Moving will always be stressful. There’s so much to do and there always seems to be so little time to get it all done! And for those of us with kids, moving presents some additional challenges. Parents have to consider what house features kids need when hunting for a new home, how they’re going to keep their home clean for showings, how their children will react to the transition, and more.

Working with a great real estate agent like Bruce Bo Realty will take a lot of the stress out of home buying and selling. Unfortunately, however, you still have a lot of work ahead of you. Here’s a guide packed with tips and resources to make your move as easy as possible

House-Hunt With Kids in Mind 

Buying a home as a parent adds another layer of complexity to the process. You need to balance the needs and wants of both you and your children, ideally finding a home that fits everyone in your family as perfectly as possible.

Start your housing search online, looking for possible contenders and narrowing down your selection to a few top choices. Write up a list of deal-breakers so you can avoid falling for a beautiful home that won’t fit your needs. For example, you might want a home with a fenced backyard where your kids can play or an extra bedroom that you can turn into a distraction-free home office. Remember to also research the quality of local schools and any other amenities that you want near your home. 

Once you’ve narrowed it down to a few homes, visit these in person without your kids at first. This will enable you to give your full attention to each home you visit. Be mindful of the overall safety of each home and watch out for potential hazards, like open staircases, speeding traffic, water features, and treehouses. Of course you will want to check the sex offender list to make sure you arent’ buying a home near a criminal. 

Finally, involve your kids in the process by taking them with you to your top picks. If you all like the house, take some time to explore the neighborhood to get a better feel for the area. Check out the local shops, restaurants, and parks, and make sure they seem family-friendly.

What about the selling a house when you have kids? 

Create an Open House Checklist

The open house is your opportunity to make a great first impression on potential buyers, but preparing for an open house can be challenging with kids underfoot. Create an open house checklist to ensure you don’t miss any important details! Deep clean the home, get rid of clutter, and organize any and every space that guests might want to see—closets and garage included! It’s also a good idea to remove valuables from the home to prevent loss or damage.

On the day of the open house, open the windows to let natural light in and musty smells out. Then, pack up your kids and pets and head out for the day. Hanging around your open house can make buyers feel uncomfortable, so it’s best to let your real estate agent do the work.

Establish a Daily Cleaning Plan

If your open house leads fall through, you’ll need to prepare your home for regular showings. How do you keep your home show-ready with little mess-makers running around? The trick is a daily cleaning plan! Vogue suggests setting aside a few storage bins that you can use to stash clutter before a last-minute showing. Throughout the day, clean up after yourself by wiping down counters and tabletops, washing dishes right away, and making the beds every morning. If your kids are old enough, get them involved in the cleanup effort by assigning daily chores. 

You could even pack up and get your family out of town for a little while! Talk to your real estate agent about your plans and see if you can leave during a period when you expect a high number of showings. Even if you only have time for a weekend away, taking a trip is a great way to step away from the cleaning for a little while.

Prepare Your Kids for the Upheaval

Kids are particularly sensitive to changes in routine. Since moving can cause distress in young kids, be sure to prepare them for the upheaval far in advance. If you’re dealing with toddlers, prepare to give them plenty of attention throughout the moving process as well as after you settle into your new home. You can use children’s books about moving to help your kids understand the process ahead and show them there is nothing to be scared of. You may even want to create a moving calendar so your kids can follow along with the move and know what to expect. 

Older kids will feel better about the move if they’re involved in the house-hunting and packing process. If they act resentful about the move, try not to take it personally. Their emotions are running high right now. Try to empathize with them and help them understand that you’re also going to miss things about your old home.

Pack a First Day Box

Moving day is exhausting and stressful. Since you won’t have the energy to dig through moving boxes on day one, pack a first-day box with everything your family will need when you arrive in your new home. Think toilet paper, cleaning supplies, hand soap, basic tools, shower essentials, personal care items, utensils, and bedding. Don’t forget to pack a few outfits for each of your kids. Essentially, you want to pack as if you’re going to stay in a hotel for a few nights!

Planning is the key to successful home buying, selling, and moving, especially if you’re a busy parent. As you’re preparing for your move, remember to keep your kids in mind. Paying attention to their needs and involving them in your move will help ensure a smooth transition for your whole family. 

Looking for a local real estate agent? Bruce Bo Realty will help you buy or sell a home with minimal stress, so you can focus on your kids. Call today! 678-761-5803.