Have You Ever Moved?

Relator.com
Greatschools.net
There are SO many sites that can help you research a new area when you move but these helped us the most.

Oh don't be scared! Get excited, it's a new adventure :)

Plus, the kids will feed off what you're feeling... so mentally prepare everyone and think POSITIVE!!

When my family first moved to VA from NJ, my dad lived here for about 4 months without us (we had to finish school and pack), while he found a house and established himself at his new place of employment. I never once remember my mother being overwhelmed or stressed during that time.

Once we moved, it was so exciting for us as kids! We got to pick our own rooms, make new friends, explore a whole new place!!

As an adult with a family of my own, we've moved 3 times in the past 4 years. Now we're (relatively) comfortable and have stayed in 1 place for 2 years (a record for us). The kids love moving! They ask when we're moving again, LOL...

Most of my cousins are military brats and are used to moving often.

Think of the positives, not the negatives. This is a whole new opportunity with your family... enjoy it!

Yes, we have moved. In our first house where all the kids were born we lived for 15 years. Then we built a house in the burbs, yanked all three kids out of their teeny Catholic school and plopped them into a giant suburban school district, where the kids and I lived for only two years.

When we left, we moved again, different neighborhood, same school district.

One thing I've learned from all of it, well TWO things.

1) Kids are WAAAAY more resilient to change then we are. And

2) No matter where you go, there you are.

:)

Take a deep breath. Don't do anything until you know for sure that he is being transferred. When you hear that officially...
- Ask when he is expected to start at the new location
- Ask if there will adjustments to his salary
- Ask if the company will assist you with moving costs (there are many that still do)

Three hours away means that you and your husband could (realistically) make several day trips to look at neighborhoods and homes before you need to move. Ask the real estate agent helping you to provide you with information regarding the different school district options as well as tax and crime info for the communities. Look at homes online and have a list of "must-haves", "would be nice", "don't want" and have just a couple of items under each category. Communicate this very clearly in writing to your agent so that you can maximize your time looking!

I would suggest that if there are many "unknowns" that you rent. No one wants to move twice, but you also don't want to purchase a home and the find out two months later that it doesn't really work for you.

If you are definitely moving, start looking for a job within a month of arriving in the new town. When you interview, let them know that you are able to start on _____ (giving yourself a good week to get settled).

IF you are definitely moving, then yes you probably should sell the house. Keep in mind that it may take longer than you think, so if you cannot afford to pay rent somewhere while the house is on the market, then you and the kids will live in the house until it sells- It is going to stink, but dad will be home on the weekends and renting a monthly studio apt in the new town.

These things really do have a way of working themselves out so try to relax. Start purging "stuff" in your house. If you really don't need it or use it, get rid of it before you move!

Three hours is close enough for weekend visits with family and you can (and will) make new friends! We are in the process of trying to move closer to my job and the hardest part for us is the idea of leaving our neighbors. They are wonderful people. We all support and help one another- got a text last night that we left our garage door open and it was about to pour! I really hope our future neighbors are as thoughtful!

Trying to think of where you are moving to. Of course at the moment I can't remember exactly where Cuba is....:(

I would start by finding a Realtor in the area you are moving to. They should have an idea of what is out there even employment wise. Granted they aren't an employment agency but they can point you in the right direction.

Okay so I thought past Sullivan but then I thought I was wrong, hum....

Lord are you moving to another small town?

You will be OK.
One step at a time.
First let him secure emplyoyment and a paycheck, if need be let him rent or commute for a while.
Will the company move you?

The mlitary moves us all over the place. You will make friends wherever you go. And three hours is nothing. Our first move was 1200 miles away, IL to NC then they sent us to CA, then VA.
Big breaths, and look at it as an adventure.

