First of all, congratulations. You have chosen a great state to start a family in. Virginia is a safe and wholesome state that has a lot to offer. It is a family-friendly state, as raising kids in it is easy. However, you have to get there first. Moving from Maryland to Virginia is considered an interstate relocation, and those kinds of relocations need to be well organized. So, make sure to stick with us to the end if you want to find out how you can move to Virginia with the least amount of trouble and start a family there!
There are a lot of things you can do in Virginia
Virginia is one of the most famous states in and outside the US. This means that it is an old state, with a lot of history and many things to do in it.
One of the best spots in this well-known state is certainly Orange County. There are many things to do in Orange County, and it is no wonder why many families decide to start a new life here. As we already mentioned, Virginia is a safe state, with a plethora of opportunities for children and adults alike, as it offers excellent education and many job opportunities!
Make sure to plan your move and create a strategy
Planning is essential for every relocation. Moreover, no relocation is possible without proper organization, let alone an interstate move. This is why you need to take moving organization seriously and create a strategy of how and when you are going to move to Virginia.
For everything in life, it is good to have a plan. Moving from Maryland to Virginia isn’t an exception
Find a good moving company
Moving organization starts with searching for a good moving company that can take you to Virginia. There are many movers on the scene, but you need to hire real professionals if you want to organize the process in a flash since interstate moves such as those from Maryland to Virginia can be very time and energy-consuming.
Make sure to compare different moving companies online, look at their reviews, and get in touch with as many moving companies as you can. You also need to remember that you need to book your move at least two months in advance.
Calculate the costs of the move
In the early phases, it is impossible to precisely calculate how much your move will cost you. However, you can get a rough estimate if you include all potential expenses. Good moving calculation always leaves some space in the budget for unexpected circumstances. This means that you have to leave a financial margin in your estimate if something goes wrong.
The main cost you’ll want to include in your calculations is the cost of hiring a moving company. Every respectable moving company has a moving calculator, which enables customers to roughly calculate the cost of the move. Keep in mind that online estimation doesn’t have to represent the price in the real world.
Also, you need to include the cost of moving insurance, the cost of renting a storage unit, hiring professional packers, etc.
Pack for the move or hire professionals
Most people choose to pack themselves for the move. Sure, that way you might save some money, but in return, you’re going to lose a lot of energy.
It might not be a bad idea to hire professional packers for your relocation.
However, if you choose to do so, here’s what you need to buy:
boxes, plastic bins, and similar containers
packing tape
a marker
some kind of protective material like packing peanuts
crates
You can get most of these materials at the nearest supermarket, and they are not that expensive. However, if you don’t want to lose time and energy on that or have special items you wish to move to Virginia, we recommend hiring professional packers trained to do that.
Renting a storage unit in Virginia is preferable
Many people forget the importance of storage units. Storage units are handy when moving to a new location since you can never exactly know how much space you’ll have for your stuff. In short, it always helps to have a place in which you can leave your things after the move.
Many people forget to rent storage after a relocation. This can cause a lot of trouble. Don’t let this happen to you when you’re moving from Maryland to Virginia!
But, if you want to take two pigeons with one bean, you might want to find a moving company, such as Helix Transfer & Storage, which can offer storage solutions as well.
Find good housing
As we already mentioned, Orange County in Virginia seems very attractive to families, especially ones with children.
One of the reasons behind that is the excellent state of the real estate market in the county. In Orange County, you can get a fantastic home for a reasonable amount of money and live in friendly suburban neighborhoods, perfect for anyone who wants to start a family in Virginia.
Also, buying a home in Orange County is an excellent opportunity for some serious investment. It is predicted that the prices will continue going up, and many experts recommend that investors jump on the train and reap the benefits of coming to market early.
All in all, Virginia is a prosperous state with its own little renaissance at the moment, as it offers an excellent opportunity for families to develop and grow properly. This is why we think that Moving from Maryland to Virginia to start a family is a great choice.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
When you decide to have kids, your housing priorities change. A small and cozy apartment may be perfect for a single person or a couple, but life with kids in a minimal space is more than challenging. Growing families will often outgrow their previous homes and decide to move to a better one for their needs. Searching for your dream house is exciting, but be ready to make many important decisions about the next chapter of your life. Here’s what you need to know about finding an ideal home when starting or growing a family.
