Moving after divorce can be difficult, stressful, confusing, and confusing. You can follow some tips and suggestions to make the move easier. Take a look at some suggestions for a timeline of moving following a divorce that should be useful.
Before Moving
It’s important to consider what steps need to be taken before moving. We’ve created a comprehensive list for you below.
Settle Any Legal Issues
Divorce isn’t easy. We suggest figuring out all legal issues, such as custody. Make sure your lawyer knows you’re planning to move. Moving out of state before finalizing a divorce can complicate the process. Discuss the expectations with your lawyer and make sure everyone is on the same page.
Sell the House
Getting divorced comes with lifestyle changes. Moving out and finding your own space can be very healing and necessary. Figuring out who gets the house, if you’re going to sell it, etc., is important.
Start Prepping for the Move
About 7-8 weeks out from your move is a good time to check some things off the list of to-dos. This can include but isn’t limited to the following:
- Preparing to inform your children that one or both of you are moving
- Start looking into other schools for your children/informing their current schools that they might be leaving
- Figuring out your preferred moving date
- Looking into hiring professional movers
Work with a Professional
A lot of arguments can happen during a move. Expect this and prepare for it by having someone involved in figuring out who gets which items. You don’t want to wait until the actual moving day to make crucial decisions like this and risk disagreements and stress on a day that is already going to be very busy.
Begin Packing
We recommend starting to pack at least 4-5 weeks out from your moving date. Going through all your possessions and belongings can take a lot of work and effort, so pace yourself and give yourself time to do it. This time frame will also give you enough time to clean your house as you go.
Change Your Address
Be sure to file a change of address form with the local post office and get all of the particulars such as gas, water, electric, internet, trash, bills, and anything similar sorted and squared away.
Make a Plan for Moving Day
It would also be good to sit down with your former spouse, discuss expectations, and create a plan for the actual moving day. The more prepared you are with a plan, the smoother it will go. If property division has already been decided, one of you could be there first and move out; then the other could come after. Maybe you feel you could both be there. Whatever the situation, discuss it and figure out how you want to proceed.
During the Move
Keep the following suggestions in mind as you plan for your actual moving day.
Stick to the Plan
Stick to the plan you set in place and discussed earlier. The more you can go with the agreed-upon schedule, the smoother things will go. Having a friend or family member there to help you move might ease any potential tension and make the process run more smoothly.
Keep Children or Pets with Friends or Family
If you have kids or family pets, it would be good to have them removed from the scene and stay with friends or a family member until all the packing and moving out is complete. Both pets and children can experience many emotions, including stress, during a move, and it will likely be better for them not to be around for any of it.
Take it a Day at a Time
Working through a divorce isn’t easy. Moving all your belongings out of your home isn’t easy. Moving to a new town after divorce isn’t easy. Be kind to yourself during the process, and take it a day at a time.
Fill out a Free Quote Today
Our team of professional movers at Colonial Van Lines is always ready to lend a helping hand during a move, no matter the circumstances. Contact us today to learn more or to fill out a free quote.
