Family Cheat Sheet: Buying and Moving to a New Home

If you’re looking to relocate, there’s a lot you need to consider—especially if you’re not the only one involved in the move. Fortunately, there are a few tips and strategies you can use to ensure you get the most out of your move based on your specific circumstances. Moving to a new home is axhausting but with some tips you will enjoy doing it!

Moving to a large home

Is bigger really better? Maybe. But you need to know what you’re getting yourself into first. Before browsing the MLS, define your goals as they relate to buying a larger home. Furthermore, you will also need to calculate the actual ongoing expenses that come with living larger. Realtor.com explains that more square footage equals higher taxes, more maintenance costs, and bigger bills all around. Make sure you will actually use all of the space in your new home—not just now, but years down the road as well.

Moving with kids

Your kids probably don’t want to move, no matter how much of an upgrade the new home and neighborhood may be. In fact, they can be stressed and may even try to shut you out completely. While you need to give them their space, you should also help them get excited about the process. Even young children can make a few decisions and pick out new furniture and/or bedding for their room.

One important point that HomeAdvisor touches on is that children should be given an opportunity to say goodbye to their friends and neighbors. You should also include them in the house-hunting process and when you visit schools in the area you are considering. Making them feel involved and letting them see the home ahead of time can help get them excited about the move.

Moving with pets

Moving to a new home with pets can be a difficult task, and moving with kids and pets is doubly so. But, once you have confirmed that your non-human family member is well enough to travel, you can prepare everyone for the big day. Contact your veterinarian for a health certificate and vaccination history. Moreover, keep in mind that moving companies are banned by federal law from transporting live animals. If your child is old enough, give them the responsibility of caring for your pets on moving day and helping them get to know the new family home.

Moving on a budget

If you’re moving to a new home to save money, your efforts may be thwarted by extreme costs associated with the moving process. When you need to save money, do as much as possible on your own. Even the kids can get in on the action by packing their off-season clothing and taking pictures, posters, and other art off the walls. Consider moving in the off-season to take advantage of discounts, or contract with a flat-rate moving company if you’re not physically able to move large boxes and furniture on your own. If you need any moving company tips, this guide can help you out!

Moving in a hurry

Sometimes, it’s not possible to plan a move. Your job may have been relocated or your financial situation changed. No matter the reason, there are ways to pack and move in a hurry without driving yourself—or your family—insane.

WeMoveTheWorld.com’s moving and relocation experts say not to panic and to make a checklist to keep everything organized. You can expedite your adventures by purging your belongings of things you no longer need. Don’t save anything unless you can’t live without it. So donate useful items, and kick those that have no value to the curb.

Moving in together

Before pulling the trigger and combining households, it’s important to lay down a few ground rules. In fact, this is imperative when you have children, as they are not only moving to a new home, but also learning to live with a new authority figure. MoveLine.com goes into greater detail and offers many valuable thinking points for couples moving in together.

Lessen your environmental impact

The environment may not be at the top of your priorities list when moving, but it should be. Indeed, the entire process can significantly increase your carbon footprint, if you let it. Minimize your ecological impact by purchasing used boxes or reusable plastic storage bins. Use environmentally-friendly packing materials, such as newspaper and biodegradable bubble wrap. When performing a pre-move-in clean, stick with natural products that won’t contribute to indoor air pollution.

Moving is tough, but with a little preparation, you can make the process go smoothly, no matter your circumstances. So, get ready, get set, and go! Your new chapter is waiting.

Now that you have all information about what you have to do when moving to a new home just do it! If you wish to know more about moving, you can check out our articles about Moving to Barcelona.