Your Back-to-School Guide While Buying or Selling Your Home (For Kids and Parents)

We've been there. So, we have created this guide to be your roadmap to keeping your sanity and making this transition as smooth as possible for the entire family. Let's break down how to conquer the back-to-school season and a major real estate move at the same time.

For Parents: The Master Planners

Your plate is full, so let’s focus on strategy. The key here is to keep the chaos contained and to give your kids a sense of control, even when things feel out of your hands.

• Create a Real Estate Command Center: Designate one spot in your home for all things related to the sale or purchase. This includes paperwork, a calendar with showing times and school deadlines, and a laptop. This keeps the chaos from spreading and ensures you never have to hunt for an important document.

• Set Expectations for Showings (If Selling): Talk to your kids about what to expect with showings. Create a "Showings Checklist" together: "Put away toys," "Make your bed," "Put dirty clothes in the hamper." This gives them a clear role in the process and makes them feel like part of the team.

• Make a "First-Week" Box: This is an absolute must. As you're packing, set aside a special, clearly labeled box for school-related items. Fill it with school supplies, backpacks, first-day outfits, and any necessary technology. This way, you don't have to hunt through dozens of boxes just to find a single protractor.

• Prioritize School First: While the house is a huge priority, the school deadlines are non-negotiable. Get all new school paperwork, immunization forms, and academic records handled before you're fully in moving mode. This will save you a massive headache down the line.

For Kids: The New Navigators

This real estate journey is a huge deal for kids, too. They're leaving the only home they've ever known or waiting anxiously to see where they'll live next. Focus on these steps to help them feel secure and excited.

• Let Them Dream: Whether you're buying or selling, give your kids a sense of agency. If you're buying, create a "new home wish list" together. What do they want in their new room? What color should the walls be? If you're selling, let them pick out one special item to take to the new house that they get to unpack first.

• Validate Their Feelings: Acknowledge that this is a big deal. Talk about the things they'll miss about the old house and the friends in the old neighborhood. It’s okay to feel nervous or sad. Creating an open space for those feelings is the most important thing you can do right now.

• Stay Connected: Don't let your kids old friendships fade away. Schedule video calls or a group chat with their friends from the old town. Keeping those connections strong will remind them that they have a solid support system, even when they're far away from home.

The Combined Real Estate & School Checklist

This is your master checklist for the entire family. Work through it together to keep things on track.

• Before Your Home Sells (If Applicable):

  • Declutter for Showings: Get the whole family involved in packing up toys and non-essentials.

  • Secure School Records: Get copies of all academic records and medical forms from the old school.

• During House Hunting:

  • Pack the "First-Week" Box: Get this done early, before the rest of the packing chaos begins.

  • Research New Schools: Take virtual tours of potential new schools and look up supply lists.

• After Closing on the New Home:

  • Pre-enroll at New School: Complete all enrollment paperwork as soon as possible.

  • Take a Family Tour: Walk, bike, or drive around the new neighborhood together to find the new school, bus stop, or a local park.

• First Week of School:

  • Celebrate! Make a plan for a fun weekend activity to celebrate the new school, the new home, and all your hard work!

Conclusion: You've Got This

Tackling back-to-school and a major real estate move at the same time is a huge feat, but it's not impossible. By working together as a team, staying organized, and prioritizing communication, you can turn a potentially stressful situation into an exciting new chapter for your family. Remember to give yourself and your kids grace during this time. The goal isn't perfection; it's a happy, healthy, and successful start to your new life. You've got this, and an incredible adventure awaits!