Moving to another state can be traumatic. The stress from packing, selling the family home and coping with the unknown can be difficult. There are simple steps families can take to help ease the changes of moving to another state. Organizing the move step-by-step will help keep stress under control.
Be upfront with children
Tell your children immediately when a move will happen. According to Movers.com, (http://www.moversdirectory.com/moving_with_kids.html) keeping a move a big secret can cause more stress for children. Explain why the family must move: Is it due to a parents' job change, a transfer or for financial reasons?
Walk through the steps of the move. Answer questions. Go to the library or a bookstore for books about your new town and new state to familiarize your kids with the new setting.
Make the move fun
Moving can be an adventure. Look online to find fun things to do in your new city. Research your new schools and ask to take a tour before your children start. Let older children search on real estate sites such as Realtor.com (within reasonable financial parameters) for homes in which they might like to move. You may be surprised at what your kids find.
Look at nearby state parks; plan day trips that will allow you and your children to learn about your new state once you are unpacked (or even if you aren't).
Give control when you can
Even toddlers can help with basic packing by throwing stuffed animals and soft toys into boxes. Allow your children to pack their own rooms before the move, and allow them the freedom to unpack their belongings at your new home. Children's stress can be eased a bit simply by allowing them time to sort through and organize their toys. The website MamaSource.com (http://www.mamasource.com/article/moving-with-kids-tips) offers great moving suggestions, including allowing preschoolers and elementary students the time to color and decorate the boxes used to box toys and room items. Children can then keep track of where their belongings are as the movers load and unload the truck. Keep lovies and other important toys and items in a backpack that stays with you and your child, so that they are constantly accessible during the move.
Consider timing
The moving site 123Movers.com (http://www.123movers.com/guides/movingyourfamilytips.asp) suggests moving during the school year. This may seem counterintuitive, but school is the place where your children are likely to quickly find friends. The consistent structure of the school day also helps to ease the stress of moving. Many things may change during an out-of-state move; however, school will help to occupy your child's mind and days.
Keep touch with those you've left
Before you move, make a memory book of what you loved about your old hometown, your old schools, and your old home. Gather photos of favorite places and write about what you liked best. Ask friends for email addresses, phone numbers, even Wii computer log-ins, to allow children to stay in touch with old friends. Be sure to allow children time to say goodbye to everyone they would like in person.
Meet with Realtors
Research who might be best to sell your home. Do not be swayed by signs in the neighborhood or flashy advertising. Interview several possible real estate agents. According to the Realtors at Beehler Realty (http://www.beehlerrealty.com/zarticle10.html), be sure you fit in personality, agree on marketing plans and ask for references from previous clients.
If you plan to sell your home yourself, the website Sell Your Own House Yourself (http://www.buy-and-sell-house-fast.com/sell-house/sell-your-house-yourself.shtml) suggests you be certain to take all expenses into account. You must advertise and market your home with fliers and pay to have it listed in databases. You must be available to real estate agents who may want to sell your home. Be sure you have the time and money.
Some companies offer a relocation package. Be sure you understand all of the details before planning your move. Consider what will be covered (pack yourself or will the movers do so) as you plan.
Last, but not least
Before you leave, there are several important tasks that must be accomplished. You should go to the United States Postal Service website at http://www.usps.gov and arrange to have your mail forwarded to your new address.
Call your utility companies, such as telephone, cable, water, electricity and gas, and arrange to have each shut off the day after your move. You may need water and lights as movers are loading the truck.
Clean out all appliances. Be sure to scrub them thoroughly. Purchase activated charcoal at pet stores and put a small bag in appliances, such as refrigerators and washers, to prevent must.
Call the utilities at your new home and be sure they are aware of the date you need services started.
Final tips
Make a box of necessary items, such as coffee and the coffeepot, that you will not want to search for in your new home.
Create a list of serial numbers for electronics, such as computers, just in case they are lost, damaged or misplaced.
Check with your bank on procedures to close an account, if moving to another state means you will have to change banks.
After the moving truck is loaded, do one final walk-through of your home. Open every drawer and closet and check every nook for overlooked items.
Once in your new home, take time to re-register your vehicles in your new state. Change your drivers' license and voter's registration.
To find new doctors, dentists and other professional service providers, ask around. Your co-workers and neighbors will be able to offer you guidance on who might be a good choice.
Tags: your home, your children, about your, real estate, sell your