How to Move Your Family Across the Country

There are plenty of reasons why you might decide to move your family across the country. There could be a job offer on the other coast. You may be moving home to be closer to family. Perhaps the political climate in your area doesn’t match your values. Whatever the case, it can be a huge undertaking.

It may feel like the list of things to think about and do are endless. Here’s your guide to moving your family across the country.

How Are You Traveling?

First and foremost, you need to consider the logistics of getting your family from point A to point B. If you have young children, flying could be expensive, but driving could be a nightmare for all involved. If you have two family vehicles, will you drive one and have the other shipped? You should check out this car shipping calculator to better understand that process.

Are you moving all of your belongings or selling what you have and buying new things? The former means getting a truck or moving van to go the distance. The latter means added expenses at the destination. Start with thinking about how you’ll get to your new home and investigate the possibilities.

Budget Considerations

Once you have a better idea of how to get from one side of the country to the other, you should start to look at what it will cost you. If you are moving for work, it’s possible that you’ll receive compensation or be able to claim your expenses on your income tax return. What if you find yourself moving with no money? You may be moving home after a job loss to try and start over.

Determine what your budget will be for this process. Think about where you can make cuts and what costs you can’t avoid. Additionally, consider the things that will make your move more manageable and see if you can find room in your budget.

Make a Plan

Making a plan to help you move is an essential step that too many people skip when moving away. Your moving experience should be planned with the care and consideration of your dream wedding. This may include spreadsheets outlining timelines with assigned tasks, and that’s fine.

Figure out everything that needs to be done and assign a due date to it. Then, stick to that due date! Everything from hiring a mover to calling to register your child for school should be on that list.

Preparing Your Children

Moving is an emotional time for everyone. Parents usually feel more stress than usual and children pick up on the air of impending change. When moving across the country, you’ll need to prepare your child mentally as well as be prepared for their new life in your new home.

Emotionally, have an open discussion with your child using age-appropriate language. Let them know that it’s ok to feel lots of feelings and that they can ask you questions. If your child can’t speak yet, tell them what’s happening anyway and give them lots of extra affection. Be open to the fact that their behaviour might change during this stressful time as a reaction to the changes they face.

From a more practical standpoint, you need to have everything in order for when your child arrives and for the destination itself. Think about your method of travel and how you’ll keep them entertained. Look at school, childcare, social clubs, and anything else you feel is necessary to start their new experiences off on the right foot.

Fortunately, children are adaptable and resilient in the face of change. Keep moving forward and find ways to spend quality time together as a family during the moving process.

Photo: pixel2013 | Pixabay

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