Moving is such a major decision for most people. Even if the family is active duty military and know they have to change duty stations every 2-5 yrs, it’s still a big event each time. In most instances, moving is due to another major decision or life change. There could be a career change, job transfer or family issue (death, illness, advanced age, addition of children, “empty nest”, etc) Any one of these brings excitement, stress, anxiety and hope. While we may try to avoid it, change in life is always inevitable.

The Pilgrams experienced this after fleeing England and living in Holland for 10-12 yrs. You can imagine the stress of another major move brought to the humble people. The women, especially, must’ve been concerned as their way of life was going to dramatically change and the imminent danger the men and boys they loved was more of a certain reality. As the brave WWII veterans grow older and pass on from this life, far fewer of us Americans have any idea what real dangers are out there or what it’s really like to face death or illness on a daily basis. The Pilgrams knew very well what traveling across the vast ocean could bring yet their dream of a better, more free life moved them forward.

“And therefore according to the divine proverb, that a wise man seeth the plague when it cometh, and hideth himself, Proverbs 22:3, so they like skillful and beaten soldiers were fearful either to be entrapped or surrounded by their enemies so as they should neither be able to fight nor fly. And therefore thought it better to dislodge betimes to some place of better advantage and less danger, if any such could be found…The place they had thoughts on was some of those vast and unpeopled countries of America…” - William Bradford

They found the location that fit their hopes and dreams but it took 10-12 yrs to see! We are such an inpatient generation. We expect to make major decisions so quickly. Aren’t we thankful that the Pilgrams made this decision when they did? Who knows what more may have happened to them had they come here straight away. They had to grow to be prepared for this journey.

As you decide on whether to move and to where, get yourself prepared.

• Research the area(s) you believe you’d like to be: developments, schools, churches, etc. If you can, travel to the location(s) and travel around all times of the day to see if you can picture your family being at home there.
• If you have a home to sell, contact a couple of local sales agents and ask them to evaluate your home and even get a pre listing inspection so you know full well what you may need to do to prepare to list and get the most from that sale.
• Use your listing and/or buyer agents: They have great resources in their networks to help you and your family make the best and wisest move possible. 

Be like the Pilgrams as you embark on your next journey and prepare. We’re here to lend a hand in helping make a huge decision a bit easier.