Moving house with kids can feel overwhelming, but with a little preparation, planning, and sensitivity, you can keep stress to a minimum and ensure this is the start of a positive new chapter for all of you.
Think About the Future
Many homebuyers fall into the trap of focusing on what they need now from a property, rather than considering what they’re likely to need in the future.
For example, if you’re a couple with a baby, a two-bedroom property might suit your current needs, but if you’re hoping to have more children, you may quickly find that you outgrow your new home. Likewise, other factors such as a change from office to home working or the addition of a family pet might shift your requirements.
When viewing properties, it’s important to imagine yourself living there and consider how you’d use the space both now and in the future.
Location, Schools & Lifestyle
The location of a home matters just as much as the property itself. When choosing your next family home, you’ll want to consider factors such as:
- Proximity to nurseries and schools and their Ofsted ratings
- Access to shops and healthcare
- Safe playgrounds and green spaces
- Commute times and potential work opportunities nearby
- Community groups, events and activities your family could get involved in like a weekly playgroup
Old Charm vs. Modern Convenience
Whilst old houses have undeniable charm and often hold a lot of character, there’s no getting away from the fact that they can cost a lot to run and frequently require renovation or repair. On the flip side, new build homes tend to be more energy efficient and typically require less maintenance.
While you may love the idea of a quaint cottage in theory, as a growing family, you might struggle with smaller proportions, low ceilings and a lack of outdoor space. So, when searching for your next family home, keep an open mind about the types of property that might suit your lifestyle, and narrow your parameters as you go.
Get Everyone Involved
Ideally, you want to start having conversations about moving weeks or even months in advance to give children the time to process the news and to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Depending on the age of your children, you may even want to get them involved in the house hunting process itself. Teens will love accompanying you on potential viewings and may even be able to point out perks or drawbacks you might not have spotted. If your children are young, get them involved in the move in other ways, such as reading books about moving house or help choose the décor of their new bedroom.
Helping your child understand the reason for the move, and involving them in the process, can give them a sense of control and help everyone see it as a positive thing.
Disclosure: this is a collaborative post