Purchasing a house is one of the most carefully considered decisions in any family’s life. In many cases, you’ll be choosing where your kids grow up, where they build all their childhood memories, and what they call their “hometown” as adults. There’s so much to think about while shopping for a new home, and you’ll want to look over every detail before you commit. Here are a few things to think about as you look for your family’s new home.
Safety
Families with children, especially young ones, need to make sure any home environment is safe. Take a look around – are there any hazards within reach of your children?
Some obvious things to look for are stairways, railings and balconies, but you’ll also want to examine countertops, shelves, and any built-in furniture for sharp edges or degradation. Getting the new home inspected by a quality electrician can also help you find any dangerous outlets or exposed wiring that could pose a risk to your children. No matter what house you choose, parents with young children will always need to Baby-proof their home.
Space
Every family has different needs, and your home’s layout can potentially help you satisfy them more easily. Think about your family’s day-to-day, how many meals are cooked? How many people are usually home? How much stuff do you have vs. how much do you use? These questions will help you understand what kind of space you need, how big of a kitchen, how much storage, etc.
Open floor plans are generally easier for parents with young children as it’s easier to keep an eye on them from farther away. When you walk into a potential home, look for any unusual design features that might have an impact on your day. For example, tall kitchen shelves look great in pictures but they make it very difficult for kids to get themselves a bowl of cereal. Finally, carefully consider how much maintenance the area surrounding the house will need.
Neighborhood
Once you’ve narrowed down a few good options for homes, it’s a good idea to research the surrounding area to get a feel for the neighborhood. Parents will typically prioritize researching nearby school districts for ranking, distance, costs, sports and other extracurriculars, and rightfully so. However, sometimes that can make it easy to overlook other important aspects of an area that could cause problems later on.
After you get a good look at the schools, take a look around the neighborhood. Check for sidewalks, hills, or streets that lead into busier roads for safety. Locate the nearest supermarket, pharmacy, and general goods stores. You’ll want to ensure these are close by or you’ll be spending a lot of time in the car to and from. Of course, locating the nearest hospital is essential for being prepared in the event of an emergency.
There’s a lot to think about when moving, and sometimes it’s hard to make sure everything comes with you to the new place. For example, oftentimes babysitters are local, and have a limited range. Having a babysitting agency on call can completely remove any worry, ensuring no matter where you move you’re covered in case you need last-minute child care. Find out more about how Love Certified Child Care can make your move easier below.
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