Many families prefer to rent apartments, condos, or homes rather than buy one. If something goes wrong, the landlord is responsible for repairs. People might not plan to stay in the same location for very long, and buying doesn’t make sense.

Whatever your reason for renting, you will need to consider a number of factors when looking for a suitable kid-friendly rental.

Kid-Friendly Considerations

Parents with children have many needs when deciding where to live. Making a checklist of things you need to look into and do with your kids can help make the process less stressful.

Schools and Childcare

Every parent wants their children to get an excellent education.

One of the first things to research when looking for a rental in a new location is the school district. You’ll want to consider transportation times, student-to-teacher ratios, and the overall quality of schools in the area.

Great Schools is an excellent resource that provides pertinent information about schools and is a good place to research education options.

Kid-Approved Activities

You’ll want to see what family activities are available in the area.

Maybe you’d like to take the kids to the zoo or visit museums. Swimming and sports might be your family’s favourite pastimes. Some areas have community centers that provide fun programs for children.

Find out what recreational options are available in the location you’re considering moving to.

Safety

Once you have the area picked out, it’s time to narrow your search. Your children’s safety is essential, and several factors can create safety risks in a home.

When viewing rental homes or units, check for hazardous conditions, including:

• Lead paint, asbestos, or mold
• Crumbling construction materials, such as drywall
• Unsteady balcony railings and stairway handrails

Adequate Space

Families with children need enough living and storage space, including a sufficient number of bedrooms and extra rooms for playing.

If you think that more children might be possible in the future, keep that in mind when looking at rental properties.

Location

You’ll want to live in a safe neighbourhood in a good city that’s close enough to your workplace and other places you might go to frequently, such as grocery stores and doctor’s offices.

If you’re considering renting an apartment or condo, the location of available units within the complex can be important also. You may prefer to be close to the playground or swimming pool, or you might choose to be in a quieter area.

Moving With Kids

Your children’s ages will determine specific moving needs, but there are several things you can do to make the transition to a new home easier.

Here are a few tips:

• Discuss why you’re moving and allow the kids to ask questions and express their thoughts.
• Let your kids pack at least some of their belongings.
• Give yourself enough time to pack.
• Make opportunities for your kids to say goodbye to their friends.
• Plan activities to keep kids occupied while you’re packing and during the trip to your new home.
• Consider having someone else watch your kids during the packing and unpacking stages so they won’t be as stressed — and neither will you!

Welcome to Your New Home

Moving with children can be stressful, but it can also be a great start to a new chapter in your family’s lives. Choose your new location wisely and make your kids as comfortable as possible with the moving process and their new home.