For many years I have been assisting home buyers and sellers in employment related relocation. I have seen the cycles in movement both in and out of the region based on trends in the economy. Similarly, I have seen the cycles within the calendar year of when employees prefer (if given the choice) to relocate.

Typically, many families who have children prefer to make their move in the summer months. They will send the relocated employee ahead of the rest of the family, find temporary accommodations in our area or the region which they are moving to, and stay in this temporary housing until the summer months. Most of these families do this deliberately so children of school age can complete an academic year at the school they are in and then begin their next grade level at their new school.

Educators have varying perspectives on the impacts on a school aged child who moves during the school year as compared to those who remain behind until the conclusion of their year. Some educators will validate the thoughts of parents staying back. They agree that allowing the student to prepare for the move and complete the school year causes less stress on them academically. They do also believe however that the absence of the parent who has moved on to the relocating city can foster anxiety for them as well as present challenges for the adult remaining behind.

It is more infrequent to find families who move during the school year, but there is great evidence to support that this is a great time to transition children. In surveying primary and secondary school teachers, many agreed that children changing schools during the school year can be to the benefit of the student. The child or young adult has an opportunity to move into a new region and instantly have the structure of the school day to occupy them as they would back at ‘home’. Additionally, these kids have a chance to get some extra attention for teachers as the ‘new kid’ in class, have a chance to meet their peers establishing friendships before their down time in the summer and they have a chance to stay in the familiar family unit they are accustomed to.

No matter when a family relocates, they will be presented with challenges. A good relocation professional will help them navigate these new waters and put them in touch with the appropriate school personnel to offer their own professional insights. We are fortunate to have such a strong educational system in New York State that permits us access to these professionals who can offer great advice.