There’s no doubt about it – moving is a very stressful life event. In fact, according to many surveys, relocating is the third most stressful event in life, trailing behind death and divorce, yet people do it every day. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 17% of all Americans, which is an estimated 43 million people, move each year, and individuals move at an average of 11.7 times in a lifetime.
Moving may very well be a stressful event for you, especially if you’re relocating because of a new job, but how do you think this might affect your family? They, too, will face hard personal and career choices when they relocate to a new city, not to mention some possible homesickness.
So what can you do to help ensure that your transition to a new city is as smooth as possible? Just follow these 7 simple tips, and you might find that moving isn’t as daunting as you think it is!
Take Your Time – When relocating to a new city, try to take your time! Before moving, do your best to thoroughly research the new location as best as you can, along with the local school systems, recreational opportunities, religious institutions, employment opportunities, cost of living, tax rates, and commuting distances. This will help ease some anxieties about the unknowns you and your family will face.
Maintain Open Communication – You’ve probably heard that open communication is imperative for a healthy relationship. It is even more essential to maintain during a life-changing event. Keep each other informed of all the tasks that need to be accomplished before the move. One of the best things you can do is to create and hold onto a moving checklist; it will help keep you on-track and organized before, during, and after the move.
Be Supportive – You may be relocating for a job, but your spouse might not be. He or she might even be giving up his or her own job for you. With that in mind, remember to be supportive of their career search. Remind them to apply to headhunters, prepare their resume and reference letters before moving, create a list of possible job opportunities, and also to join organizations to meet new people and network.
Explore the New City Together – When you drive around the new city, why go it alone? Bring your family with you! Checking out the city’s parks, restaurants, shopping areas, and other areas of interests together will help reduce anxieties of the new city and will help you and your family feel more unified about the move.
Stay Positive – Relocating to an unknown city can be quite scary. When talking about moving to the new city, express true excitement about the new location, schools, communities, and opportunities.
Keep in Touch with Old Friends – Just because you’re moving to a new city doesn’t mean you have to leave your old friends behind! Before you leave, take lots of pictures and be sure to say good-bye to all of your friends, family members, and neighbors, but be sure to have everyone’s contact information to stay in touch. Keep in frequent contact by making phone calls, writing emails or snail mail back and forth, texting, using social media, and also using video chat features such as Skype so you can see them again!
Consider Corporate Housing – Relocating to a new city is a big step. Relocating AND purchasing a house is an even more stressful event full of unknowns and uncertainties. Why make it so hard on yourself? Instead of rushing yourself to buy the perfect house, give Arch Interim Housing a try. We require a very short 30 day minimum commitment. When you take advantage of corporate housing, you will help buy time to get to know your new community and the communities surrounding you much more thoroughly without having to commit to a house.
Are you relocating to St. Louis? Check out Arch Interim Housing! We have superior corporate housing apartments that will give you and your family peace of mind during this stressful time in your life. Transition is definitely hard, but we make it so easy! Call us at (866) 921-5888 or check us out online at www.locations.archcorporatehousing.com, and we’ll make sure that your relocation is as easy as possible!
