Considering a move soon? In the US, the average person moves once every five years or about six times in a lifetime. Whether you are moving across town, or across the globe, here are ten of the most common reasons why people move and some tips on how to make your move a success and a positive step forward for you and your family.
- Moving For A New Job: One of the most common reasons to relocate is for a new job. Money is a huge motivator for most of us, but before you agree to your next career move, be sure to take a look at the cost of living in your new area. Even though a new job could seem like more money, it might not be depending on where this job is taking you. Also, if you rent, be sure to know your lease and ask your new employer to assist you with relocation expenses.
- Moving To Reduce Your Commute: On a similar vein, many Americans move to get closer to their work. Especially for families, its easy to convince yourself that a 45-minute commute is no big deal, but when you factor in traffic and rush hour, that extra distance can turn into countless wasted hours. Living closer to where you work can make a huge difference in one’s quality of life.
- Moving For a Loved One: Whether it is a close family member or a growing relationship, people frequently move for the ones that they love. In the case of an illness or an aging family member, it can be easy to rush your process, but make sure to take the time and care to make the right move. Be sure that you are close enough and have extra space for other friends and family to come and help. Also, make sure your new space has ease of access for your loved one.
- Moving For Marriage: Although many people move in before marriage, it is still quite common for people to want a new space to start out married life. When moving for marriage, be cognizant of things like picking a place that fits both of your needs equally. Also, think about not just where you are, but where you are planning on going so that your first home is a launch pad to all that you want to accomplish together.
- Moving To Become A Homeowner: Finally ready to take the plunge and buy your first home? Although this is one of the most exciting reasons to move, it can also be easy to overextend yourself or buy the wrong property. Be sure to enlist help in your process from trusted friends and family that have bought property before. Look into programs like first time home buyer programs to make sure that you get the lowest rates possible to get you into the perfect home for you.
- Moving To a Better Climate: Climate is another popular reason for relocation. When relocating for climate, many people only take into account temperature, be sure to also look at lesser thought of variables like humidity and local allergens. We recommend getting an allergy test before a climate-based move to ensure that your body is as compatible to your move as your mind is!
- Moving For Your Kids: When a family’s children get near school age, that often sparks a move to a new area. Moving to a district with better public schools, although typically expensive, is a very common reason to move. When considering this move, make sure that you take into account the property values versus the cost of sending your children to private school in your current home so as to make the best investment in your children, and your family, that is possible.
- Moving For Your Education: Whether you are headed to college for the first time, or continuing your education, moving to be able to go to the best school possible is often a wise move for your future. Even though your main focus has been on getting into to perfect school, take the time to focus on the area as well when making your moving decisions. If it is a city that you do not see yourself putting roots down in, consider rental options over buying a property to give you more flexibility.
- Moving For More Space: Family growing? Found a job that allows you to work from home? Moving to acquire more space is one of the most common reasons to move locally. Make sure that you are planning accordingly when searching for the perfect home. Few things are more frustrating than upgrading your space only to find that you needed a fourth or fifth bedroom a couple years later.
- Moving For Retirement: One of the last moves that a person makes is their retirement home. When retirement home shopping, make sure that you take into account things like location, access, and amenities. Even though it isn’t always pleasant to think about, having the perfect home without stairs and with the proper amenities can mean years more independence as you age.