Tag: relocating

Moving on a Budget: 5 Tips

Posted on Staff

Moving can be quite a stressful time in your life, especially financially.

The last thing that you need is to have to worry about how much it will cost to move your things, especially if you are moving cities or even states.

Here are 5 tips for moving on a budget:

Move yourself

a couple lying in their living room packing for a move

Instead of using a professional service, which can get extremely pricey, box and pack all of your personal items and furniture by yourself.

If you can, get a rental truck and a couple friends or family members, and move things that way.

It will save you a lot of money, and you can be sure your things will be moved and taken care of the way you want.

Don’t buy boxes

Instead of buying boxes from a moving supply store, get free ones from the grocery stores in your area.

Since you are anticipating the move, start gathering packing supplies early.

When at the grocery store, ask if they have any extra boxes you can take. Many times if you wake up early, you can go to the back of the store and the boxes will be available for you to take.

Go through your belongings

Get rid of things you do not need.

We all hold on to things we no longer need, may it be for sentimental reason or simply because you forgot you had them.

As you pack, take the opportunity to go through and throw out those items which are not essential to the move.

You can list things on websites for local pick-up; even sell your items to make extra money.

Selling the things that are just collecting dust is a great way to help pay for any expense required in order to move, and also lessens the load.

Clean Cheap

Little expenses like cleaning supplies add up. When cleaning your place up before you go, buy all the supplies you need from the dollar store.

They have everything you need from all-purpose cleaner, bathroom scrubs, floor cleaners, mops, brooms, and everything else you may need.

Couponing is cool

If your utilities, cable and other services don’t transfer service to your new residence, look around for specials and coupons.

For example, if you need to begin new cable services, like TV and internet, ask your real estate agent.

Making a list in order to obtain these new services will not only help you to save money, but also helps you to not forget anything or feel overwhelmed once in your new place.

Whether it is to the neighborhood down the street, a new city, or even a new state, you can be sure that your move is on a budget by following the 5 tips above.

 

Preparing Children for a New School After a Move

Posted on Glenn S. Phillips

@PexelsIt can be tough enough to move to a new area and deal with all of the stresses that involves. Stresses such as updating driver’s license information, changing voter registration cards, and learning new roadways. But, for your children, relocating means they have to start all over again in school.

There are new pitfalls and friends that await them, but rest assured you can help them with the transition. Here are a few tips to make learning about their new school system much easier.

Work on it Together

If you have the chance to choose a school because you are on the border between two, or your district offers specialty schools, make sure your child or children are a part of the decision making process.

This helps make them feel less like things are happening to them and more like some exciting new prospects lie ahead.

For older children, finding out what clubs and sports are available gives them a chance to do something they love. It also helps them make new connections at the same time. They’ll end up being more engaged in their new school.

If you are able to visit the new school before the move, it’s a good idea to do so. You both can see what the school looks like, where the lockers are, where the classroom will be, and so on. It helps reduce the first day jitters of feeling completely lost.

You might even be able to meet with the new teacher, so your child will know at least one person on that very first day. If so, you can let the teacher know of any issues like food allergies or special needs your child has. If your child is younger, you may want to consider going with them on their first day to provide that extra level of security.

Health is Always Important

One of the best ways to keep stress under control is to keep the body healthy. A proper night’s sleep is a great way to start. This way, the first day is tackled well rested and ready.

Keep in mind, trying to do this only the night before the first day of school won’t be the best way to set up a good habit. Roll out the new bedtime about two to three weeks before school starts whenever possible. This is true when summer vacation comes to an end, too.

On the first day of school, be sure to take the time to fix a good breakfast and a nutritious lunch for your children to take to class. Good nutrition and comforting foods help keep the body balanced.

Go Shopping

If you are moving from a cold climate to a warm lake shore area, you will need to take your child shopping for the right clothing. The reverse is of course also true.

The district should also be able to provide you with the necessary school supplies list so you can go shopping for all the pens and pencils and jump drives your child will need.

Be Organized

Even with all of the prep work you have done, there are a few more steps to take. First, set out your child’s clothes the night before. Also get the book bag ready to go. That way, the mad chaos of getting ready layered on top of the existing stress of the first day at a new school is not overwhelming. Make sure your alarms are set early enough to get up and going without rushing.

It definitely takes a bit of planning. Something that can be tricky with all of the other hassles that go into moving to your new home, but it is possible to have a smooth transition to a new school. The more relaxed and prepared you are, the more your children will be also.