Well....My dad was in the military and my husband was in the military. I just counted 17 moves in my life! That would make out to moving every 2.5 years of my entire life. Having said that, we've been in our current location for 5 years, and I lived in one house for about 10 years. So, I guess that would be a yes to your question. As soon as your husband gets his transfer, you should put your house up for sale. I would not commit to buying a new house until the old one sells, unless you can afford to pay two mortgages or you have no mortgage now. I would probably rent in the meantime. These particular details will fall into place as you get more information. My advice is that you look at this as a grand adventure. Your attitide and outlook will be probably the most major contributor to the mood in your home during this transition. Your husband will be greatly affected by your reaction. Consider that carefully. Also, your children will follow your example. Do you want unity and joy, excitement, or do you want fear, discontentment, panic to rule the day? It is largely in your hands as to how it goes. It is not too much for you. Think of the positives, be thankful for your husband's job. Think about the new opportunities you may have in your new location. Embrace the change with all joy and confidence in your husband's ability to lead his family well. Be unified, and enjoy the journey!

I've moved lots of times. The best way to find the right house in the right neighborhood is to rent where you are going to live and the look for a good deal when you find the right neighborhood.

A realtor won't tell you where the good and bad areas are anymore. They are too afraid of getting in trouble.

Call the police department and find out where the areas are where they have to go to the least. I went to the police academy and asked If I wanted to ride along with an officer, where should I go to see the most action. Then I asked where I should I avoid for a ride along because I'd be bored all night because of no crime at all. He told me three areas. Those three areas are where I went to look for a home.

Look up in the computer to find where the sex offenders live (Megan's law). Usually the best areas will have the least sex offenders.

Good luck to you and yours.

I moved way too many times! First, breath!!! Until you know for sure it is hard to answer. Your questions are good ones but again, you need more information. Go on the internet and look at the possible new location. Look at houses and schools. Visit the website for the Chamber of Commerce in that location. Also, once you know for sure you are going, be sure to get a good real estate agent. That agent will be able to walk you through the selling and buying process. Enjoy its an adventure!!!

My husband and I moved 10 years ago, leaving behind friends and family more than two hours away. Didn't know anyone here.

We were lucky in that we bought a great house in a super neighborhood. That was due to having a really great realtor.

You do have a lot of options to consider and it's hard to say which one is best for you. I don't think I would buy until both of you have your job situations secure. So, I'd lean toward staying there until your house sells or renting in the new area.

I would start looking for a new job just as soon as the transfer agreement is definite. It may take a while, depending on your field. Use your husband's address in the new city. Many employers won't even consider candidates who don't already live in the area.

We made the leap and moved here and it all worked out. Gradually met people in the neighborhood and through my husband's work (I work from home, so no chance there). Then, met a whole lot more once we had kids and got involved in their activities and school.

Best of luck to you! This may end up working out terrific for you in the long run. It's just a matter of overcoming the fear of the unknown.

oooh my!! Can we trade?!?!?!?! My military upbringing has me primed for moving every 3 to 4 years....my husband is Mr. Stability....soooo we've been in the same house for almost 15 years!! YIKES!!!

moving is a WONDERFUL experience!! You get to find new things and meet new people!!!

I personally would rent if I were to move to a new area - that way I'm NOT tethered to one location if it turns out to be NOT what we expected...

If you can afford to rent your current home out - do...I know there are new guidelines out for buying and renting - I believe you need to be a landlord for 2 years before they will NOT make you qualify for both mortgages...

If you can afford NOT to look for a job - and do it on your husband's salary - I would wait it out...get to know the area, schools and people first...3 hours really isn't that far away...so in all honesty - if you guys can swing it - have him rent an efficiency apartment at the new location and have him come home on the weekends if you are too concerned about uprooting the kids and starting new....

One of the things I really liked about moving every 3 to 4 years was it kept the clutter down...

Please feel free to PM and I'll do what I can to help you out!

Okay so he is preparing you for a possible move three hours away. Start cleaning out your house of the accumulated "junk". Use the old rule if you haven't worn or used it in x then out it goes. It's easier to do it now than when you move and wonder why you kept x.

Look on the internet for the town and begin to familiarize yourself. No need to tell the kids yet as they won't understand the time concept thing. I told my son once we were moving about three months before and everyone was tired of him telling them he was moving including me. So we just told him a few days in advance. Once I forget and he got all excited when he saw the moving van and wanted to know where we were going. (That was a godsend in itself.)

