Make a Career Relocation Easier With This Timeline

By, Stephanie Haywood

This article provides a framework for a work-related relocation that will make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Moving for a job is a major undertaking, especially when you have a family. It’s always challenging to go through a big life change with kids, and moving to a new city comes with a lot to think about. That’s why it’s so important to use a checklist that will help you count down the weeks until moving day and stay on top of every essential task. Think about how you’ll talk about the move with your family and how to find the perfect property in the best location, as well as how to keep the process from becoming overwhelming. Work-related relocations don’t always provide an ample amount of time to plan, but in general, it’s a good idea to start the process a few months ahead of time.

4 months before: talk to the family

One of the first things you’ll need to do to prepare for the move is talk to your family and get them used to the idea, especially if you have young children. Look up some fun spots in the new city that you can visit after the move. Show them pictures or videos of the area; turn the process into an adventure! Allow your children to get as involved as they want in packing their bedrooms up when the time comes, as having a measure of control in the situation can be helpful for little ones.

3 months before: start your search

Once your family is prepared for the idea of a move, it’s time to start a search for the perfect home. Whether you want to buy a house or rent a property, you can begin looking online and narrow down the options according to the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you need, the price range that’s in your budget, and the community you’re interested in. Search for Seattle apartments and utilize an online 3D tour so you can really visualize the space. Keep in mind that the average rental price for a 2-bedroom in Seattle is about $3,538.

You’ll also want to talk to a local realtor around this time and get the ball rolling on selling your current home if you’re an owner. In Ogunquit, Maine, 207prime.com is the perfect place to start the process.

2 months before: declutter and prep for packing

Once you have the perfect place picked out, you can focus on going through each room to thoroughly clean and declutter before you begin the packing process. One of the biggest challenges of a move is making sure everything gets to where you’re going, and essential items are often the first to go missing, which can throw off your schedule.

6 weeks before: plan for the move

With your belongings taken care of, it’s time to think about the big day. Hire a moving company, make arrangements for the kids and pets, and plan out the trip to your new city. If you’ll be flying, search for the best ticket deals now. Road trips require a bit more preparation, especially for the kids; if possible, work out a schedule with the movers so you and your family can take your time on the road and have a little fun on the way to your new home.

1 month before: wrap up

Now is the time to think about the details, such as arranging for a change of address and setting up utilities. You can also start packing, although if your current home is large you may need a little more time. Gather all your supplies and keep them together in order to stay organized, and be sure to keep important items–medication, device chargers, cleaning supplies, and anything work-related–separate for the time being.

Making a big move often comes with frustrations, so try to remain calm throughout the process. Remember that a solid plan goes a long way toward helping to reduce stress and anxiety for both you and your family members.

Have a question about listing your home? Get in touch at 207prime.com.

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