Create a shopping list of “must haves”
Be prepared to compromise
Plan where large items will be placed ahead of the move
Make sure the moving company has insurance
As if the divorce was not stressful enough, many people either choose to move or are forced to move after the divorce.
Downsizing
Due to the financial impact of a divorce, many people have to downsize to a smaller house or apartment. This can be quite a change in lifestyle especially if the kids are uprooted from their family home.
How to start the search
These days you can do a lot of research online.
- Create a shopping list of features you desire
- Create a shopping list of areas in your price range
- Prioritize this list into “must have” and “nice to have”
Often you have to make some compromises to obtain a suitable house. By separating out your list into “must have” and “nice to have”, you know what you can compromise on and what you can’t.
Some questions to ask yourself
- Do I have time to do maintenance?
- How much storage do I need?
- Will this living space be sufficient for several years?
- Am I likely to relocate soon?
- How good are the schools?
- What are the property taxes and other fees?
Moving yourself
This can definitely save money but it can be a huge amount of work.
- Wrap carefully
- Hire a truck
- Have a driver comfortable driving a truck
- Get plenty of muscle for large items
- Know where large items are going before they get there
- Allow time to unpack
Using a moving company
This can reduce your stress levels and make moving relatively smooth if you follow some simple rules
- Use a reputable moving company
- Make sure they are insured
- Decide what you are wrapping and what you are letting them wrap
- Have everything ready to go on moving day
- Know where large items are going when they get to the new space
- Make sure you read the contract carefully before you sign
After moving
- Get to know your neighbors
- Join a local organization to make new friends
- Explore the area