Should I move? Should I stay here for a few more years?
If you’re asking these questions, it’s clear you’re considering moving from your current home. The only problem is you’re on the fence, and it’s easy to see why.
Moving, especially when there is no urgent reason such as a job transfer, is a big decision. You can easily develop cold feet even when moving is the best step for you and your family.
In this article, we’re helping you reach a decision. By the time you finish reading, you’ll be in a good position to make an informed choice.
Let’s get into it!
1. Cost of Living Is Beyond Your Reach
Whether you’re a homeowner or a tenant, there are costs you must meet in order to sustain your life.
If you’re a homeowner, perhaps you’re paying off a mortgage. As a tenant, you have no choice but to pay monthly rent. Then there is the cost of utilities, food, and other essentials.
If you’re in a situation where you’re struggling to meet your living needs, it’s certainly time to move. Holding on and scraping by hoping your finances will get better can cause you more harm than good.If you’re unable to pay your rent, for instance, holding in for one or two more months will effectively throw you into debt and you could be facing an eviction notice.
For homeowners, the price is steeper. Defaulting on your mortgage invites foreclosure. You could lose your home.
In general, if you can no longer afford to live in your place, it’s time to pack your bags and move to a cheaper location. There’s no shame in making a financially sensible decision, even though you’ll be downgrading.
2. Your Family Is Growing
Just five or so years ago, you were single and living alone. Fast forward to today, you’re married and with two kids in tow!
Having a big family is a blessing, but then you need to house them in an equally big house. If you’re still living in the same house from your single days, it’s probably too small for you now. You need a bigger space where your kids can play without running into a wall every couple of feet.
And, it’s not just an expanding family that should give you a reason to move.
If you’ve acquired more possessions and you’re running out of space to store them, moving makes sense. For example, if you’re a car collector and your garage can only accommodate one or two cars, moving to a big home with a multi-car garage will suit you.
Regardless of your reason for upsizing, just ensure you can afford the move and the additional expenses of living in a bigger property.
3. You Need to Downsize
While other people are upsizing, there are also those who are downsizing.
Maybe all your kids have left the nest and now you’re left with your spouse and Fido or kitty. Suddenly the home is too big for you. The place feels empty.
Or perhaps you’ve resolved to embrace minimalist living. You’ve sold off most of your possessions or donated to charity. The only remaining thing is to move to a smaller house that suits your new minimalist lifestyle.
If you’re in a situation where you need to downsize, then you’ve got a solid reason to move.
That being said, it’s important to do a thorough assessment of your need to downsize and be sure that you’re making a sound decision. Some people downsize as a result of an impulsive decision, only to move back into a bigger home soon after.
4. Your Home Is Unsafe to Live In
You should always live in a safe and healthy environment.
If you’re a homeowner, you’re probably always staying on top of repairs. However, some issues can slip under your radar and cause a problem when you’ve got little time to make repairs. For example, a foundation problem can go unnoticed for a long time, only for it to become apparent when it’s already too late.
When you’re facing a repair issue that threatens your safety and cannot be addressed while you’re living in the property, it’s time to move. The move could be temporary, but it’s a move nonetheless. A company like On The Fly Moving Guys can come in and help you move to safety as quickly as possible.
The same goes for tenants. If you’re living in a house that urgently needs repairs but the landlord isn’t doing anything to remedy the situation, you’re better off moving to a new home. Don’t risk your life waiting for repairs to be done.
5. Insecurity
We all want to live in secure neighborhoods. It’s always reassuring to drive to your home at whatever time knowing that your neighborhood is safe.
Unfortunately, good security isn’t always guaranteed. A neighborhood can be one of the safest this year, only for cases of burglary and theft to start cropping up. Things can even get out of hand if the local police department doesn’t step in.
If your neighborhood is no longer secure and you feel that an attack is imminent, don’t wait. It’s high time you moved.
Also, if you’re a homeowner, insecurity can negatively affect property values. It might be better to sell yours right now before its value dips further.
6. New City, New Life
Do you feel like you have had enough of your current city? Itching to start a new life in another city?
You’re not alone. Every year, millions of Americans relocate from one city to another, with New York City seeing the most in and out movement.
Wanting to live in another city is a good reason to move, especially if your finances are in order and there’s nothing else holding you back. A new city can offer you the motivation and energy you need to chase your dreams. There are many more reasons to move to a new city.
Should I Move? It Depends
If you’ve been asking yourself “Should I move?” you now have the information you need to make a wise decision. Sometimes the answer is fairly obvious, and other times there’s no clear-cut answer. A lot will depend on your personal situation.
Keep reading our blog for more lifestyle tips, hacks, and advice.
