Relocating Your Family For Work: 4 Actionable Tips
Moving your family for a job opportunity can be exciting, challenging, and full of surprises. If you have a move on the horizon and you’re wondering about how to handle the logistics of relocating your family, this guide is for you.
We’ll cover 4 actionable tips that we’ve learned through managing dozens of family relocations.
Whether you have a spouse, children, pets, and/or other family members moving with you, this guide will help you prepare and execute a successful move for the whole family!
1. Open Communication is Key
Before, during, and after your relocation decision–communication is key.
We recommend having honest conversations with all family members before you make the decision to move. Involving your family into the process as soon as possible will start things off on a positive note from the beginning.
For children, this is especially important. Involving children of any age into the decision-making process will ensure they feel valued and have a sense of control during this significant life change.
Don’t be afraid to explain the details of your relocation: Are you taking advantage of an exciting career opportunity? Are you joining an organization that needs support in a specific area?
Get into the specifics instead of just saying that the move is “for work”. Share the reasons why this relocation is taking place, and communicate authentically with your family. This goes for children, spouses, and any other family members involved!
Being up front about the reason behind your relocation will not only help them understand, it will also open the door for open communication from them.
Consider these communication strategies:
Hold regular family meetings to discuss the move
Address concerns and fears openly
Create a shared vision of what life might look like in the new location
Allow each family member to express their feelings about the relocation
2. Research Your New Community Thoroughly
Researching your new community can be a fun activity for the whole family, it can help relieve nerves about the move, and it involves everyone in the situation.
Whether you have a spouse who is worried about relocating, or children who are wondering what their new school will be like, research can help focus everyone’s mind on tangible things.
Research practical aspects of your relocation such as: potential neighbourhoods and real estate opportunities, the housing market, local insurance and healthcare coverage, schools and school districts, etc.
But don’t forget to look into the more exciting aspects of relocating with your family, too!
Consider:
Local amenities and tourist attractions
Extracurricular activities
Restaurants and cafés
If your children are struggling with the relocation, you may consider starting a “wish list,” with exciting new places and activities that can be planned after your move.
3. Create a Comprehensive Moving Timeline
Relocating your family for work doesn’t just come with lots of opinions and emotions, it also requires a bit of extra planning.
When you’re relocating multiple people and many belongings, the planning process is crucial. Consider creating a schedule and a detailed timeline of what needs to be done.
The goal is to spread out the responsibilities, ensure there is buffer time for any issues that arise, and make your relocation less stressful.
Consider a timeline leading up to your relocation date, starting 6 months ahead:
3-6 Months
Research and visit potential neighbourhoods
Begin house hunting
Start school research and applications
Create a moving budget
2-3 Months
Secure new housing
Schedule movers or rental trucks
Begin decluttering and organizing
Start the school transfer process
1 Month
Begin packing non-essential items
Update important documents and records
Schedule utility transfers
Update important documents and records
Schedule utility transfers
Plan farewell gatherings
4. Prioritize Emotional Well-Being
The emotional impact of relocating your family for work shouldn't be underestimated. Moving is a big life change, and it can have a significant impact on children and adults alike. Consider a few quick tips to help you and your family prioritize emotional well-being throughout the process:
For Children:
Maintain regular routines during the transition
Allow them to help plan their new room
Arrange virtual tours of new schools
Help them stay connected with old friends while encouraging new connections
For Adults:
Acknowledge the stress of the move and discuss it openly
Seek support as needed. For example: relocation services, professional counselling, or support from your employer
Join local community groups before moving
Conclusion
Relocating your family for work is a significant life event that requires careful planning and consideration, both for logistical reasons and emotional ones!
By following these four actionable tips - maintaining open communication, conducting thorough research, creating a comprehensive timeline, and prioritizing emotional well-being - you can make the transition smoother for everyone involved.
Remember that professional support is available through relocation services like New Roots, which can provide specialized assistance throughout your moving journey.