There’s a lot of upheaval with a divorce, and finding the ideal place to live once you separate from your partner is usually one of the biggest hurdles. Sometimes, though, that’s easier said than done, especially when you’re looking for a kid-friendly rental. You want to live somewhere that’s going to benefit them and you. But how do you do that? If you’re worried about finding the right place to live with your kids, you’ve come to the right place. Better Divorce Academy offers the following guidance to help you along the way.

What to Look for in a Rental

Looking for a rental is going to take a few different perspectives. There are some things that are obvious, while others may escape you as you go through this process. Here’s how to find exactly what you need in a rental.

Find a Kid-Friendly Location

A kid-friendly location is going to mean a few things. First, a kid-friendly location is going to have other kids there! Look for neighborhoods that have parks and pools, because that’s a pretty good sign that there are other kids in the area.

Check for Safety

There are plenty of resources online that can help you determine whether or not a location is safe. Many areas have published crime statistics, as well as alerts for unsafe activity happening in the area. Safety is key when it comes to kids.

Research the School Districts

Knowledge is power – you want your kids to have the best education available. Like looking for safety statistics, there are some great resources for researching school districts. One of these platforms is GreatSchools, which provides information about schools and school districts. They can give you an overall snapshot of the schools in the areas that you’re thinking about moving to.

Some Tips for Moving with Kids

So, you’ve found the perfect rental. The hard part is over! Or is it? Moving with kids can be tough. Here are some tips to help everything run smoothly.

Hire Movers

You’re already going to have your hands full so don’t be shy about getting some help. If you can afford it, working with professionals can make this transition easier. When looking for a moving company, browse ratings and reviews to make sure you’re getting the best deal. You can also request a quote in advance so you know what to expect. Some agencies even offer discounts, so don’t be afraid to ask about those.

Talk to Your Kids About the Move

Most likely you and your ex are likely having a lot of conversations with your kids about the divorce. Talking about a move is equally important since this is another big life event, and it’s best to prepare your children for it. Reassure them about having multiple living arrangements so they have a better sense of what’s to come.

Visit the New Neighborhood

A great way to get kids excited for a move is by taking them to visit where their new home will be. This is a great soft introduction to a place that’s new to them. This makes the move a lot less shocking for them in most cases.

Don’t Pack Up Their Favorite Things

No matter how prepared your children are for a move, this is still a delicate time of stress. Transitioning will be tough for everyone, even you. Help your kids avoid stress by letting them hang on to their favorite toys and belongings. This gives them a sense of normalcy, even when everything around them is changing.

How to Make This Move Work for You

If your move is taking you back to a familiar place like your hometown, this can be a bittersweet experience. Given the circumstances, it helps to reconnect with familiar faces and friends. While you might be back near family, don’t hesitate to look up old classmates you haven’t seen in a minute. This can lead to a rekindled friendship that you need right now. If you’re unsure how to get in touch with former friends, online directories specifically designed for finding people from your high school make it easy to reconnect. Simply search by graduation year and high school to send a message.

Moving forward after a divorce is tough, and you want to make sure it takes as little a toll as possible on your children. That’s why it pays to find a kid-friendly place where you can all settle comfortably. So look for a neighborhood that will benefit you and your children, and be sure to consider schools as part of your choice. Talk to your children about the move, and don’t be afraid to hire help if you need extra support. Reconnecting with former friends if you’re moving back home can be a balm during this time, so don’t feel awkward; just reach out