Families move all the time. Whether it’s for work, a change of circumstance or an exciting new opportunity, there are a lot of reasons why it happens, but how do you know if it’s the right move for you?

Moving home is a big change, even if you’re only moving streets away. So a long-distance move can feel like an even bigger step. How will you know if it’s right for you and your family? How will you make it work? 

Here are some things to consider to help you decide if a long-distance move is right for you.

Why are you moving?

Thinking about why you’re moving is important. Sometimes it’s a simple answer, such as a new job, or wanting to be closer to family. But sometimes it can be a bit more complex. Are you moving to run away from a problem (that will only follow you there)? Or are you moving because it feels like the right thing and the right time for your family? It’s important to consider all the reasons why you’re moving to ensure you’re not just making a snap decision and that it’s really the best move for you. 

Is the place you’re moving right for you?

They say the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, and that’s something that’s very important to keep in mind when moving long distance. Is the place you’re moving right for you? A big move shouldn’t be taken lightly, but there are some things you can try to help you work out if your chosen destination is going to be the best place for your family to start its new chapter.

Research the area

The first thing you’ll need to do is research the area. Does it have good schools? Safe neighborhoods? Is it easy to do the things you enjoy doing as a family? These are all important points to consider before you decide to move. Spend time researching your new location to make sure it has everything you need to make your move a success.

Understand what moving entails

Moving isn’t as always as simple as packing up your things and moving to a new place. If you’re moving overseas, you’ll need to meet the entry requirements for your chosen location. If you’re moving due to work, your company may be able to help take care of the arrangements, otherwise, it’s worth consulting with others to make sure you do everything that’s required for a successful move.

Visit 

While some people move cities or even countries without ever visiting them, it’s important to visit if you can. Spend some time getting to know the place that could be your future home – you’ll get a better sense of whether it’s somewhere you could live permanently.

Try it on a trial basis

Could you try moving on a trial basis? Perhaps you could enjoy an extended stay over the summer, or spend a few weeks there to get to know the city even better? Planning such a big move is something you shouldn’t take lightly, so spending as long as you can there before you make a final decision could save you a lot of stress and disappointment down the line.

How do your kids feel about the move?

When deciding whether to move long-distance, it’s important to consider how everyone in the family feels about it. While ultimately, the choice is down to the parents, getting your kids on board can ease some of the problems a move might cause. Moving with teenagers is tricky at the best of times, but it will help if you can make them feel like they are part of the decision.

Are you prepared for a long-distance move?

Moving is a big undertaking, and a long-distance move brings even more challenges. Your moving costs will be higher, for example, and you’ll need to hire a reliable long distance moving company on board to help you. You’ll need to plan your move in great detail and remember to factor in goodbyes to family and friends – it’s not something that’s easily done on the spur of the moment!

After weighing everything up, only you will know if a long-distance move is right for you. And if it is – go for it! This could be an incredible, life-changing opportunity for you and your family, so embrace every minute. Prepare to settle into a new city or even a new way of life, and get ready for all the exciting opportunities coming your way.