Behind the Scenes of Ben Affleck's Move-Out: "They Are Ready for the Next Stage of Their Lives"

Despite their split, the actor had continued living at the home he shared with Jennifer Garner

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner are moving on—figuratively and literally. 

After the Oscar winner officially started moving his clothes and other belongings out of their once-shared family home on Monday afternoon, the exes are looking ahead to continued co-parenting and stepping back into the dating pool—all while easing the transition for their three children. 

According to a source close to the actress, Affleck plans to have a daily role in their kids' lives and will be just as involved as he always has been. "They will continue to spend holidays together and take family vacations," the insider said. "Nothing is going to change from the past two years, other than that he will be living in a separate house nearby."

As for his former wife of 10 years, Garner is "very supportive and they remain very amicable and friendly," the source added. "There wasn't any arguing or divvying up of property. She was very easygoing with the whole thing and they both want what's best for each other." According to the insider, Ben even consulted with Jen on where he would be living and made sure that she felt the kids would be happy there. Of course, their two daughters, Violet and Seraphina, and their son Samuel continue to be their main priority, 

 

"They didn't want to alarm the kids or have them feel like Ben was leaving, so he has slowly moved out over time. But, as of Monday, he will be living at his new home," the source explained. "They really want the kids to continue with their same routine and have assured them that that's not going to change. However, in the next few weeks, they will start to spend regular time at Ben's house as well."

The physical separation also marks a new chapter in their romantic life. "Being single is a whole new world for Jen. She isn't used to not having the kids around and being able to focus on herself," the source said. "She is interested in dating, but it's not a major priority. The kids will always come first. If she happens to meet someone, then she is open to that as well. But, she isn't going to set her sights on finding someone."

 

Meanwhile, Affleck wants to dip his toes in the personal waters. "Ben is interested in dating," the source elaborated. "He feels ready to date and will be putting himself out there."

As a second source described, "They are ready for the next stage of their lives."