Changing homes is as common as traveling in the U.S. A decent population size moves every year, and this number seems to grow larger as each generation passes by. However, moving in can be a stressful task for many Americans.
About 10% of the overall population in the U.S. (about 32 million) move into new homes annually. These moves are expected to grow even more significantly as more millennials enter the adult age. Although moves are usually made because of career choices and growth, there is much stress in every move.
Studies have found that moves are one of the most stressful activities that Americans do. It’s expected that most Americans who move do it every two years or so on average. But these moves are as stressful as the last. This is doubly more stressful for children who have to leave their friends behind. Some of these children usually undergo adjustment disorders during the first few months of the move. What do experts suggest? Plan your move.
Planning is an essential part of moving into a new home, and you must get your home ready the moment you move in. This is why before moving in, you need to hire a couple of home services and do some of the tasks yourself. Here’s an essential checklist for every move-in.
Before Moving In
Most moving-in tasks are required to be done before you move into your new home. Here are some essentials.
Explain the Move to Your Children
As stated earlier, moving into a new home is stressful for many children. One way you can reduce this stress is by talking to them about the move. Explain to them why you have to do it and what they can expect in their new home.
You must maturely communicate with them, especially once they’ve reached seven years old. At this point, they are more likely to appreciate the information than the reaffirmation that everything will be okay. Answer their questions the best way you can. Either way, the more time they spend in your new home, the more likely they can adapt.
Hire a Home Inspector
The next thing you have to do is to get your new home inspected. Some old homes can be creaky and might have developed some structural problems, so you must get your home checked. If the home inspector has found some damages, then it’s time for you to contact your contractor.
Contact Your Contractor
You must make the necessary fixes to your new home now to avoid the stress and noise of construction work. Talk to your contractor and relay the information given by the inspector to them. Additionally, make sure to tell them any changes you want to be made to your new home to ensure that no construction work needs to be done by the time you move in.
Get an Exterminator
Most people who sell their homes have to hire pest control before putting it up in the market. But if the home has been on the market for quite some time, there is a good chance that some pests have made it their home. You must contact a home pest control service to check your home for any pests. These pests can carry all sorts of diseases and can also trigger allergies. You’d want them out and gone by the time you move in.
Hire a Mover
Lastly, don’t be thrifty and hire a mover, even if it is a local move. Movers can take off a load of stress from your family when you’re moving in. They can also save you a lot of time.
After Moving in
After moving in, it’s time to get your affairs in order. Start with your family and work your way up.
Have a Walk Around the New Neighborhood
Get the necessary information you need about all sorts of services. You should also know good spots where you can hang out with your children and where you can get your supplies. Plan out your routes and explore the neighborhood. Knowing more about the neighborhood will set you and your family at ease about the move.
Talk to Your Neighbors
You must get to know your neighbors as well. Ask them to have dinner with you and your family. Ask them about the neighborhood and get as much information you can get out of them. Befriend them when you can because having known someone in the neighborhood can certainly make a difference in your life living there.
Here are the essentials things you have to do when moving in. Remember not to save on home services because they will make your move a lot easier. Also, don’t forget to orient your children because this will make a move less stressful for them.
