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How to Determine If an Apartment or Rental Home Is Kid-Friendly
Finding the right type of rental home can be difficult for anyone. But when you have children, it can be downright overwhelming. Not only do you have to consider your own needs and wants as a parent, but you also have to factor in the safety, health, and happiness of your kiddos. That means that there are many features and practices to keep top of mind before you sign that lease. Don’t don’t worry. Today, The Giggling Pig Art Studio is here to help you in your quest for a kid-friendly rental, as well as the moving process itself!
Safety
Not all apartment buildings and complexes are equipped for children. It’s essential to consider potential hazards when you are shopping for your next home. For instance, any home you consider should have secure railings and banisters that don’t wobble when you pull on them. You should also make sure that there isn’t a lot of space between the rails and that the railing is high enough to where children will not be able to climb over.
If you will need a multi-level home, make sure all the stairs are wide and carpeted; if the steps are not carpeted, you will need to install a non-slip roll runner. And pay attention to the windows; if the windows are too low to the ground, they can pose a danger to your kids. Also, it’s best if all the window locks are out of reach for your children, though you can invest in child locks if this is a problem.
Amenities
Some of the amenities you will look for as an adult will overlap with the needs of your child. But kids also have specific needs to be considered. For example, you will ideally have a washer and dryer in your home or complex, given that your child will probably get dirt and food on their clothes each day.
Also, if you have a pool at the apartment complex, it needs to be difficult for children to access. And if you plan on hanging out in your apartment courtyard, only do so if it is fenced in, and evaluate the playsets, swing sets, and other equipment to ensure they are stable enough. If you are looking for a rental house, keep an eye out for a fenced-in yard.
Nearby Schools
Along with considering the amenities of your new home, think about the nearby area. For instance, research school districts in the city you are moving to and factor your findings into your decision on where to move. You can get a birds-eye view of the quality of schools in each neighborhood by looking at GreatSchool ratings.
Proximity to Routine Activities
School isn’t the only function to consider when it comes to what activities you will want to live near. For example, how close will your workplace be to your new home? Are there good grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, and medical centers nearby? Maybe you can find a gym or coffee shop that you will frequent. And of course, consider museums, science centers, and other places that your child might like to experience.
Neighborhood
For any apartment or rental house that you are considering, get a feel for the type of neighborhood it is located in. Is it safe? Speak with local residents and research crime statistics.
If you have a pet, is the neighborhood pet-friendly? Consider the neighbors themselves. It can be helpful to live near a family with children of similar ages. And if you are renting a house, it’s ideal for the street to have yellow warning signs that let drivers know to be looking out for kids; speed bumps are a plus too!
Home Layout
Many parents get hung up on the number of bedrooms when searching for an apartment. But here’s the thing: you probably don’t need one bedroom for each child. As long as you have your own room, your kids might do really well sharing a bedroom, particularly if they are younger. That said, The Mother List points out that you can always divide a shared room with a partition, bookshelf, or another item to give your kids some privacy.
If you’re working from home, look for a rental with a home office or an extra bedroom that can be used as an office. This space needs to be large enough to accommodate office furniture and any equipment you’ll need. Also, try to find a room with natural light, which can improve both your mood and productivity.
Dining Area
Perhaps the most important section of your rented home is the dining area. And that’s because most families hang out in the kitchen or dining room more than any other space. With a spacious kitchen or dining room, you will have plenty of room to entertain the entire family, which means more quality time together.
If you have young children, you know how much equipment is needed for everyday life. Things like baby walkers, chairs, and toys take up a lot of room. And much of the necessary equipment will need to be in the
area where your family is eating. It’s also common for children to do school work in the kitchen or dining room, and if you work from home, you may find these to be suitable areas for staying productive.
Furthermore, evaluate any home you’re considering for food storage capabilities. It’s nice to have a pantry where you can keep all of your dry groceries, but extra cabinet space in the kitchen can make up for it if a pantry is not present. Of course, you don’t want your child getting their little hands in your cupboards, so make sure they are high enough off the ground to be out of reach, or you can lock them with child locks.
Extra Conveniences
Chores like laundry and grocery shopping are a fact of life for parents. And anything that can save you time with these tasks is welcome! That’s why finding an apartment on the first floor or one that has elevator access is ideal.
You’ll also want to consider if your home has dishwashers, a laundry unit, and plenty of storage space for your family’s belongings. In a nutshell, you can estimate how much easier an apartment will make your daily life by how much technology it has!
The Moving Process
Lastly, you need to think about the process of relocating. Once you find an apartment or house that suits your family’s needs, On the Go Moving notes that you want to make sure the move goes smoothly. Consider getting childcare for moving days so that you can complete all your tasks as quickly as possible without having to keep a constant eye on your kids. Organize all of your belongings by category, and label each moving box so that you can strategize when unpacking.
Also, don’t just rely on family and friends to help with the heavy lifting. Save yourself a lot of time and headaches by investing in professional movers. Simply search for “movers near me” then browse ratings and reviews and request a quote. Your sanity will thank you.
If your child will be with you on moving day, be sure to bring along toys, games, coloring books, or other activities that will keep them occupied and happy. If your child is old enough, they may enjoy helping you move. Whatever age your child is, involve them in your interior design ideas once you get into your new home, and you might see their face light up!
Another option is to hire a professional moving service to facilitate your relocation. Along with relieving a ton of stress, this will enable you to spend more time with your child instead of keeping them in daycare. Plus, you’re going to have plenty of jobs to do during this time as it is.
Conclusion
Finding a new home isn’t easy, and it’s even harder when you have kids. But there are things you can do to make the transition go smoothly, including hiring professional movers to do the heavy lifting. Consider your children’s needs as well as your own, and before you know it, your family will be settling into a new home that’s perfect for your family!