Preparing Your Children for the Home Sale Process
Preparing Your Children for the Home Sale Process
Children are often easy-going, but when it comes to moving to a new home you might be surprised at how anxious, worried, and upset they can become. The younger they are, the more difficult things can be emotionally, as they’re confused about change to their routines. Older children are more attached to friends and other people. So what can you do to prepare them for the home sale process?
Timing is Everything
Do you really need to move right now? Are you moving far enough away that your child will have to change schools? If so, can you wait until the school year is over so that your children have time to adjust over the summer? Have you recently had a major emotional event (death, divorce, etc) that your children are dealing with? If so, you may want to postpone a move that isn’t absolutely necessary for a little while as you deal with other emotional issues. Sometimes a few weeks or months can make a huge difference.
If you can’t wait – because of work or money issues – make sure your talk about the move is always positive. Save your concerns and negativity for private discussions far out of the range of little ears.
Communication and Involvement
Whatever you do, don’t spring a surprise move on your kids. Make them as much a part of the process as everyone else in the house. Mark the move date on the calendar and start an exciting countdown. Let the kids decorate their moving boxes and help with the packing of their own toys. You might even consider letting them draw floor plans for their new rooms. Do whatever you can to make them feel as though they’re a part of the process – even if that means giving them a little bit of healthy busywork.
Socialization
Think about the things you can do to help your children make new friends in your new neighborhood. Find out about clubs, sports teams, social groups, or even summer-camp programs your kids can use to not feel isolated if you move between school years. The sooner they start meeting new people, the more comfortable they’ll feel.
Rituals are Important
Don’t let all of your family rituals go by the wayside during the hectic moving process – packing, unpacking, etc. If Friday is always family pizza night, then make sure you have pizza on Friday. If Monday is always family game night, then pull out a quick game. An hour of family down-time won’t hurt anything and will give you all the break (and reassurance about routine) you all need.
Talk to your real estate agent if you have concerns about your children and the moving process. They’ve worked with tons of families and can give you more tips to make the process a little easier!
Moving Costs Money: How to Budget for Moving Expenses
Moving Costs Money: How to Budget for Moving Expenses
Nothing like stating the obvious, right? Moving costs money. But it’s not just the cost of a down-payment on your mortgage or security for a rental. There are quite a few hidden costs associated with moving that can really add up.
Insurance Changes
We’re talking about both automobile and homeowners. You need to call your insurance agent right away to make sure things are set up for your move. If you are buying a new house, you’re going to need to have a new policy written. If you’re a renter, you’ll need to have your address updated. The same goes for your automobile insurance. Unfortunately, a change of address means a change of “territory.” For some that might mean a decrease in premiums but for others it may equal an increase. Find out early so you can shop around, if necessary.
Fixes to the Old Property
Odds are you’ll need to make at least a few repairs to your old residence, whether you own it or rent. The agreement you made with your buyer, or the terms of your lease if you rent, will dictate what needs to be done. Do you need to hire a plumber for a repair? Do you need to steam the carpets?
Utility Changes
The utility industry often charges at least a small fee for transferring service from one area to another. Make sure your existing company serves your new area because you may have to start with a new company. Consider your water, sewage, electricity, gas, and even internet, cable, and phone services.
Boxes and Packing Supplies
We often think we can get enough packing supplies from stores and friends, but there never really are enough boxes to go around. Plus, you’ll need some specialty items to keep your fragile pieces safe – like bubble wrap or special containers. While you may be able to borrow, and your mover may provide some supplies, you’ll likely need more than you can initially get your hands on. Put some money in your budget for extras so you don’t end up losing any of your valuables.
Hiring a Mover
It’s not a necessity, but if you are making a big move with children and pets you may find it’s simply safer (and saner) to hire a moving company to help. Yes, it costs money but they will also insure your move against damage and do all of the heavy lifting. This means lower potential for injury for you, less stress, and an overall more pleasant experience. You’ll want to get quotes from different movers in advance; and check reviews.
Leaving your old place and buying a new home isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it in the end. Add a few of these line items to your budget in the months before your move and you won’t have nearly as much sticker shock as you get closer to the big day.