Timing
There is no universally right timing for buying a home. Many millennial homebuyers are currently searching for homes for their families. Some decide to buy before they have children, while others wait. Everything has some pros and cons:
If you buy a family home before having kids, you’ll have room to grow, and maybe you’ll be more relaxed. You won’t have to move while expecting a baby and going through a rollercoaster of emotions that all parents-to-be face. The downside to this timing is that you might not know all your parenting decisions yet, which may affect the home buying process.
If you wait until your baby is on its way, you may have a better picture of what you want for your kids. However, finding a home at that time and organizing a relocation may be very stressful for a pregnant woman.
Waiting until you have one or more kids will give you time to better understand the family’s needs and priorities. However, looking at homes while your kids are young can be overwhelming.
Whether you find yourself in any of these situations, just have in mind that finding an ideal home when starting or growing a family isn’t easy, but it’s worth any trouble.
When you already have kids, you know your family’s priorities, and that will impact your home buying process.
Set your budget
Set your price range and know what you can afford. Think carefully about many factors. For example, if you’ll have more kids, will both parents be able to continue to work, and you’ll still have two incomes? What is your usual monthly budget? A large home will require more investment and more maintenance. The bigger the house, the higher the electrical bills and other utility bills will be. That’s why you need to consider energy-efficient appliances when home-hunting.
Location
No matter the timing, the budget, or the location, moving to a new home while having to juggle family and all other responsibilities will be challenging. What is important is that you choose a good long-term investment and consider all the factors before deciding. Probably some compromises will have to be made, so discuss everything together with your partner.
The main thing you want for your kids is a safe neighborhood with a family-friendly community and amenities. Research and check the quality of schools in the potential neighborhood, crime rates, and demographics. Then, drive around that area. Make a visit after school hours and on weekends. Do you see families with children? Are there many playgrounds, swing sets, or basketball hoops? Are there kids playing outdoors? Check nearby recreation and entertainment options – parks, recreation centers, pools, fitness centers, museums, etc.
Search for a family-friendly location with lots of parks and playgrounds, good schools, and a low crime rate.
Home size
When deciding on the home size, first create a list of your must-haves and nice-to-haves. If you know for sure that you’ll only have one child, a home with two bedrooms is desirable. However, if you’re expecting a second or a third child, look for a home with at least three bedrooms. Your children can share a room, but while one of them is still a baby, it may disturb the older brother/sister’s sleep. Think about all aspects, the present and future.
When your kids grow and become teenagers, they’ll probably need separate bedrooms and a place where they can hang out with friends. Furthermore, more and more people work remotely, so many young professionals are looking for a home office in a house. Think if you will need a guestroom. Pets are also members of a family and have needs. So consider the outdoor space too. A garden will also be crucial for your family gatherings during the summer, such as barbeques, birthday celebrations, family dinners, etc.
Location and home size are crucial for finding an ideal home when starting or growing a family.
Kid-friendly features
Finding an ideal home when starting or growing a family includes finding as many possible kid-friendly features. When looking at houses, you need to answer all of these questions:
Are the doors, windows, and stairs safe enough? Will your family be safe from break-ins or possible accidents? Stairs must be safely gated for the security of your baby and toddler.
Is there enough storage space? More kids – more stuff. As kids grow, they’ll have more and more clothes and toys, not to mention bicycles, various requisites, and sports equipment. You need as much closet space as possible to be able to store all their items.
How big is the yard? Kids need to spend time outside in the fresh air. A house with a big, fenced yard will ensure they have a safe place to play.
Is there a bathtub? Look for a house that has at least one spacious bathtub; children love them.
Will you have a laundry room? A laundry room is actually one of the top home features for 2021. Everybody who has children needs to deal with lots of dirty clothes. Your washer and dryer should be conveniently placed in a laundry room that isn’t adjacent to the children’s room. They might wake each time the washer and dryer are on.