If you can, rent in the beginning until you have an idea of what you want and need in a home (bedrooms, baths, fireplace, dining area(s)m entryway and so on). We even had two international moves with the military. Always pack a box or two of the items you will need immediately when you get to your next home and put them away from packers or in your car so that they don't get packed up (trust me this does happen).

Plan a schedule of to do things and follow it as it will help keep you calm and going in the right direction. Cross off the items once completed. If you have a deep freeze now is the time to eat out of it and get it ready for the move.

Above all, stay calm and enjoy the move. Make memories by making a scrapbook of the move so that you can look back on it later in life as part of the journey. I always looked at each move in the military as a chapter in a book.

You will do fine and you will make new neighbors that will be as close as the old ones. Remember the only thing that is constant in life is change.

Happy moving.

The other S.

PS I would love to have the movers come to my house and move me again. It's only been 20 years and that is 5 moves missing and the "junk" that needs to go that has not left yet. Can't get the car(s) in the garage so it's time to have a garage sale.

I am sitting at the one dining room chair left at the table as I watch the movers come in and out of my house from the moving truck!! We are moving from Texas to Illinois! I have lived in Texas all my life and will know NO ONE there, but our family will be together again! (My husband has been traveling Sunday - Thursday for the last 2 years).

I can't help you on the job thing, as I will not be working outside the home when we move. Is the company moving you? Do you predict you will live in the new town for a few years? If so, I would take advantage of the free move and try to find a house to purchase, so you don't have to move twice (where you are now to rental, then rental to purchase home). We will be renting with option to purchase in case I can't handle the winter and want to come home after a year! : )

I had the best luck looking on trulia.com for homes to rent and purchase.

I don't know what else to tell you right now. Sounds like you need some more details about his new position and salary and whether or not the company is paying for the move and maybe even a place for him to stay for a few months while you look for a new place.

Good luck to you! It is scary! You have to look at it as an adventure. That's what I'm telling myself anyway! ; )

I've moved way too often. All I can say is take it one step at a time and try and relax. It will all get done. I didn't have to look for work right away. I operate a daycare so different states meant different things to me as we always spent time in temporary housing and I didn't end up getting licensed in the various states I was in. My husband always made more money as well.

You need to take a close look at what you will be losing and if they will be helping at all with moving expenses. We did get moving bonuses that covered everything. If you can afford to start looking and could fly out there, start looking as soon as you know. If he can negotiate some help but they won't do enough for the temp housing and the moving truck, temp housing is VALUABLE. It gives you time to get to know the area before looking for a house.

Breathe, Pray, and see what comes.

We are military, so yes, I have moved, many many times :). First off, do not rush into buying a new house. It is a buyers market and you need to learn about the new area, what schools are the best, what areas are the nicest/safest ect. You can only learn that by living there. Find a place to rent, get settled, and than in a few months when you are comfortable in your new surroundings start looking for your new home.

I would give anything to br 3 hrs from my family instead of moving across the country! 3 hrs isn't really far is still scary. We rented our house in phx when we moved to Charlotte NC and then it sold 8 months later... Now we have since moved again to Florida so 2 long distance moves for my family in 2 years

It's a lot but take it a day and issue at a time. Start making a list of all your to do's and make it a fun adventure. We moved about every 1- 2 years when we first got married (8 times) and I miss it! It's a GREAT way to clean out the stuff you don't need. Have a garage sale or sell stuff on craigs list and give away things on freecycle. Enjoy the adventure - house hunting can be fun! And it's only 3 hours away - you will still see your family and friends when you need while making new friends and seeing new places. If you can take your time looking for a job you should just focus on your home - or start a home business that can move with you! Best of luck!

