Any investment you make when you have young kids has to include their needs as well. So, whether you are choosing the perfect family car or looking for a new home – you have to consider how it will suit your kids, as well as your lifestyle. Simply put, you have to think two steps ahead in these situations. It is not every day you are buying a new house for you and your kids. Thus, inform yourself about what may help your children adapt to the new surroundings. Here are some important house features to look for if you have young kids.
The pursuit for a perfect home for you and your kids is rarely short and straightforward. As you will soon find out, thousands of property listings can quickly erase any trace of sense and order. This is especially true if you are not entirely sure what your search criteria are. So, beyond the price, neighborhood, city, and schools in the area, what else matters to your family?
Consider the laundry
Laundry problems are surely not the first thing that comes to mind when you think about important house features to look for if you have young kids. However, whether the laundry zone is organized well in the house will make a big difference in your daily routine.
Many young parents make the mistake of placing the washer in the basement. With so many diapers and clothes that need to be changed daily, it is helpful to have enough space for a washing machine and a dryer somewhere within your living space – in the bathroom or kitchen, for example.
Extra space for storage
Most families with kids struggle with storage space, especially while the kids are still young. From countless baby toys to strollers and car seats, having a baby or toddler will fill up your house with a lot of baby equipment.
If you plan to extend your family when you move into your new home, extra in-house storage space will come as a blessing. Once you finally move in, having a room where you can unpack and store your family’s belongings, for the time being, will be a life-saver. You can even come up with ways to make unpacking fun for the family when you have so much storage space at your disposal.
And it is not only baby and toddler clothes that will pile up. As your kids grow, the number of toys, gadgets, books, and backpacks will increase slowly but steadily. So, depending on the number of things you currently have, you may want to look for built-in storage space such as closets and cabinets or even separate rooms for storing items. Also, do not underestimate the importance of shelves. You will rarely have time to tidy up your house, especially if you work at home and have young kids.
Look for a home that is easy to childproof
Multi-story homes are, of course, a dream come true if you have kids. However, take notice of potentially dangerous features, such as the stairs, before you rush into buying the property. Of course, this is not to say that one potentially unsafe home feature should be a deal-breaker.
Most safety issues are fixable when you start childproofing your home, but be on the lookout for elements that you may not be able to childproof easily, quickly, or at all. Let’s face it – you probably won’t have too much time on your hands to worry about the house’s safety once you get into the process of moving to your new home located in another state.
So, when you move in, you might overlook something potentially dangerous in the hustle and bustle of unpacking. Of course, relocation with little ones can be easy, or at least more manageable, if you hire a competent moving crew that can help you pack, unpack, and place the furniture in your new home. Remember, moving long distance with kids is not simple, so any assistance you can get will help you immensely.
Focus on safety, not aesthetics
It is best if you stay vigilant when you attend showings. Try to put yourself into your kids’ shoes. Anticipate which features of the house might not be safe. Are the windows too accessible? Can they fall, trip, or injure themselves somewhere? Is the backyard fenced?
Most young parents fail to consider that the home, in general, might be dangerous for their kids. The railing might be set too far apart, or the steps might be too narrow or slippery. Also, some homes might have hidden power outlets in places where your kids can reach them.
As you probably know, kids like to play around with items they can reach. This means they might swallow or wrap something around their neck. Even things that seem relatively benign, like Venetian blinds or plants, might be potentially hazardous for young kids.
Child-friendly bathrooms
If you have young kids, you want your home to be safe but also practical. As you may know, bathrooms are an indispensable part of your daily routine when you have kids. Yes, you might be used to quick showers. However, it is much easier to bathe your kids in the tub, at least while they are little.
Consider the hours you will spend potty training (and later toilet training). Among other important house features to look for if you have young kids, there is the size of the bathroom. You want to have towels, diapers, and a few toys within reach at any time of the day.
BY TECHIE MAMMA