For some people, “home” is as much a condition as a physical place. But others always seem to want something new, so they frequently move from place to place. Most fall somewhere between.
How often do you ask yourself or others the question, “Should I move?”
Since moving can be an expensive proposition, the reasons people cite must be pretty compelling. So, let’s find out what some of them are. Since everyone has their own reasons to think about moving, feel free to disagree with ours.
Should I Move? House-Related Signs
The first three signs it’s time to move relate to your house itself and why you’re no longer happy with it. These problems tend to go beyond simple fixes.
1. Your House Isn’t the Right Size
A lot of new homeowners buy what are called “starter homes,” with the idea being to live comfortably while starting your careers and raising a family. Then, some years later, you buy a larger home and move away because there wasn’t enough room.
Or, you might buy a larger home, with plans of a steady flow of house guests or starting an Airbnb. Neither happened. Now, you’re rattling around in (and paying more than you should for) a house that’s way too big.
2. Your House Is a Money Pit
The circumstances of moving into your current house weren’t the best (to say the least). You lived in another state at the time, so you made an offer in a single day and couldn’t be there for the home inspection. The house looked great at the time.
The problems started with the sweating walls. A couple of months later, you noticed a water stain on a downstairs bedroom ceiling, right below the upstairs bathtub. Then, a contractor spotted some asbestos in the basement.
Your home is what you would call a money pit! Remember, though, that you can always sell to an investor who buys homes for cash.
3. Your Home’s Exterior Is a Drain on Time (and Stamina)
Nearly every new homeowner we’ve met has dreams of landscaping the yard, planting a garden, or building a backyard pool. They do at least one of these things, love it for the first year, and regret it the following year. It’s exhausting work!
Is it time to move? Maybe. If it means digging up the pool, consider selling the house as soon as you can afford to, and move to a condo instead.
Should I Move? Place-Related Signs
The next two signs relate to the city or neighborhood where you live. As we all know, living in a place where you’re not happy eats away at your happiness.
4. Your Neighborhood Is No Longer a Good Place for You
It could be your neighbors that are the problem with your current home. Are they always having loud parties? Letting their yard grow out of control? Or are they just not considerate or friendly?
It also could be that the geographic neighborhood, the place you once loved, has declined, and property values along with it. And you don’t feel all that safe there anymore. Should you decide to move or stay?
Hmm… Don’t let those property values get any lower before you sell.
5. Your Commute Is Too Long
Some people relish their daily commute, considering it a time to listen to the radio while transitioning from work to home mode. For others, though, the traffic, weather, and regular back-ups only add more stress.
Moving to a new place that’s closer to work – maybe for you and your partner both – could save time and money, not to mention your peace of mind.
Should I Move? Personal Signs
The last three signs relate to the promise of greater personal satisfaction living in a new place. We think you’ll agree that these are some pretty compelling reasons.
6. You Got a New Job in Another City
Congratulations! We hope you’ll like your new job – and the place where you’ll be living. Many people can no longer rely on finding the right job close to their current home in today’s economy.
Plus, you’ve been saying, “If I get the ___ job, I want to move,” haven’t you? The time has come. Besides, now that you’ve had experience as a homeowner, your savvy could put you in the new home of your dreams.
7. You Want a Less Hectic Lifestyle
Perhaps you’ve reached that point in your life when going out on the town three or more times a week wears you out. Or the two-hour commute on crowded buses or trains has become unbearable. You’re looking for a new job and a quieter place.
Perhaps one of the village-like exurbs would suit you at this stage – close enough to the city for conveniences but far enough to limit your travel there. Maybe you prefer a smaller city or town in a more rural area, where you can enjoy natural beauty?
8. You’ve Met the Love of Your Life
You’re in love. Need we say more? Once you’ve met the right person and started getting to know them, of course, you want to be closer. Perhaps you’ll rent an apartment near where they live and, if things work out, get married.
Maybe you’ll buy your next home as part of a married couple, perhaps even a family.
Moving to a New Place Can Be Life-Changing
“Should I move?” you ask. As long as the logistics are feasible and the financial situation is right, most people follow their instincts when deciding to move or stay where they are.
Staying in a place where your happiness dwindles by the day isn’t healthy, no matter who or what’s the cause – your neighborhood, a money pit of a home, or finding your true love and wanting to be with that person.
And speaking of homes, do you read our site at all? If you don’t, you should start. We have all kinds of ideas to save you money at home.
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