Moving To A New Home? Take These Steps If You Have Kids
Moving to a new home is a major life event—one that’s often filled with excitement, anticipation, and, let’s be honest, a fair amount of stress. When you add kids into the mix, the process becomes even more complex. Between managing logistics, emotions, and endless to-do lists, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
In this article, we’ll walk you through a few practical, family-focused strategies to help make your move smoother and more manageable. From securing the right home loan to packing with your children in mind and exploring your new neighborhood together, these tips are designed to reduce stress and create a more positive moving experience for the whole family.
No. 1
Secure Your Loan First
One of the most important steps in the moving process—especially when buying a home—is securing your mortgage early. Since purchasing a home is likely one of the largest financial commitments you’ll ever make, it’s essential to approach it with careful planning and the right loan product for your situation.
No. 2
Consider a VA Jumbo Loan
If you or your spouse is currently serving in the U.S. military or are a veteran with an honorable discharge, a VA jumbo loan could be an excellent option. This type of loan allows qualified borrowers to purchase higher-value homes without the need for a traditional down payment or private mortgage insurance (PMI). It’s a powerful benefit that can make your move more financially manageable.
Once your loan is secured, you’ll have one of the biggest items on your moving checklist completed—giving you peace of mind and the freedom to focus on the rest of your move.
No. 3
Pack Your Kids’ Rooms Last
Children often struggle with change, and moving to a new home can be especially unsettling for them. One way to ease this transition is by carefully planning the order in which you pack your home.
Why It Helps to Pack Their Rooms Last
Keeping your kids’ rooms intact for as long as possible helps maintain a sense of normalcy during a time of upheaval. Familiar surroundings can provide comfort and stability, which are especially important when everything else feels like it’s changing.
Label Boxes with Extra Detail
When you do start packing their rooms, be sure to label boxes clearly—and not just with your child’s name.
Include detailed descriptions such as:
Stuffed animals
Pajamas and clothing
Favorite books
Art supplies
Toys and action figures
School materials
This extra effort will pay off when you arrive at your new home and need to quickly recreate a comforting space for your children. Being able to find their favorite bedtime book or superhero toy right away can make a big difference in how they adjust.
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No. 4
Learn About Your New Area Together
Whether you're moving across town or across the country, taking time to explore your new neighborhood can help your kids feel more excited and less anxious about the move.
Make It a Family Activity
Sit down with your children and research your new community together.
Use your computer, tablet, or smartphone to look up:
Local libraries
Parks and playgrounds
Swimming pools or splash pads
Indoor play gyms or trampoline parks
Dog parks (if you have pets)
Ice cream shops and family-friendly restaurants
Their new school and nearby landmarks
Create a Custom Google Map
To make your discoveries even more engaging, create a custom Google Map with all the places you’ve found. Drop pins for each location and save the map to your phone for easy access. You can even print out a copy for your kids to hang in their room or bring along during the move.
Takeaways
Moving with children doesn’t have to be chaotic or overwhelming. As we’ve outlined in this article, a few thoughtful strategies can go a long way in reducing stress and making the experience more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Quick Recap of Key Tips:
Secure your home loan early, and explore options like the VA jumbo loan if you qualify
Pack your kids’ rooms last to maintain their sense of routine and comfort
Label boxes clearly with detailed contents to make unpacking easier
Explore your new neighborhood together, and create a custom map to get your kids excited about the move
By involving your children in the process and planning with their needs in mind, you can transform a potentially stressful event into a meaningful family experience. And who knows? Along the way, you might even create some lasting memories that make your new house feel like home from day one.
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