My husband & I moved with our 2 very small kids from NJ to Delaware about 7 years ago. The move was about 2 1/2 hours away. It wasn't forced on us, it was a choice because we so desperately wanted to buy a house & couldn't afford to do so in NJ. We did not own a house before we moved so that part of it wasn't an issue for us. You can put your house on the market now priced relatively high & just make sure you put something in there about when you're willing to go to closing if you're sure that selling it won't be an issue.

What I would suggest is that you take a long weekend as soon as you can & go spend some time in the area you'll be moving to. Decide what schools you want your kid(s) in & choose your town based on that. Start looking for a job about 2-3 months before the move. If/when you get calls for interviews, explain the situation & request a phone interview to start with.

You haven't said how long you have before it all goes down, but really, however long you've got, it'll be long enough to get done whatever needs doing. Just take a deep breath, convince not only yourself but your whole family that this is an adventure for you all & a good thing!!

We recently moved 2 1/2 hours away, while it was stressful at the time, everything worked out great. We made several day trips back and forth to look at houses. You need to know what your income will be before looking at houses...OR, you could just start looking to get an idea of what you can get for what you think you can afford. We bought a house right off but were already familiar w/ the area, I think renting is a great idea because then you can get to know the area, talk to people and decide where you really want to live. Finding a 6 month rental or month to month lease would be ideal.

Don't worry about not knowing anybody, you'll meet people in time after you've moved. You're also close enough to do weekend visits with family which is nice.

As far as you temporarily staying in the house and your husband moving depends on how soon his job starts...we did that for a month and luckily I, like you, had family close by. If you can swing it, it would be helpful if you could stay at home for a month or two just to get to know the area a bit while searching for employment. Best of luck!

I had some friends once that had been married for 25 years and had moved over 40 times, that last time before he passed away with 4 young adult males and one high school daughter. They were a very close family. The mom said it was because they only had themselves when the moved someplace new so they were each others best friends. They of course made other friends in each place but they still had each other forever.

I think that you take a trip once you know that the move in coming. If your company has a buy out policy then if your house doesn't sell they have to buy it from you. If they don't then you are kind of out of luck.

One of my friends is living in the town in the family home and her husband is working in a town about 2 hours away. Until their house here sells she is staying and keeping everything going along. He comes homes on his days off and stays there when he is on for several days. I don't know if he is renting a place or staying with church friends.

My friend that moved to Montana didn't know anyone either. Her hubby interviewed with Exxon just so he could go up and check out housing costs and what was available. He was up for a transfer at his job to the same town with a different company. Exxon offered him so much more money that he took the job with them. That took off the option of having movers move them at company expense plus if their house didn't sell they were out of luck having a company buy the house. They took off and just paid 2 house payments for a couple of months. Their house sold quickly.

If he is getting transferred they should know in enough time for you guys to go look at the town, look at where your budget will allow, hopefully you'll be able to find a lovely home in a neighborhood that is up to your standards and you'll make new friends quickly.

Back in '02 my husband was told he was not going to have a job after the end of the year. The company liked him enough that they offered him another job in KC. We got the house ready to sell and he moved here. The house sold quite fast, but he wasn't ready for us yet (we didn't have the $$ to move yet). We moved in with my parents until the school year was over. June of '03 we moved here to an appartment with my hubby. We stayed in the apt for almost a year. This was helpful in finding where exactly in KC we wanted to buy a house at. And highly reccomended. We didn't know a soul here either, but my husband found a church he liked and met many people there, which helped when I moved here with the kids. I don't know if you are church going people, but if you are, find a church right away. It will help in meeting people and those same people can give you the low down on where to go to find a house and what to do and where to go to have fun. With the economy as it is now, who knows when your house will sell. If you can afford for him to work there and you stay in the house then by all means do that. He can get acquainted with the new city and then help you when you move. Our situation was different since our kiddos were in school and very much involved in activities and I was teaching and didn't think I'd be able to find a job here right away either. We have friends right now that hubby is working in St. Louis and she is here with their four kiddos waiting for the house to sell cuz they can't afford to move yet. They've done this for 6th months now. So depending on how your situation is is what you should do. You don't know how long your house will take to sell. I hope this helps...Good luck and God Bless.