Getting ready to move is both exciting and stressful. This is especially true when you’re moving not just one or two adults, but a whole family. Hence this post – it’s full of tips and resources to help guide you through the process, one step at a time. With this getting-ready-to-move checklist, you’ll be in control of the situation, and the whole transition should go more smoothly for adults and kids alike.
Ready to get started? Then let’s dive right in!
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Your Getting-Ready-To-Move Checklist
1. Get The Best Deal At Both Ends
Buying a home is the biggest investment you’ll ever make, which is why you need the finances to work. However, the seller wants a fair price, too.
Opting for a new build removes some of the stress at the purchasing end of the agreement. Still, you also need to think about your current home and how you can prepare it for a quick sale at a good price. After all, getting the best sale price gives you the strongest platform for buying your new home.
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Aside from those agreements, you need to do your research into different mortgage types and lenders. When supported by the right financial advisors and surveyors, you’ll be in a strong position to get the best house you can realistically afford, at the best possible deal.
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And knowing you have the finances worked out can go a long way toward giving you the confidence and calmness to survive the actual moving process!
2. Prepare Your Kids For The Move
Moving to a home is a huge transition for grownups, but it’s an even bigger deal for your kids. The thought of leaving everything they know behind is a lot for them to wrap their brains around. You must go the extra mile to support them through it.
It can take months to complete the move, so you don’t need to panic them too early. Once the ball is rolling on your sale and new purchase, then it’s time to sit them down. Get them involved to make it more exciting. The prospect of a new bedroom and fun places to visit in the new location should have a big influence.
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Most importantly, you need to maintain a level of transparency at all times. It’s already a confusing time for children, and you must not fall into the trap of making it even more difficult. Clarity and good communication are vital at every stage of the journey. Keep them posted on what’s happening and why, and you’ll go a long way toward helping them adjust to the move and settle into their new surroundings.
3. Prepare For Moving Day
The entire moving process can be super-stressful if you let it. But even if you can minimize stress right up to moving day, the actual day of the move will be more stressful than most. Preparing yourself for this on a mental level is crucial.
One of the best ways to minimize the actual stress and hassle of moving day is to use professional moving services. They will protect your assets, while allowing you to focus on transporting yourself and the family. And not only can you rest assured that your belongings are in good hands, but pros will also be super-efficient at every step of the process, from packing up boxes for you to getting things to the proper rooms in your new home.
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4. Prepare for Life Beyond Moving Day
And one final crucial tip: As you’re preparing for the actual move, you’ll no doubt be making arrangements to transfer your bills to your new home, turn on the electricity and water, etc. Don’t forget to line up your internet service as part of this process! While it will take weeks for the house to feel like home, you need to put the essentials in place right away. Getting your internet connection will at least allow the family to enjoy their tech devices. This can make those opening days far more comfortable.
If you’re moving to a completely new area, you might find it helpful to try to join some Facebook groups for parents/families in your new neighborhood, or see if you can determine whether your new community has Nextdoor or a similar community listserv.
We have both in our area, and I often see messages from new parents moving to our neck of the woods. Often they’ll post a memo even before they move, wanting recommendations on everything from pediatricians to preschools. This is a great way to get tips on everything from these services to the best local internet providers (another frequent topic of conversation on our local Nextdoor!).
What are your tips for helping families transition though the moving process? Let us know in the comments!
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I have moved so many times
This is such a handy blog post I will book mark for reminders!
Definitely, things to think about when it comes down to moving. I will have to keep track of all those things.
It’s been years since my last move. Being prepared along with other family members make things always easier.
Moving is very stressful and being fully ready with a list and a plan b is important. I’m still in the throes of it.
I try to avoid moving like the plague. But, if it comes down to it, this list is incredibly useful. If we ever have to move (or more realistically when we move our son out) this will come in handy!
Great tips – will keep this for next time we move… although I’m hoping it won’t be any time soon!
Moving places it takes a lot of stress and adjustments. I’ve been through that since during my colleges days. I know what it feels like. These tips would totally helps. Great great post.
This is a very helpful list! We are hoping to list our home for sale in the next year and a half or so. We have lived in this house for 10 1/2 years, so we are not looking forward to the moving process!
The last time we moved, our kids were too young to really understand much. I did laugh when I was reading something years ago when we made our biggest move (from Florida to Texas) about preparing your cat and a 3-month-long process. Nope, we put ours in her carrier and drove cross-country with her then let her out at the new house. She was fine! I always have a notebook when we move and write down all the things we need to disconnect at one house, connect at the other, change of addresses we need to put in, etc.
Ugh, I get stressed out just thinking about moving, but this list is super helpful. Thanks!