Is there an open-floor space? A kitchen should overlook the living room, so you’ll be able to cook while your kids are playing. Open spaces are great for family bonding, game nights, and movie nights.
Is a home kid-proofed? When expecting a child, baby-proofing is necessary. Install outlet covers and cabinet stops and replace outdated electrical systems.
Will you have enough space for parking? Is there a garage? This will all influence your everyday life.
Relocation to your dream home
Once you find all (or the majority) of these features in a home that you can afford, you can start the homebuying process. When the home is yours, the only thing left is to hire relocation experts that are right for you and prepare for a move. Pack your stuff carefully and methodically, and rely on a babysitter if necessary. It will make the situation easier for all of you.
Final thoughts
With all of this in mind, we hope that finding an ideal home when starting or growing a family will be successful and as quick and easy as possible. Once you move in, you’ll have countless happy moments and make thousands of happy memories together.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Fredericksburg, Stafford, Orange, Locust Grove, Culpeper, Northern Virginia or even Maryland or DC, we are your Real Estate team committed to finding the perfect home for you! Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by homeowners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar, and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, one of our area expert advisors will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available properties, please visit our website licatagroup.com
Who let the dogs out? You did if you plan on bringing your furry friends to the 8th Annual Fredericksburg Pet Show! The Fredericksburg Expo Center invites you and your favorite pets to join them on September 21 from 10:00 Am – 5:00 PM and September 22 from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at this family-fun event that is sure to put a smile on every face. All well behaved pets are welcome, and the fun doesn’t end with cats and dogs. Pigs, lizards, birds, Opossum and pets of all kinds will be there. All dogs that are attending are welcomed to challenge the Agility Course and Dog Racetrack from Dogloversdays. What could possibly make this event even better? How about a performance from the famous Twiggy, The Water-Skiing Squirrel! Admission is $9.00 for Adults | $8* Advance, and $8.00 for Seniors (60+) | $7* Advance. Children 12 and under are free! For more information, be sure to click here. We all love our furry friends, so let’s give them a day to show it!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by home owners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Food, Fun, Festival, oh my! It’s now that time again! Downtown Orange, Virginia is hosting its 44th Annual Street Festival on September 7 from 9 AM – 4 PM. Take a stroll down historical Main Street as the whole family enjoys all the splendid treats that this beautiful city has to offer. With over 150 crafts as well as music, art, and plenty of delicious food, you’ll find that there is something for everyone! Kids will have an absolute blast at the ever-popular Kid’s Corner, where they can enjoy pony rides, toys, games, face painting and much more! For you adults, be sure to treat yourself to a refreshing cool beer, or delicious award-winning wine at the Beverage Garden. With so many wonderful activities to enjoy, it’s a shame that this day only comes once a year! For more information, be sure to click here. Are you ready to party?!
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my home worth?” is the #1 question asked by home owners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
Looking to spend your weekend cooling off, and enjoying time with the family? Make sure not to miss Slide FXBG 2019 for their one-day water slide event! Fall is right around the corner, so make sure you experience what is sure to be the highlight of your summer. What’s more fun than sliding? Sliding down a 1000-foot Slip-and-Slide! Invite your friends to make a splash on August 31, 2019 at William St, Fredericksburg VA for a day full of family, fun and of course, Sliding! Tickets are available in waves starting at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM. Tickets are priced at $27.00 each, and for more information be sure to click here. See you on the slide! Credit for the image goes to the Fredericksburg Economic Development and Tourism.
Whether you’re looking for homes for sale in Lake of the Woods VA or Waterfront property in Virginia we are your Real Estate Advisors for Stafford, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Locust Grove, Central Virginia, and Greater Virginia. Thinking of selling? In any market condition, “what is my homeworth?” is the #1 question asked by home owners. If you wish to sell your home, it needs to be sold for top dollar and in a timely manner. Pricing your home accurately, Pat will partner with you to make the selling process so much easier. Get started today by calling us at (540) 388-2541 or contact Pat Licata.
To see available Lake of the Woods properties, please visit our site.
