Moving can be exciting, and a needed change. However, moving is not as exciting when you have a family. Whether you’re moving across the country or around the block, children usually aren’t too thrilled about the idea of relocating. Dare I say it, the very idea of relocating your kids can be downright stressful. It doesn’t have to be though. Read on for a list of tips and tricks to practically guarantee a smooth move- and to ensure that everyone is fairly happy.
Have a Family Meeting
Family meetings are extremely important. In today’s world, everyone is busy, constantly rushing around from one place to another. Calling a family meeting allows clear communication to take place. Order a pizza, or a special treat and gather everyone in the living room. By calling a family meeting, children are treated as important members of the family, and everyone has an opportunity to give their thoughts and opinions on the new move.
Choose a Reputable Moving Company
Going with the lowest moving quote is always tempting, but do your research. Very few moving companies have positive reviews online. Make sure to check their reviews on Yelp, Google and the BBB. Some moving companies will operate under several different names in an attempt to trick their customers. If you’re in New Hampshire like me, I’d highly recommend College Bound Movers, one of the top nh movers.
Prioritize Finances
With any move, it is important to plan ahead. Financial stress is one of the top reasons why families delay or avoid their move. A recent study conducted by Homes.com found that Women were 35% more likely than men to say that moving was a financial stressor. 57.4% of female respondents and 42.6% of male respondents reported that their last move felt like a squeeze on their wallet. By setting and prioritizing your budget goals early, you can create a spending plan that will work for the whole family.
Clean and Clear
To get your family excited about the move, organize a yard sale and deep clean your house. They can help you organize and price. This is a great opportunity to sort through all of your old things, and maybe relive a couple of old memories. As an extra incentive, you could host a little competition to see who can sell the most of their things! Another great idea is to have all of the profits go towards a new item that can be used by the entire family in the new home.
Take Care of Yourself and Your Family
Pay attention to the emotional needs of everyone in your family. Some people handle change much better than others, and it is not uncommon for feelings of sadness and anxiety to arise. Make your family feel like they can talk to you. Allow them the opportunity to open up and express their emotions. Making final plans to say goodbye to people and places can also ease some of the anxiety.
Think of it as a New Beginning
One of the most important points to reiterate through the moving process is that this is a beginning, not an ending. The attitude that you have regarding this move is something that will transfer over to your spouse and your children. Having a positive attitude is the first step. The opportunity to meet new people and create a new life for yourself is an opportunity that many people don’t receive.
Image by ryan harvey
