Things to Remember Before Moving to a New Home in a New City

Around 45% of homeowners ranked moving house as the most stressful life event, which may be surprising if you are moving to the home of your dreams. Things can be even more challenging if you are moving to a new city, where you know you will have to build new social circles, find the right school for children (if you are parents), and undertake any renovations your new home may need. To keep stress levels low, plan your move as far in advance as possible so that last-minute surprises do not take up so much time that you can’t explore your new area and discover the best things it has to offer.

Finalizing Paperwork and Repairs

If you have just bought a home in another state, ensure that you have completed all the necessary elements of making a real estate purchase so you can move in without a hitch on your planned day. Once your offer and inspections are made, make sure your home is appraised before sealing the deal. Your inspection will help you know the systems that need updating or replacing and, if weeks or months will pass by before your move, you can enlist the help of property managers to oversee renovations and repairs. On the day of your move, everything should be up and running—including your HVAC system, water, and lighting, and electricity in all spaces in your home.

Plan Your Move Wisely

When you pack and unpack items, organize the location of your items in a list before starting. Make sure that essential documents are stored and clearly identified, packing them in a safe spot that provides you with easy access to them if required. Label the boxes in accordance with the rooms of your new home so that your new living room does not end up looking like a big storage room. Make an unpacking plan, indicating which rooms you plan on unpacking first and which last.

Making it Easy on Your Children

Moving with kids to new cities or country areas can be tough, as it often means saying goodbye to their beloved school and friend groups. Make it easy on them by quickly moving their items into their rooms, so they feel settled in. If you are having renovation work completed prior to moving, enlist your child’s help in selecting colors and furniture so they can feel motivated about their bedroom in their new home. Conduct research into activities, sports, and parks close to your home so you can take frequent breaks from moving and do fun things in your area. Finally, set up your WiFi and technological devices quickly so your kids can connect with friends and loved ones back home.

Keep Pets Safe

If you have pets, know that moving can be stressful for them, too. To avoid escapes and loss, fit your pet with a GPS tracker (just in case they should unwittingly escape while you are busy carrying boxes). To prevent escapes altogether, before moving your items out of your vehicle or moving van, place your pets in a quiet spot in your new home, kenneling them if possible. This will avoid accidents, which can occur if heavy items or boxes fall while moving them. Once you are more settled, allow your pet time to smell different areas of your home and yard, giving them access to more spaces. Doing so all at once can make them feel anxious or insecure.

If you are moving home, know that it can be stressful as well as exciting. Reduce tension by getting as much done before you move–including major repairs and interior décor, if you can leave these projects up to a trusted manager. Make it easy on your kids by making their rooms as comfortable as possible and keeping your pets safe from accidents that can occur during a move.