Is Moving Out of State Right For Your Family?
September 20, 2019 | by kevin gardner
Moving any distance can be a traumatizing event. In fact, statistically, the psychological and emotional impact is right up there with death and divorce. Seem too radical? Think again. Here, we'll cover how to know if moving out of state is right for your family. We understand that every family dynamic is different. The definition of what a family is varies as well. There will always be subtle differences but there are valuable points to ponder. So, let's get started.
1. Why do you want or need to move out of state?
This is a logical question. How and when you execute the move is determined by your answer. For example, you may have outgrown where you live. In this case, there may be less urgency than a job or transfer. If it's totally under your control, then you must address any timing issues you may have. If it's out of your control, then you may have to decide on whether or not you'll take the job. These are just two scenarios that may take a family out of state.
2. What's your family dynamic and will their needs be met?
So, what do we mean by needs? Do you have kids? Do you have elderly parents or other family members living with you? Is there anyone with special needs either mentally or physically that will need care? Are you a married couple with no kids? If you move, do you expect to have children? What are the school districts like in the area? Once you take that into account, you can then decide on the rest.
3. What type of living do you prefer?
If you're moving out of state, you'll probably want to be there for quite a while. Living comfortably in a lifestyle that you'll enjoy is important. For example, if you live in the country or suburbs and are used to wide-open spaces, fresh air. Also think about all the possible opportunities. For example, if you move to Texas, getting solar panels on the house could be a great opportunity to turn your new home into your dream home.
Take stock in what you're losing and what you're gaining. List it on paper and sit with the decision-makers in your family. From that list, make another one prioritizing the important things. What are the deal breakers? What can't you live without? Consider what you can sacrifice. If you're left with more to lose, then you may want to reconsider moving your family out of state. If you have more to gain and your quality of life will improve then a move is in order.
4. Consider the long-term effects.
Depending on your reasons for your move and timing, you should look at neighborhoods and schools that fit your list of priorities. There are plenty of websites that will compare everything between cities and states. These statistics include crime rate, cost of living, schools, rents, mortgage rates, etc.
Will you be able to take part in the same hobbies and interests that you currently do? How old are the children? Have they made close friendships that may be traumatizing to leave? Have you done the same? These are all considerations that stem from the mental, emotional, and physical reasons to consider. Will both of you have to work to be able to accommodate a more expensive state?
Ultimately, the choice is made through clear and honest communication between family members. This includes the children if they're old enough to understand what's going on. You won't really know if the decision was a good one until you get there and you've lived in your new state. That's just the risk you take when you move to an unfamiliar place.
Look at it this way, people get up and move to other countries, too; and they do it with kids. So, view it as an adventure and understand that it's ultimately what you make it. If you choose a neighborhood and you can afford it, you may want to rent for a while first before jumping into a mortgage. Maybe rent your home out instead of selling for a limited period. All of these suggestions are there to make steppingstones a bit easier to make the jump. At the end of the day, you can always return.
