The right time to move can be different for everyone. Depending on your job opportunities, the housing market, your timeline for moving, or your kids’ ages, there are plenty of factors to consider when deciding when is the right time to move with your family. But is there a perfect time to move with kids, and how should you approach the move? Here’s what to keep in mind when moving with kids.
Make the move during the summer
If your kids are old enough to be in school, it’s typically easiest to move during the summer. This way, your kids won’t have to grapple with leaving their classrooms and friends and trying to adjust to starting school in the middle of the year. The summer marks the season of a fresh start, so making a move to a new place (or even just across town to a new school or district) will be much easier during the summer months.
Moving can be easier while your kids are young
Generally, the younger your kids are, the easier it is to adjust to the idea of moving. Kids in elementary school are more likely to be open to moving than kids in middle or high school. As children get older and more involved in school, they are more likely to make strong emotional bonds with their friends, be well-adjusted to their current school or classes, and even become involved in romantic relationships. Even though older kids and teenagers tend to understand moving better than young kids, young kids are less likely to put up a fight about the move.
Be sure to discuss moving with your kids in advance
One of the most common mistakes parents can make is not giving their children enough time to adjust to the idea of moving. Telling your kids about the move last minute (even if you think they will have a hard time adjusting to the idea of moving) is more likely to cause feelings of stress and anxiety. Children can benefit from having plenty of time to transition out of their lifestyle in their current home and get excited for the idea of moving to a new home. No matter your kids’ ages, discuss your reasons for moving in a way that they will understand, and try to get them excited for their new house, school, and environment. Involving your children in the move as much as possible can help them feel more positively about it.
If the time is right for your family, should you wait?
If everything is lined up for you to have an ideal new living situation, why wait? Sometimes, you can’t predict the right time to move, no matter what time of the year or what stage of life your children are in. If you have found a great new home, you or your spouse has a career opportunity, or you believe moving is the right decision for your family, you may decide that this the time to make the leap.
This post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. The point of view and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of Realty Executives International. This post was written by Bailee Abell. Bailee Abell is a writer born and raised in California. A graduate of University of California, Santa Barbara, she loves reading classic literature, sipping warm beverages, and visiting theme parks every chance she gets. Find her at baileeabell.com.
