Moving is quite an ordeal, and with kids in tow, it’s even more complicated. With some planning, though, you can make your move a little easier and avoid unnecessary stress and overspending. Today, Candid Mama shows you how to master moving on a budget with this guide.
Make Your Must-Have List
Whether you’re buying a new home or scoping out a place to rent, there are some things you might have to settle on. Make a list of your must-haves before you begin shopping (or packing) so the whole family is on the same page. If you’re making a long-term lease commitment or are purchasing your home, Location is likely a top priority. Though you can always make improvements to your home, a good location should be number one on your list.
After that, consider your family’s space needs, balancing bedroom counts against the perks of owning a smaller property. Decide whether yard size matters and what kind of community you want to live in. Separate needs versus wants to get a bare-bones list of needs that fits your home-buying budget.
Alternatively, if buying is out of the question and renting is a better fit for your budget, there are plenty of apartments available in Charlotte, nearly 1,000 units in fact. Take the time to compare your options online. You can search by price as well as amenities and compare rentals to homes for purchase. In the end, it’s all about getting exactly what you and your family need.
Pack the Kids Last
Packing up an entire household takes a lot of time and energy, and kids may not be totally on board. In fact, Verywell Mind notes that some kids are susceptible to depression with sudden changes like a big interstate move. Strategies liking having family discussions and maintaining strong community ties can help kids cope.
When it comes to the actual move, it may make sense to pack up the kids’ rooms last. Not only does keeping their rooms intact offer a sense of security while everything else changes, but young kids may do better with their own space amidst movers coming in and out.
Encouraging kids to help pack their belongings is also a way to give them power in a situation that can feel out of their control.
Curb Your Budget
Buying a new house isn’t the only expensive thing about moving. There are cleaning and packing supplies to buy, gas tanks to fill up, and missed time from work. Not to mention, your new home may require repairs or updates immediately upon (or even before) moving in.
You also may decide that hiring movers is a worthwhile investment. You can usually choose between packing up your own belongings and having the company do that packing and moving for you. Find the option that works best for you, your family, and your budget because sometimes we just don’t have the time or strength to move our household on our own.
Plus, if you’re purchasing a house, closing costs could be a budget-unfriendly surprise. To keep your expenses as low as possible, cut costs where it counts. Find free moving boxes, use items like towels and out-of-season clothing to wrap fragile items, and move in as few trips as possible.
If your move is across states or you haven’t found a new home yet, reach out to friends and family for accommodations over the short term. Exploring in person is the best way to acclimate to a new place and find work or housing options as needed.
Look into a Home Repair App
After you’ve picked your new home, you might want to look into a home repair app; this option deserves a look. Basically, it provides you with a wide assortment of resources to help you get things done, including professional advice and high quality how-to videos to help you with repairs. You can also access video chats with experts who can walk you through the repair process.
Prioritize Business Needs
Moving a business along with your family adds more layers to the adventure, but it’s still doable! Yet when it comes to business equipment and service disruptions, caution is crucial. Planning early will help with any service pauses for your customers, but if you can work remotely, aim to do so to minimize business losses. Consider hiring movers for equipment, choosing a reputable company, and taking advantage of the mover’s insurance for big-ticket items to safely move your business to the new place.
Settle in and Connect with Friends
Once the boxes are unpacked and you’ve gotten some much needed rest, it’s time to really settle into your new community. Look for family-friendly events in the area where you can get a taste for the local culture and even meet some new friends. Or perhaps you can spark a block party and meet the neighborhood at-large.
Make Your Move a Successful One
Moving with kids (and a house full of stuff and pets) may seem daunting, but you can cut costs and avoid frustration with careful planning. Sticking to a budget and investing wisely in a new home will benefit your family in the long term. Once your boxes are unpacked, find some great things to do in your new city and try to reconnect with any old friends nearby. With a little effort and some luck, this might be the last move you make for a long time.
Candid Mama shares a wide variety of helpful family and home repair tips. Questions? Feel free to reach out!
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