If you're a parent who rents, you may be wondering how to approach a move with your children in tow. Moving can be tough enough on adults, let alone kids, so it's important to take some extra steps to make sure the transition is as smooth as possible. Eisberg Properties shares key tips to help you plan a family-friendly move.

Explain the Move to Your Kids ASAP

More than anything, one of the most important things you can do is to talk to your kids as soon as possible about the upcoming change. This will give them time to process their feelings and ask any questions they may have. BigSteelBox suggests being as positive as possible when talking about the move, and emphasizing all the exciting new things they'll get to experience in their new home.

Scope Out Schools and Neighborhoods

Where you live can have a big impact on your child's education and development, so it's crucial to do your research on area schools when choosing a new neighborhood. In addition to finding out information about schools in the area, you should also look into things like after-school programs, parks, and other kid-friendly activities. You can even take a few day trips to check out potential neighborhoods before making your final decision.

Start Your Rental Search

When searching for a rental property that's family-friendly, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First of all, safety is always a top priority, so make sure to do a thorough walk-through of the property before signing any leases. You should also look for features like spacious common areas, storage space for your belongings, and an accessible backyard or playground. And last but not least, use rental listing platforms to peruse your options. This can help you narrow your choices more easily based on location and size.

Pack Smart

Packing up your belongings can be painful enough without having to worry about keeping your kids entertained at the same time. To make things easier on yourself (and your children), start packing up non-essential items well in advance of your move date. This will free up some space in your home, so your kids still have room to play while you're packing up boxes.

And speaking of boxes, be sure to label them clearly with both the contents and the destination room. That way, you can unpack more easily and get settled into your new place.

Lastly, keep a bag of essentials separate from the rest of your belongings, with things for the first night. Include towels, paper goods, medications, and some safe, kid-friendly cleaning products.

Moving a Business

If you own a business, moving it and your family can be especially challenging. In addition to finding a new office or retail space, you'll need to update your website and marketing materials with your new address and contact information. You should also alert any staff as soon as possible and start scouting out office space when looking for your home.

Do yourself a favor and start the process of transferring your business registration as soon as possible. Each state has different requirements, and you don't want your business on hiatus because of delays. The same goes for licenses and permits.

Look for Quality Movers

Reputable, reliable movers are essential for any stress-free move—but it's especially important when you're moving with young children. Be sure to get quotes from multiple companies before making your final decision, and don't hesitate to ask around for recommendations from friends or family members who have moved recently. Once you've found a company you're comfortable with, schedule your move for a time that will minimize disruptions for your kids (like mid-day on a weekend instead of early morning on a weekday).

Moving your family (and business!) doesn't have to be stressful. With proper planning and execution, it can actually be quite simple. When you follow these tips, including viewing online rental listings, you'll be able to approach your family-friendly move with confidence, knowing that everyone will be taken care of throughout the entire process.