Have you discovered that you and your family have to relocate? Even if you’ve contacted a real estate agent, found a great home, and feel prepared for the move, your children may not share your enthusiasm.

Experience shows there can be two emotions at play, depending on your child’s age – fear or anger. Young children may fear the unknown – where will they go to school? How will they make new friends? Where will they play and have fun?

Show them how they’ll continue all their activities in their new community. Visit the school. Spend time in the park, and drive them through the neighborhood where other children are playing.

If you’ve got teenage kids, you may face resentment about moving. They feel more established in their schools, sports, and friendships. Accentuate the positive – maybe the sports program is one of the best in the state, and maybe their best friend can visit over school breaks.

If you can move during the school year, so much the better. They’ll immediately begin making new friends, instead of spend potentially lonely months during a summer vacation.

Explain that you’re making transitions in your activities and relationships, too, and how excited you are to develop new interests and learn about your new home city together. Children are amazingly adaptable – they may just surprise you! Enjoy your journey together!

If you’ve occupied you home for ten, twenty or more years, you’ll want to enlist family members to get your home market-ready, and prepare for your move. Beyond cooperation of friends and family, you might also consider a professional “move manager” to help you settle in to your new home.

These experts are well versed in the complexities associated with moving from a “lifetime home” the preparation involved in staging your home for showings as well as the organization needed to get you moved with a minimum of hassle and confusion. You are in complete control, while they unclutter the home, pack and organize boxes, make the home sparkle, and arrange for moving, shipping or donating belongings as you direct.

By showing your home in the best possible light, buyers will be able to picture their own furniture there. Combined with the real estate agent’s marketing tools, this formula can provide a quick and profitable sale while you settle into your new residence!

Keep in mind that the seller may have paid for the buyer's closing costs which reflect in the sales price. For more information on these homes or any homes in Miami or Shelby counties, please contact Kathy Henne at 937-778-3961 or Kathy@KathyHenneTeam.com

Homes for sale in Piqua, Ohio

2004 Indian Ridge, Piqua, 3 bed, 2 bath, $112,000

1830 Britton, Piqua, 2 bed, 2 bath, $125,000

For more information on these homes or any homes in Miami or Shelby counties, please contact Kathy Henne at 937-778-3961 or Kathy@KathyHenneTeam.com

We all know how stressful a move can be, but if pets are part of your family, there may be an added level of anxiety. Many real estate agents have practical knowledge from working with families with pets, and experience has proven that there are some simple steps you can take to alleviate the stress on your four-legged friends.

First, be sure that your pets are wearing current tags. It’s wise to have your cell phone number as part of the tag’s information, so that you can be reached either here or there in an emergency.

Have a reasonable supply of any medications and food, so that you’re prepared during travel and upon arrival. Before your move, do some research in your new area to locate a new veterinarian, and be sure to have copies of your current vet records ready to transfer to your new vet. Your real estate agent is a good source for a referral for a great local vet.

When moving day arrives, seclude your pet from the chaos in a quiet room with a “Do Not Disturb – Pets Inside” sign. In your new home, be sure to immediately set out all your pet’s cherished belongings, like favorite toys, bowls and bedding.

As we all know, pets keenly perceive emotions. Taking a few steps to be prepared will help to reduce your anxiety, and your pet will hopefully follow suit. Consult with your veterinarian for other excellent moving day advice. They’ll be happy to help.