People in the US move all the time. In fact, about 13% of Americans relocate with their families each year. The reasons for relocation are multitudinous and often complicated. 

man carrying moving boxes

Relocate Your Family

The most common reason for a family move is the pursuit of a better job.  In other cases, a family might relocate to be closer to other family members.  

Whether it’s for work, family, or the hope of improved quality of life – sometimes a relocation can be a huge boon to a household.  However, if not properly considered, a move could be potentially ruinous.  With this in mind, here are a few tips to ponder before relocating your family to a new destination.

Check How a Move Impacts Your Current Benefits

The grass might appear to be greener in a different state, city or town, but is it really?  In this tip, we’re encouraging you to make an account of all the things that contribute to the quality of your family’s life right now.  

Why? Because if you move, you might lose some of the good things you’re enjoying currently.  For instance, if your family receives state government assistance to pay for things like food or heating bills – that subsidy might not carry over if you move to another state. 

The same holds true for other benefits, like disability, which changes from state to state. For example, if you receive disability benefits in one state, you may have to apply for disability in the new state you’re moving to, as these benefits aren’t typically transferable.  All this considered, if you and your family rely on state-funded benefits or subsidies, think twice before relocating to a different state.

Calculate the Cost of Living

Even if you’re relocating the family for the promise of a better-paying job, financial stability could be nullified if the cost of living at your new destination is painfully high.  Therefore, do your due diligence by understanding living costs in your potentially new location. 

Then, compare those figures to where you’re currently living.  You may discover that even with less pay, you might be better off staying where you are if the cost of living is more lenient for your family’s needs.

Investigate New Schools

As a parent, you know your child’s education is crucial to their success in life.  That’s why it’s a good idea to make every effort to ensure your child’s education is secure – no matter where you live. You can do this by comparing your child’s current school experience with their potential future school.  

Success rates and student statistics are available for public access, and you can contact schools to get more information so you can make the right choice for the sake of your child’s education.

Consider Community Ties

If you and your family have built strong ties in the community, you should realize that rebuilding a supportive group in a new location can take time, and it’s not always easy.  

Even if you are relocating to the place where you grew up to be closer to your family of origin – communities and families change over time, and you might not have the network you’re expecting upon return.  That said, having supportive people in your and your family’s life is crucial to keeping your family happy.

Take a Trip to the New Location

Relocating your family is replete with questions and a ton of unknowns.  Therefore, it’s always a good idea to physically visit the new town or city you are thinking of moving to.  

Yes, this could be potentially costly or inconvenient.  However, scoping out a new location is essential so you can see the area for yourself and get the answers you need before making the leap to a new destination.

Conclusion

It might seem like we are arguing a case against relocating your family.  That isn’t our intent.  In fact, relocating can be a brilliant experience for a family.  Moving to another state or town is a great way for a family to learn, grow, and strengthen family bonds.  It can also be very exciting.  

Moreover, if you’ve done all your homework, and your conclusions indicate that a move is clearly a favorable decision – then your family could stand to reap the benefits of a well-timed relocation. 

Whatever choice you make, we hope these tips on what to consider before relocating are helpful in developing a bright future for you and your family. 

, Read this Before You Relocate Your Family, Days of a Domestic Dad