A Relocation Guide For Addressing Challenges During Family Moves

Relocating can be a stressful process, especially if your family includes kids, elderly folk and pets.

For them, leaving the place they have long called home is a big deal because it will mean a change in their routines and activities. The relocation, even when aided by providers of complete removal services, will inevitably shake up the familiarity and stability in their lives. The thought of starting over in a new place can be intimidating.

As such, members of your family may have a hard time accepting the changes to come, or may be reluctant to participate in the activities necessary for preparing for the removal, or may be unsure about how they can help with everything that must be done.

To help ease your family into the process of relocating, here are seven challenges associated with a removal and ways to effectively deal with each.

1. Informing the family of the impending removal

Your children and elderly parents or relatives are often just as emotionally vested as you are in your current home, so make sure to inform them about the removal ahead of time.

This can be a tough conversation, but aim to emphasise your reasons for making the move, inform them of the intended location of your new home, and give them enough time to accept the upcoming change. Also, let them know that having every family member taking part in the preparation will be greatly appreciated, and will contribute to a smooth relocation for the whole family.

2. Choosing the right house and school

When it comes to finding the best new house for your family, location is crucial. Decide carefully on the area where you should look for a house for sale.

Some of the important factors to consider include the house’s proximity to the parents’ workplaces, supermarkets, hospitals, banks, parks, and other key areas. And for families with children, another crucial consideration is the house’s distance to a good school.

Be reminded that you may discover a wide selection of houses, but your choice of the best school is limited. Whenever possible, consider your kids’ specific needs (for school, outdoor exercise, social activities, health checkups, and the like) to figure out if a neighbourhood is right for them.

3. Timing

Timing plays a huge role in how you and your family will adjust to your new life, especially if you have school-age kids. As much as possible, aim to relocate at the end of the school year to prevent the children from experiencing the additional challenges of becoming new students mid-year. This will also give them enough time to bid proper goodbyes to their schoolmates and friends around the neighbourhood.

If you don’t have control over the date of your removal, take into account the pros and cons of all possible options.

If, for instance, you really need to move to your new home ASAP because your job requires you to do so, but it is not yet the end of school year, evaluate whether it would be feasible to let your partner or parents remain with the children until the school is over, while you go ahead.

If you have no one to entrust your kids to, or if this arrangement is too tedious or expensive to consider, perhaps you can speak with your company about being granted an extension, or talk to the family about the urgency of the relocation.

4. Packing

Packing all your belongings will consume a lot of your time and effort, considering the fact that you will be dealing with everyone’s possessions – your kids, senior parents, and pets. Though you can get help from your family and friends, there are items that are more challenging to pack, including oddly shaped items and breakables.

This is where professionally trained removalists can come in handy.

Removalists can also help with your packing tasks. Here at Ashtons Removals, we can pack books, linens, fine china, clothing, shed or garage items, expensive artwork, and toys. We are your best solution when it comes to keeping your valuables free of damage.

Also, we will assist you in avoiding extra charges or unnecessary delays from customs officials if you and your family are relocating overseas.

In addition, we also offer unpacking services if you want your belongings unpacked at your new home.

5. Furniture relocation

For pieces of furniture that won’t fit in your new home, you may want to sell or donate instead. It is highly advised that you finish selling items before your removal to get these out of the way. You can also dispose of the other items you no longer have practical use for.

For furnishings you need like beds, appliances, and desks, moving and lifting them can be a stressful and dangerous task. Removalists take care of handling these larger items, so take advantage of it. Let the professionals help you to prevent accidental damage and pulled muscles.

6. Storage

If you don’t have enough space for all your family’s belongings in your new home, consider a mobile storage solution for the excess items. With a clever modular storage system, you will only pay for the space you need.

This is indeed the most cost-effective, safe and secure, and eco-friendly option for you. The best thing about this storage option is that there is no double handling, which reduces the risk of damage and loss.

7. Car Transport

Car transport is another service you should consider. We are aware of how difficult it is to transport your car across Australia and overseas, so we can help you with this. You just have to provide us the model, make, and year of your vehicle, and where it is to be picked up from and delivered to, and we will handle the rest.

Strategic planning and a bit of forethought will go a long way toward simplifying the stressful relocation process. With proper preparation, the impact of the move on the entire family and pets will significantly be reduced. Get more information from this relocation guide and don’t forget to get in touch with us — we’ve got the best removalists for the job.

7 Challenges for Family Moving and How to Manage Them