay additional zoning taxes that will affect your income? Calculate if it is worth moving to the new location. Other factors, not only monetary, will influence your financial status and decision to move.
- Find a Place to Stay
It is much easier to move into your already identified home. It cuts down the expenses of moving twice from a temporary place to your new home. Moving right into the new home results in the family quickly settling in and moving on with their daily lives. Therefore, if you have time before relocating, find a suitable home for your family and have it cleaned out before the family moves in.
- Get Organized
Packing a home is a big event, especially if you have lived in the family home for years. There is a lot of decluttering that you might need to complete. Make it a family project to have a checklist of what each member wants to have in their new location. These checklists make it easier to continue packing when other family members are at school or work.
A fun way to move is to have a barbecue party a day or two before your moving day. Have friends over to help you store items into the moving van and take keepsakes for themselves of what you do not wish to take with you.
Pay off the utility, library card, and property service bills. If you put these down on a checklist, you will not miss paying off a bill.
- Engage Movers
The less stressful way to move is to hire reputable movers who pack up your items for you. They replicate the new home as they found your old home. It is wise to pack up your essential documents and personal items that you will haul in your vehicle. Give yourself sufficient advance time to complete your packing before the movers and packers arrive.
Hiring movers gives you the advantage of stopping for breaks along the way, especially if you take days to arrive at your new destination. Or you can do it yourself, packing for a move is a meticulous process that requires thoughtful planning to ensure a smooth transition. Begin by decluttering and sorting belongings, deciding what to keep, donate, or discard. Acquire sturdy moving supplies, including mailing boxes, bubble wrap, packing tape, and labels. Categorize items by room, making packing and unpacking more efficient. Fragile or valuable items should be carefully wrapped in bubble wrap or packing paper and placed in well-padded boxes. Labeling each box with its contents and destination room streamlines the unpacking process. Utilize wardrobe boxes for clothing to keep garments wrinkle-free. Pack heavier items at the bottom of boxes and fragile items on top. Disassemble furniture if possible, keeping screws and bolts in labeled bags. Consider packing an essentials box with items you’ll need immediately upon arrival, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, and important documents. Maximize space by utilizing every inch inside boxes and filling gaps with soft items like towels or linens. Keep a detailed inventory of your packed items for reference. Finally, enlist the help of friends or professional movers for heavy or bulky items. A well-organized and systematic packing approach minimizes stress and ensures a more efficient and successful moving experience.
- Settling In
Once you have moved to your new home, try to set up your regular schedule and stick to it as much as possible. The routine creates a sense of continuity, and everyone quickly gets on board. Take your family around the community and the town to familiarize them with their new location. Do you have some friends living near the new place? Invite them over to lessen the feeling of separation from your old home and friends left behind.
Conclusion
With good planning and organization, moving to another city is not a chore. Looking forward to what new opportunities and adventures the new location can bring, makes moving an exciting venture. Remember to engage all family members early before relocating. Discussions within the family circle create a reduction in both emotional and physical stress.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
