Tips for Moving Across the Country With Young Children

Many parents dream of the perfect scenario: They pack up their things and head out west to start a new chapter of their lives. Or maybe they’re moving across the country in search of greener pastures. To help prepare you for the challenge ahead, here are some practical tips for moving across the country with young children.

Get Them Involved

It’s important to make sure your kids feel involved in the moving process. It will help them feel more at ease about moving to a completely new area. Take them along to visit the new city you are moving to. You can also bring them to open houses while you are hunting for a new home. This will help them be able to see what to expect in their new home and neighborhood to make the move feel less scary. Allowing them to help pack will make them feel like they are fully part of the process as well. 

Plan Ahead

While it’s a good idea to map out some steps to follow once you reach your new city, you should plan your move a few months in advance. This gives you enough time to research the best methods for managing your finances, planning your schedule, and dealing with potential health emergencies. Schedule a moving service, like All America Moving, far enough in advance to ensure they will be available on your moving day.  Professional movers will make the process less overwhelming and will give you time to plan ahead for other things, such as setting up utilities in your new home. Also, remember to not underestimate the amount of time it takes to pack up your home. It can be a lengthy process, so be prepared. 

Take Your Time

You don’t want to rush into a new city and find yourself with no time to get unpacked, explore the city, and meet your new neighbors. Take your time and make sure you’ve planned wisely before rushing in with your suitcases. Make sure you feel well acclimated to your new home. Give yourself some time off before starting your new job as well. 

Pack Light

If you’re moving across the country with your whole family, you’ll likely have to take some of your belongings in your car as you drive from one city to the next. It’s important not to bring too much, as this will only result in a more protracted move and stress. When packing for a move, keep the following things in mind:

– Purchase lightweight items.

– Bring only what you need.

– Don’t bring unnecessary items.

– Pack everything properly.

– If moving internationally like Germany, consider renting furnished apartments in Munich

– Don’t over-pack.

– Consider your climate.

– Consider your storage needs.

Do Some Research

Before you pack up your car and drive across the country with your family, take some time to research various aspects of your new city. What’s the local culture like? What are some typical attractions? Where should your family take the first visit? Researching the local culture will help you get a feel for the social norms in the city. It’ll also help you avoid the typical tourist traps. You can even join neighborhood groups on social media to start meeting members of the community virtually.

If you are planning to stay at your new location for a long period of time, you may need to get a job. At this point, it would be great if you could do a little research and get informed about special requirements in your new country. If you are located in Canada, you need to look for companies hiring foreign workers in Canada (entreprises qui embauchent des travailleurs étrangers au Canada),  especially those who have permission from their government to hire foreigners. It will help you to feel financially comfortable and safe in a foreign country. 

Explore the Area

Once you arrive in your new city, you will want to take some time to actually explore the area. Give a feel for the culture. Also take note of the nearest grocery stores and restaurants you will be visiting frequently. Make sure you are familiar with the major roads and understand what traffic is like. This will give you more peace of mind about keeping your family safe and comfortable in your new city. 

Help Them Feel Comfortable

If your kids are uneasy about being in a new place, do what you can to make them feel comfortable and settled in. Connect with your new neighbors and see if they have children as well. This is an easy way for your kids to make new friends. Visit their new school and meet their new teacher with them before they attend their first day of school. This will make them feel a little less nervous about attending a new school. 

Moves are stressful enough, but moving with young children can make it even more stressful. Consider hiring a babysitter if your children aren’t old enough to travel with you. If your children are old enough to travel with you, make sure you plan for their age and any special needs. These tips will help you prepare for your move, avoid the typical scams that come with moving, and move across the country with younger children while staying stress-free.