9 Stress-Free Ways to Relocate Your Family

Waterfront cottages across Canada are more popular than ever. If you’re looking to move to Muskoka, Ontario, the cottage scene there is highly competitive but ultimately worth it. Here are a few ways you can relocate your family to Muskoka without any unnecessary stress.

Consider the Kind of Home You Want

The kind of home you want can understandably impact the life you’ll be living. If you’re getting a house that’s been foreclosed, consider a few important things. First, you’ll want to inspect the house and make sure it’s sturdy and doesn’t have any glaring issues. You’ll need to know the house’s history and see if there are any electric, gas, or plumbing problems. These are all an important part of the house-hunting process.

Prepare Your Kids

Don’t leave your children in the dark. Explain to your kids why you’re moving and what opportunities will be in your new area. Don’t wait until the last minute to tell them; it’s important to emotionally prepare your children for whatever drastic changes they might go through as a result of the move. Help them with packing and allow them to say goodbye to their friends.

Scope the Area You’re Moving To

Finding a place that fits your values should be a major feature of the decision to move. For instance, if someone valued an elegant, reserved place that offered a lot of recreation, Muskoka, Ontario, would be a great place to consider.

Avoid Moving During the School Year

If at all possible, try to avoid moving during the winter and during the school year, as it can completely derail your children’s educational experience — especially if you’re moving to a new province with different curriculum. Moving during the summer will make the transition a lot easier and help you warm up to a place.

Find Free Boxes Online

You don’t need to buy new boxes from retailers to pack your stuff. Instead, it’s better to go on a local classifieds site and look where people are giving away free boxes. You’ll be doing your wallet — and the environment — a big favor.

Hire a Babysitter So You Can Pack Without Interruptions

Sometimes, you just need to buckle down and focus on things. To help you along, hire a babysitter to play with your children while you pack. You’ll be able to make tough decisions and tackle the harder areas to pack. Hire a babysitter on the day you pack up the moving truck as well since it’s easy for your children to get underfoot and accidentally get hurt.

Pack Toys When Your Kids Aren’t Around

Sometimes, this might mean packing while your kids are at school, in bed, or just out with friends or family. Additionally, some of their toys might also make it to the donations pile, and your kids don’t need to be present for that.

Allow for the Tears

On occasion, no amount of extra preparation can make up for the inevitable tears. Your children will miss the place they were living, and there’s going to be some growing pains. Tell them it’s okay to miss their old home and that it’ll take some time to get used to their new place.

Consider What You’re Gaining

Even though you and your family will miss your old home, think of all the good things that will come of this move. There might be a greater job opportunity, or really neat recreational experiences right in your backyard. You might be moving to be closer to family and have a chance to strengthen those relationships — think about the positive.

Slow down and take advantage of life in cottage country. Muskoka has tremendous advantages, which are among the reasons more city dwellers are making the decision to move. Whatever your decision for moving, you’ll be forever changed — and better for it.