You’ve just received notice that you’ve been given a special assignment that will temporarily relocate you and your family to St. Louis! Congratulations! Many exciting opportunities are available for professionals in the St. Louis metro area. Countless executives bring their families along for their temporary or permanent assignments to enjoy all that a new city has to offer.
Take the edge off
There’s no doubt about it – moving is a very stressful life event. In fact, according to many surveys, relocating is the third most stressful event in life, trailing behind death and divorce, yet people do it every day. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 17% of all Americans, which is an estimated 43 million people, move each year, and individuals move at an average of 11.7 times in a lifetime.
Moving may very well be a stressful event for you, especially if you’re relocating because of a new job, but how do you think this might affect your family? The good news is that there are steps you can take to ensure an easier transition.
Consider corporate housing for the short-term
Relocating to a new city is a big step. Relocating AND purchasing a house is an even more stressful event, full of unknowns and uncertainties. Why make it so hard on yourself? Instead of rushing yourself to buy the perfect house, give Arch Interim Housing a try. We require a very short 30 day minimum commitment. Plus, when you take advantage of corporate housing, you will help buy time to get to know your new community and the communities surrounding you much more thoroughly without having to commit to a house.
Have family game nights
Nothing brings the family together like great food and a game. Your fully furnished corporate housing comes equipped with everything you need for a night in. Cook up your favorite comfort foods and choose a game everyone can enjoy around the dining table!
Research beforehand
When relocating to a new city, try to take your time! Before moving, do your best to thoroughly research the new location as best as you can, along with the local school systems, recreational opportunities, religious institutions, employment opportunities, cost of living, tax rates, and commuting distances. This will help ease some anxieties about the unknowns you and your family will face.
Maintain open communication
You’ve probably heard that open communication is imperative for a healthy relationship. It is even more essential to maintain during a life-changing event. Keep each other informed of all the tasks that need to be accomplished before the move. One of the best things you can do is to create and hold onto a moving checklist; it will help keep you on-track and organized before, during, and after the move.
Additionally, make an effort to really talk to your children. Let them know that you’re there for them if they have any questions, fears, etc. It’s really important to keep lines of communication open so that you can understand just how well your child is adjusting.
Be supportive
You may be relocating for a job, but your spouse might not be. He or she might even be giving up his or her own job for you. With that in mind, remember to be supportive of their career search. Remind them to apply to headhunters, prepare their resume and reference letters before moving, create a list of possible job opportunities, and also to join organizations to meet new people and network.
Explore together
When you drive around the new city, why go it alone? Bring your family with you! Checking out the city’s parks, restaurants, shopping areas, and other areas of interests together will help reduce anxieties of the new city and will help you and your family feel more unified about the move.
Make Time for Fun
Our fully furnished apartments in and near St. Louis come complete with an array of amenities that the entire family can enjoy. In the warmer months of the year children can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities including sport court fun, swimming in one of our luxury extended stay property’s pools, or walking on a nearby trail! Rain or shine, the recreation rooms found on site at our apartments are filled with fun for the family! Billiards rooms, private media centers, and more keep everyone occupied all without having to leave the comfort of your apartment.
Find local activities
Schools have all sorts of clubs, sports or after school programs; there’s bound to be one that your child will enjoy. If joining a sports team for a school is too much, look into intramural or ones supported by your town. Being involved is not only a great way to help your child to meet friends but also for teaching them to stay active and learn teambuilding and social skills.
Stay Positive
Relocating to an unknown city can be quite scary. When talking about moving to the new city, express true excitement about the new location, schools, communities, and opportunities.
Keep in Touch with Old Friends
Just because you’re moving to a new city doesn’t mean you have to leave your old friends behind! Before you leave, take lots of pictures and be sure to say good-bye to all of your friends, family members, and neighbors, but be sure to have everyone’s contact information to stay in touch. Keep in frequent contact by making phone calls, writing emails or snail mail back and forth, texting, using social media, and also using video chat
Relocating with children is tough; but it can go smoothly as long as you know how to do it. At Arch Interim Corporate Housing, we’re here to make your family relocation to St. Louis as smooth and stress-free as possible. If you’d like to know more about our corporate housing options, reach out.