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Essential Family Relocation Timeline

Moving is a stressful time, but it doesn't have to be. We've been there and know the best way to get through it is with a plan. Here are some tips for making sure your family relocation goes smoothly from start to finish.

Start making plans early
The earlier you start, the better. If you're moving overseas, begin at least six months before your move date. If you're moving within the same city or state and want to stay in the same school district, plan on starting three months before your move date.

Research Schools
Although there are many ways to research schools, the most effective is to start with browsing the internet. There are many websites dedicated to researching school districts and other information related to school choice. You can also ask other parents in your area for their recommendations on specific schools. If you don’t know anyone personally who has kids in a given school district, you must get recommendations from friends who do have experience with those schools.

a dog in the moving box

If you're moving with children and pets, start planning your family relocation early.

If you don’t have any friends or family members who live near where you want to move, then ask your realtor what schools are nearby and what kind of reputation each one holds among local families.

Book movers on time
Hiring movers is highly recommendable, especially if you’re moving as a large family across the country or overseas. Before you start packing and throwing away stuff, take some time to plan.

Having a professional help with the family relocation can make all the difference in how smoothly your relocation goes. A good moving company will take care of all your household goods and personal property while providing excellent customer service.

Finding a reputable moving company with experienced movers who know how to handle sensitive items such as antiques or artwork during transit is essential. Look for companies that offer insurance coverage for lost or damaged items in transit – this way, if something does happen during travel, they'll cover it!

Get organized
The first step on your family relocation timeline is to get organized. The most important thing to do at this stage is to make a list of everything you need to do, including all of the tasks in the next section.

a man carrying suitcases

Consider packing in categories, and eliminate unnecessary things before the move.

That can be as simple or complicated as you want it to be. You can start by creating a calendar or spreadsheet and filling in dates, deadlines, and other key events, such as school holidays or doctor’s appointments. Then, add things like packing lists, contact information for utility companies and local schools, etc. Also, make other relevant notes about each task that come up.

You can also use this opportunity to create a backup plan for yourself if something goes wrong: what will happen if there's no rental property available when I arrive? What if I have trouble finding childcare during my job search? Being prepared will keep things running smoothly when they inevitably go awry!

Plan your budget
The next step is to plan your budget. You can do this with the help of a moving company or by doing it yourself. Either way, you’ll want to consider all aspects of your move:

Moving costs – primarily for hiring movers

Packing supplies

Storage costs if you need extra space for furniture, clothing, or keepsakes that won’t fit in your new home immediately. You’ll have plenty of storage solutions, so include those costs in your budget.

Moving day costs (like food, transportation, etc.)When preparing for moving day, ask several companies for quotes so that you have an idea of what each company charges for services such as packing materials and labor (handling heavy objects). Also, consider whether it would be more cost-effective to hire movers on your own instead of hiring them through a company. That will depend mainly on how much to move and how far from one location to another.

Pack for a family relocation
Here’s how you can organize the packing process:

Pack a box of essentials: You’ll need to pack at least one box of essential items, such as toiletries, medication or first aid supplies, important documents, and other valuables.

Pack a box of clothes: It’s smart to have at least one bin or bag set aside for clothing. That will make it easier to pack up in case you need more room than anticipated.

Pack a box of toys: If kids are involved in the move, they will want their favorite toys along with them! Ensure they have their bin so they can easily find what they want during the process.

Pack your kitchen: You should start with larger pieces like pots, pans, and electronic appliances. Next, secure glass items and pack utensils. If you’re moving long-distance, consider packing only the necessary items and buying the rest after the move.

Child jumping on the road.

Engage your kids in the moving process - they can help with packing!

Moving with kids
As you may know, moving with kids is a lot of work. It takes extra time to train the family members to behave during the relocation. If you are moving last minute, you’ll have to organize the moving day to the last detail. If you have small kids, consider asking a family member or a friend to help care for them. On the other hand, older kids can be quite helpful during this time. The best thing you can do is let them engage in the process. They can help with packing their toys, books, and other belongings.

Conclusion
Family relocation can be stressful, especially if it’s your first time doing it. The timeline we’ve outlined in this article will help make sure that your move runs smoothly and that everything goes according to plan. But remember: it isn’t just about getting everything done on time – it’s also about enjoying the process! So take a deep breath and enjoy every moment of the journey ahead.