If you’ve ever moved house, you know how stressful it can be. It’s not a decision that you can make lightly, and it will require a lot of planning and discussion with yourself, your partner, and your family. Once you get this idea in your head, though, you can’t think of anything else. You feel like you need to move as soon as possible, otherwise, you’ll never be happy again.
This sounds dramatic, and that’s because it is dramatic. Still, if you are that focused on moving house, it could be a sign that it is the right choice. Despite this, you shouldn’t jump into anything too soon. Before moving, there are a variety of things that you need to consider. Here are the ten most important factors that go into deciding whether a move is right for you.
Where Will You Move?
There are so many places to choose from that you are spoiled for choice when considering possible destinations. This question will help you determine which is the best place for you and your family, and you can narrow down your options based on what you prefer.
Some people are tempted to move across the country, or even across oceans and borders to start a new life. Others prefer to be closer to what they know. This will also depend on what you feel comfortable with and what feels right. You can’t make this decision by yourself, though, so include your family (partner and kids) in the conversation. This will save and nasty surprises for them and help them adjust to moving more comfortably.
And What Is the Area Like?
You might have the perfect destination in mind for you and your family but just because it looks nice in the pictures or you have romanticized it after watching a few too many TV shows doesn’t mean it is the promised land you expect it to be.
No matter which area you move to, you must make sure that it is affordable, safe, and suitable for your needs. Living in the mountains is appealing to a lot of people, but if you work from home, you won’t get the reliable internet connection you need to work. Similarly, city living means you’re close to the nightlife, but if you’ve just had kids, they won’t have a space to play and grow.
Can You Afford It?
Affordability is always something you need to consider when moving house, and it’s one of the most common things that stops people from moving in the first place. Some services can help you afford to move, including an FHA loan calculator, among other options, but you might want to save up yourself so you don’t need to repay a loan. Whichever worlds best for you.
It isn’t just the deposit that you need to think about, either. A new home could require increased investment. You may need to make significant repairs, even if the initial property price is low. Some homes may demand more money for care and maintenance, especially if they are larger. The price of living in the area will also be a factor, so keep all of this in mind when deciding if a move is the best choice.
Upsize or Downsize?
This question will depend on where you are in life. For young couples hoping to start a family, upsizing is the best choice. Older couples, especially those whose kids have already flown the nest and started families of their own, should consider downsizing.
This comes with more decisions to make, of course. If you are upsizing, you need to ask yourself if you will be able to fill the space and dedicate enough time to keeping the house in excellent condition. If you are downsizing, you will need to get rid of your stuff. If this is the case, donating and selling items that you won’t use anymore is a great place to start. Depending on the area, both options could be more or less expensive, so consider this as well before you pick a new home.
What About Your Family?
Moving house is not something that will only affect you. It will also have an impact on everybody in your family. Jobs, schools, friends, and other commitments are all issues that you will encounter when you are thinking about moving house.
If you aren’t moving far, then this may not be a problem. You may need to adjust your commute or not see some people as often, but it is generally not that much of an issue. The real problems come when moving across the country. If you have kids, it might seem unfair to pull them away from their friends, and it could also cause health problems if you move too frequently. You should think about your parents, too, especially if they are older and require care. If you move too far away, will you feel comfortable that you can get to them in time if an emergency occurs?
Are There Decent Job Prospects?
Moving house could be a sign that it is time for a career change. But, the job market can be tricky if you move somewhere you are not familiar with. This can make it difficult for you or your partner to get a job, and this could immediately cause problems with your budget and finances.
If you want to avoid this, it’s essential to research the job prospects before you move. Ideally, and your partner should have a job lined up before you move. If either of you works online, you won’t need to worry about this, though.
Will The Schools Be Good Enough
Likewise, you want your children to get the best possible education. This will be reflected in the local schools. Some areas will have excellent schools no matter where you look, whereas other areas will have a few good schools and a few schools that aren’t up to standard.
Even if you don’t have kids yet, you’ll still need to consider it when choosing a new place to live. You likely want to stay here for the long haul, so think about schools for your kids when they are old enough to attend. This should also give you plenty of time to learn about the area and speak to your neighbors, which will help you identify which schools are the best for your kids.
Will You Need to Renovate?
You hope that the next house you move into will be your dream home. It will have everything you need, including a top-of-the-range kitchen to a vast backyard where your kids can play in the summer and you can entertain your friends. However, this dream is not always the reality. There is a significant chance that whichever home you choose will need some serious TLC.
These demands can turn your dream home into a nightmare. While it might look perfect from the outside, you’ll find out that there are some serious problems hidden between the walls and under the floorboards. If you want to avoid this, get a quality home inspection so you know everything that needs to be done before you move in.
Is It Easy to Get Around?
Even though most people have cars, they are not always convenient, especially if you want to have a night out and not rely on being the designated driver. Therefore, ask yourself whether your new home is easily accessible by both public transport and taxis.
Some places are on popular bus routes or close to the train station, whereas others are smack bang in the middle of nowhere, and only have one bus trundle through on a Wednesday afternoon. Likewise, towns that are close to the highway are also appealing, as this will make it easier to get on and off when you take a trip with your family or go to see friends back home.
Do You Really Need to Move?
The final question you need to ask yourself is whether you really need to move. People will too often feel that they want to move house, whereas they just need to fall back in love with their home. In some cases, moving is vital. You could be expecting a baby, or you can’t afford to live in your current home any longer. However, this is not always the case.
Before you start looking at new homes, think about the reasons you want to move. If it isn’t because of family or work or your finances, a move is usually unnecessary. It’s natural to get itchy feet after staying in one place for too long, so if you can recognize that you are just feeling like you want to get out and try something new, remember that it’s a fleeting feeling that should pass.
Making Moves
While your first instinct will be that you need to move house as soon as possible, it’s always vital that you slow down for a few moments and seriously consider the implications of moving house. If you take the time to ask these questions to yourself and your family, you might realize that moving is not suitable right now, but it might be later on. You don’t want to make the wrong decision, so knowing your options will help you choose the right path.
