Finding a new home is incredibly stressful, and when you add kids into the mix it can be even more overwhelming. You're looking for the ritght place, to make sure you make the right move and of cours that you can afford it. But you also have practical considerations for this new family home and what it will bring to your ever changing family lifestyle, as well as the logistics of the actual and how the kids will adapt to what can often be disruptive for them too.
In terms of the practical things, here are just some of the things you should consider, as you start the process.
Must-haves
Before you even start viewing, make a list of your must-haves. Moving with kids means you potentially have less flexibility and a longer list of needs from a future home. This is likely to include the number of bedrooms and proximity to current or future schools.
Establishing this list before you begin booking viewings means you will save yourself considerable time and effort as you can filter your search to ensure you are only viewing houses that meet your criteria.
Project size
For many of us, the idea of a renovation project is an exciting prospect, however, the reality is often quite different. Take some time to consider the scale of project you are feasibly able to take on. If your children are older then it may be that you have the scope to undertake a renovation. Whereas, if you have young children, looking at new homes may be more appropriate as these can be moved straight into and require little to no work.
If you are unsure about the level of commitment and time a renovation will take, it could be worth bringing a relevant trades person with you to a second viewing to gauge this.
Growth potential
Whether you plan on having more children or not, it is important to consider the potential for your family’s growth in a future home. As kids get older, they may start to want and benefit from more space for both some privacy and for necessity if they need to complete school work. Therefore, if financially viable you may want to consider buying a home that allows for everyone to have their own bedroom. You should also consider the size of the bedrooms too, is there room for a desk as they get older? Is there enough storage?
As well as space for kids, think about how your family is going to use your future home. If you have young children, it may be that family travel to you more often than the other way round, meaning a spare bedroom could be beneficial. This can then be utilised in a variety of ways in the future.
Amenities for all ages
When moving, it is easy to think about what your family needs access to right now, but it is also crucial to consider the future, particularly if you don’t plan on moving again for a considerable amount of time. For example, when your children are young you may prioritise being close to parks and primary schools, but it is also important to consider transport links and secondary schools for once your kids are older and more independent.
Moving time
Another key factor to take into account is the length and date of your move. If you don’t have much support with childcare then it may be wise to move during term time when your kids are at school. Hiring a removals company could also prove invaluable, allowing you to focus on your children and leave the moving up to professionals.
If it is feasible to move during the school summer holidays, this may give your children extra time to settle into the new house.
You will know what is likely to work best for your family here so trust your instincts.
