A guide to moving your family long-distance this year.
Photo by Ketut Subiyanto
Everyone knows it’s tough to move across the country with kids. But what if you have no choice? Maybe your partner got a job offer in another city, or your parents are ill, and you need to be closer to them. Whatever the reason, you know that you can’t stay put.
Choose the right time to move
There is no one-size-fits-all time to move across the country. So the first step is to ask yourself the right time for your family. This will depend on your kids’ ages, school year, and the beginning of summer break. The end of the school year is a terrible time to move. Summer vacation is a great time to move, but it can be costly if you choose to move during the peak season.
Hiring help is key
Moving your family long-distance is a big task that requires a lot of help. You’ll want to hire movers, and most moving companies will charge per person. If you have a small family, you can likely hire helpers at a lower cost per person than hiring an entire moving company. You might consider hiring outside help to handle the packing process if you have younger children. Hiring someone to pack your fragile items would be a good idea. One moving tip is to go through your home and note all the items you do not need. This will help you to pack lighter and save money on the cost of your move.
Establish a network of helpers
Depending on what time of the year you move, you may have limited options for hiring movers. But you can always put the word out among your friends and family that you need help. A moving company can help you with the items you can’t lift, but friends and family can help you with the rest. In assets like cars, you must research the best car shipping cost. This will ensure that moving your family vehicles is a smooth process. You don’t just want to go to people you know and ask for help, though. Be proactive and reach out to people who might be able and willing to help you with your move. This can be a great way to network and make a few new friends.
Get your house in order
Get your house in order. This means ensuring that all of your bills are paid and that you have the finances to make this move happen. You’ll also want to ensure you’ve cleaned your house. Get rid of anything you don’t need or don’t plan to take with you. Getting rid of unnecessary items will help to lighten your load.
Come up with a moving checklist
You’ll want to develop a moving checklist to make the most of your time and energy. This will help you to prioritize and keep track of everything you need to do. Start by listing all the things you need to do before the move. You’ll want to factor in plenty of time for packing, cleaning your house, and making arrangements. Be sure to make a list of the things you need to do after the move. This will help you stay on track and ensure that you are prepared for your new city.
Determining where to live
Where you choose to live will depend on various factors: the job opportunities in that area, home prices, and your family situation. A partner’s job may determine where you end up living, but you and your family should have a say in where you end up. If you have kids, you’ll want to ensure that you find a place with good schools. You may even consider homeschooling if you find a place with poor school options. It would be best to consider the cost of living in different cities.
Conclusion
Moving your family long distance is certainly not the easiest thing to do, but it can be done. You have to be prepared and willing to put in the work. Start by choosing the right time to move, hiring help, and establishing a network of helpers. Get your house in order and come up with a moving checklist. Finally, determine where you want to live, and you should be good to go.