Relocating to a new country is never without challenges. There’s always something to consider; new laws, different customs, local languages, and cultural peculiarities to interpret.
When you are moving alone, you just have to think about what is adequate for you and plan accordingly. But when you want to relocate your family, you will have to consider the well being of all your family members before choosing when, where and how to relocate.
As a single person having little to no family responsibilities, you normally have freedom and you are flexible enough to relocate from one place to another whenever you like. But, once you get married, have kids and then have aged parents at home, you tend to feel much more responsible. In most cases, family obviously becomes a priority, and all your decisions revolve around them.
If you are planning to relocate with your family, and you are not sure about how to plan and what to do then you first need to consider the following:
• THE OVERALL RENTAL OR PROPERTY COST
By overall I mean; from basic conveniences like 24-hour electricity, adequate water supply, parking space, to parks for your children, security guards. And all of these at a reasonable rent.
While you will search for a home in your new place, make sure you keep in mind the amount of space required for your family to fit in. In fact, if your family is growing or if you have plans of growing your family in near future, also consider that.
This is because the larger your family gets, the more spacious your home needs to be. Similarly, if your family is not that big, it will be wise of you to not go for a very big home and instead, save some money. After all, the larger the home, the more the maintenance cost.
Summarily, consider the needs of your family now and also in future so that you are able to find a home that will serve the needs of your family on a long term basis.
You also have to plan for household moving carefully.
You need to plan your move well in advance which is needed to have a successful home relocation. And when you have a family with you who are also relocating, you cannot take any risks. Apart from emergencies, avoid making last-minute moving plans.
• COST OF LIVING IN GENERAL
Initial research will cover a list of things to think about; take this step seriously so you can hit the ground running at your new home. There’s the affordability of your new location; you’ll have to take into account salaries, cost of housing, utilities, household expenses, transport, taxes, and schooling.
There’s also sorting out your own quality of life. It’s crucial to find a job that easily fits into a balanced family life. Locating basic support services such as opening a bank account or buying a SIM card are also key. Don’t forget the things that money can’t buy, either; seek out the local community of your faith, for instance a church or a mosque.
You first have to sustain a proper balance between the professional and personal life. Both are necessary to be happy and you can never compromise one for the other. Of course, situations and circumstances may vary, but your aim should always be to strike a proper balance between the two.
The reason I am telling you this is because I have seen many ignoring family for career and vice versa. That should never be the case. So, when you are planning for home relocation, besides considering your career prospects there, do take into account the happiness and convenience of your family members.
• KIDS EDUCATION FACILITY AND COST
The significance of education is something that you cannot ignore. If you’ve got kids, then one of the most important things to consider when relocating a family is the educational opportunities there. Make enough research whether there are good quality schools and colleges there or not. Look for good schools in the locality.
If your selected schools are not nearby, confirm if they provide school bus facilities to and from your neighbourhood.
On the subject of kids, you have to prepare them to relocate. Moving with kids can be tough, particularly for the kid. To make it easier for them, you should:
~ Talk to them as soon as you have decided to relocate and explain to them the reasons , and how it would benefit them. This will give them sufficient time to adapt to the idea of moving.
~ Include them in your discussions and let them decide a few things about their new room. This will keep them engaged and excited about moving.
~ Though optional, you can throw a small party for your kids and their friends. This way they will get to say a proper goodbye before leaving.
~ Stick to the routine. This will give them ample family time and not make them feel out of place. Play a game or watch a movie with them. This will help them adjust to the change well.
• EMPLOYMENT OR BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
Relocation with family can be expensive, so if you are moving to another state because of a job, transfer, or you have been hired by another company, etc., please do consider relocation expenses. It’s better to know upfront if your company will bear your moving expenses or you have to bear the costs.
Some companies cover the full moving expense for their employees, while others may pay part of relocation expense. Whatever it is, do your homework, see whether it is favorable for you or not and then take a call about hiring a moving company to relocate your family.
• PEOPLE AND CULTURE
You also need to consider the people who live in your preferred location. Not just the people, learning about their culture is relevant to your successful stay in that place. So you need to consider this carefully.
• SAFETY AND SECURITY
This is another vital consideration. Your home may be your fort, but you don’t want to be afraid to venture beyond the drawbridge, out-of-town and more affluent districts where there might be more room for the family pet to have a run around the garden tend to have lower crime rates. However, more suburban locations usually come at a price.
You need to exercise patience in locating a place to live in the right neighborhood. It’s also an investment in time that many people simply do not have when they arrive.
• WEATHER AND POLLUTION
I feel that weather is one of the most vital things to consider when relocating a family. This is because the weather in your new place may be drastically different from what you are used to as a family. So, you need to see whether your family members especially your kids and the aged people will be able to handle such extreme weather conditions or not.
In fact, if any of your family members have got certain health concern which is not at all good for the climate of the place you are planning to relocate, that also you need to consider.
Weather is directly connected to the health and well-being of all of us. So, you need to do enough study about the weather of that place throughout the year and then make your decision.
MAKING YOUR NEW HOUSE A HOME
When you finally arrive at your destination, you can finally breathe a sigh of relief; you made it! Catch up on some sleep, take some time to relax, and explore your new surroundings. You can now concentrate on making your new house a home and settling back into family life.
You’ll need your energy for when your belongings arrive; it’s a good idea to get the children’s rooms sorted first. Fill these rooms with familiar things to make them feel more comfortable in their new environment. Get older children and teenagers involved in unpacking their own belongings. By allowing them to decide where their belongings go and decorate their own room, they can build some excitement and feelings of positivity about being in a new city.
Amid all the chaos of the move, you can bring a little normality back to life by sticking to traditions and routines from your old house. Sit down for a meal together, take the dog out for a walk, or share one of your family rituals or traditions together.
Finally, moving abroad with your family isn’t just a chance for you to further your career; it’s also a chance for the entire family to learn and grow in a new environment. Ensure that your family’s relocation is a positive experience for you, your partner, and your children.
Although moving abroad with your family might seem like a looming dark cloud to the youngest family members, remind them that with change comes a fresh start.
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