Relocating?

Dale and I recently started working with a young professional family to find their next home. They are moving to Colorado from the west coast. Although this family’s move is a move home for them – it caused me to think about other families that move across the country to cities that are new to them.

Our office has the best relocation company in the state – they handle relationship nearly 63% of all relocation buyers coming into Colorado and sellers moving out of the area every year. All of those buyers and seller’s have access to our inventory and our network of top producing brokers. Our relocation company has provided advice for “Tips for A Successful Relocation” and “Helping Children Adjust”. They are a good read and we wanted to share with all of you.

Of course, if you are looking to buy or sell a home – please call us. And, if you are relocating to another state, please give us a call. Our network of brokerages is global and we can and will assist you in finding the best broker in your future city. Enjoy!

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL RELOCATION

Get organized. Buy a small notebook, one you can fit in your pocket or purse. Use it to keep all your notes on the move in one place. When you think of something you need to do, write it down. Everyday, go over your notes.

Find out as much as you can about your new city. Visit our Relocation Page to read about Helpful Links and Lists what it is like to Live a Mile High. If you need any specific information, you can always reach Dale or myself at 303.919.7176 or 303.250.7974.

Have the local newspaper sent to you. This will give you the flavor of the city and you can find out what is happening before you move.

Start networking. Get in touch with anyone you ever knew who lived in your new city and ask as many questions as you can think up!

If you belong to any national organizations, ask if there are local chapters in your new city.

Gather your medical and dental records. Ask your doctors for recommendations in your new community.

Travel light. Don’t move things you’ll have little use for at your new location. Prepare your belongings by sorting through them before the move. Sort everything into one of three categories: sell, donate or save. Be merciless! Have a garage sale and save the proceeds to buy new furniture, linens or accessories at the new location. Let the children sort their own toys and give them the profits from any sold. Arrange for a charitable organization to pick up the unsold items and write off the donations on your taxes.

Last load boxes. Be sure to have one special box for every family member. The box should include a change of clothes, linens, towels, alarm clock, medication, toiletries, first aid kit, household/kitchen supplies, tools, light bulbs and snacks. Give each family member an empty box with their name and the words “LAST LOAD” written on it. In the weeks before the move, the can put into it those things they want to have when they arrive at the new home. Also, give each child a satchel or backpack to take with them on moving day. It could hold favorite books, toys, sweatshirt – whatever your childe or teenager needs to feel more comfortable.

Hand-carry all important papers, any valuables collections or jewelry.

HELPING CHILDREN ADJUST

New Home, New School | By Beverly D. Roman

Each year thousands of relocation parents and children try to make a new home and cope with new schools, new office environments and a new city – possibly even a new country. Moving from school to school can be a scary experience for children. Parents need to know how to smooth each move and how to recognize trouble signs that indicate their children are not adjusting. They also need to know what to do when problems do arise.

Advice to Parents

Depending on children’s ages and interests, they can create a scrapbook, write a journal or plan the next city excursion. Give children a disposable camera to take pictures of what they like best in the new city. They can then send photos to friends and relatives to tell them about their new home. Help children to become involved in local activities the family enjoys. Meeting people in smaller groups who share a common interest is a good way to break the ice and make a few friends at any age. Think about the move as a way to learn and expand personal horizons. Relocating families will have more to talk about with new and old friends as their experiences become more varied. And …

• ·      Set the example. Don’t complain about the move; rather, try to reinforce the positive aspects of the new community.
• ·      Reach out and volunteer with a charitable organization and create opportunities for children to do the same. When people care about others, they tend not to dwell on their own concerns.
• ·      Go exploring! Learn everything possible about the new community and its people. 

Smoothing Adjustments

When children enter new environments, they express their feelings in various ways, some of which can signify that they are not adjusting well. Typical trouble signs include: changes in reading ability, attention span, eating habits (weight loss or gain), enthusiasm, energy levels, quarrelsome behavior and unreasonable fears. It is my experience that uncharacteristic behaviors will usually disappear as children settle in, but if not, parents should seek the advice of a pediatrician or a counselor.

Set aside a special family time at least once a week that allows everyone to discuss his/her feelings. During these meetings, be sure to validate both positive and negative feelings, but do encourage everyone to discuss at least one good occurrence.

Anyone who moves will experience to some extent a sense of loss for people, sounds, foods and places. But it is important for the family to bond together and support each other. Many times I have been asked: “of all the places you lived, which city did you like best?” My answer was always the same, “Wherever my family was.” I believe the moves served to make us a more close-knit family because no matter what else happened in a new community, we always had each other.

BR Anchor Publishing produces fine books with more transition advice. You can read chapters and book reviews about the company’s books for adults, teenagers, preteens and young children at www.branchor.com

© Copyright 2003, BR Anchor Publishing.