Moving can be a stressful and financially draining experience for everyone involved, but it can be especially tough for families with children. In addition to managing moving costs, parents must also focus on helping their children through the transition. However, with a bit of planning and some useful tips, parents can save money and create a smooth move for the entire family.
The Coffee Group offers the following tips.
Search for the best prices and neighborhoods
One of the most important steps to saving money during a move is to do your research. Tap into your network of friends and family, and use online resources like Zillow and Trulia to find affordable homes or apartments. Keep in mind that not all neighborhoods are created equal. When searching for a new neighborhood, look for those that are family-friendly with good schools and plenty of amenities for children.
Involve your children in the move
Moving can be overwhelming for children, but involving them in the process can make the transition easier. Give them a sense of responsibility by allowing them to pack and organize their belongings. This can also be a good opportunity for parents to declutter their home and get rid of unwanted items.
Pack a special box for each child
To keep children occupied during the move, parents can pack a special box for each child containing their favorite toys or activities. This can help reduce stress and make the move less overwhelming for children. Parents can also plan breaks for the entire family to take part in fun activities or explore their new community.
Get quotes from three different moving companies
When it comes to moving, costs can add up quickly. To save money, it’s important to get quotes from at least three different moving companies. Be sure to read reviews and compare costs to find the best deal. It’s also a good idea to consider moving during non-peak times, which can save you money on moving costs.
Budget for unexpected expenses
Moving can be unpredictable, and unexpected expenses can quickly derail your budget. It’s important to plan for these unexpected expenses by creating a contingency fund. This fund can be used for repairs, additional moving costs, or other expenses that may arise.
Use a home maintenance app
To save time and money on home repairs or maintenance, consider using a home maintenance app. The Frontdoor app helps keep your home running smoothly and provides access to service professionals who can give quotes for repairs or maintenance work. This can help reduce the stress of unexpected expenses and make it easier to maintain your new home.
Help your child say goodbye
For children, moving can be an emotional experience. Parents can help by focusing on the positive aspects of the move and by helping their child create a plan to say goodbye to their friends and current home. This can be done by organizing a farewell party or helping their child write letters to friends.
Consider downsizing your belongings before moving
Finally, parents can save money on moving costs by downsizing their belongings. This means decluttering your home and getting rid of unwanted items. Not only can this save you money on moving costs, but it can also make it easier to organize your new home.
Moving can be a stressful and expensive experience especially for families with children. By searching for the best prices and neighborhoods in the area, involving your kids in the move, packing a special box for each child, getting quotes from at least three different moving companies, budgeting for unexpected expenses, using a home maintenance app, helping your child say goodbye to their friends, and downsizing your belongings before moving, you can save money and make the transition easier for the entire family.
For your Sarasota real estate needs, contact The Coffee Group today!
