Where you’re living now isn’t working for you anymore. So, you’re seriously considering a move and think you’re ready to make a decision. But before you make a decision, have you truly mulled over everything you need to before committing? Some areas to consider include yes or no, including finances, if your children are ready, and if the community you’re moving to is right for you.
Take the following questions into consideration before making a final decision on moving to ensure you’re making the right choice.
What’s the Real Reason You Want to Move?
People do move spontaneously. But not having a real reason behind moving isn’t necessarily a good thing. Thinking deeply about why you’re considering living in a new town will help you make a more insightful decision.
Are you moving to be closer to family? Are there better work opportunities where you want to move? Are you trying to avoid something? Do you need to downsize? Do you want a change of scenery?
Think about your real reason for wanting to move and make sure it’s a good one.
Do You Know Where You Will Live?
Wanting to move is one thing. Knowing the best place for you to live and what kind of home you want to be in is another. If you don’t have these details down, rushing into a move probably isn’t the best option.
On the other hand, if you know where you want to live and have narrowed down your home or apartment choices to those suitable for your family, moving forward with your relocation makes more sense.
Are Your Children Ready to Move?
When it’s just you moving, making decisions and the actual moving process are a lot easier. But when you have children coming with you, things get a bit more complex. The last thing you want to do is move and your children not be able to adapt and settle into their new home.
If you’re moving with young children or infants, you need to make sure they’re comfortable and prepared for the transition. Arranging for childcare the day of, and choosing movers to assist with transporting your belongings can make things a lot less stressful.
With older children, you should have multiple in-depth conversations with your children about how they feel about moving. Talk about their potential new schools, the area, and what it will be like to make new friends. Really dig into their concerns and see if you can ease them.
Starting these conversations well in advance of your move will give you a chance to sincerely address what you need to and ensure this is the right choice for your family.
How Will the Move Impact Your Work?
No matter where you move, keeping your career intact is critical. Understanding how your move will impact your work will help you pause and think thoroughly about your decision. For instance, if you love your job right now but won’t be able to keep it if you move, you’ll want to make sure it’s worth leaving something you love so much behind.
If you aren’t tied to a physical office, this can significantly open up your housing choices. The real estate market has shifted significantly due to remote work, as many people have recognized that they can live in a suburb at a lower cost but with the same high standard of living as a city offers. If this sounds like you and you primarily work from home, might also have to look for a house with specific amenities, like a home office and backyard.
Is It Financially Feasible?
This is one of the most important considerations to make when deciding whether or not to move. Can you afford to move and can you comfortably manage the monthly expenses for your new home? You’ll have to ask yourself and carefully consider if things will be as simple as getting a rental van, loading your things, and driving over to your new home, or if you will require professional assistance and/or a much larger vehicle.
One of the worst decisions you can make is moving when you can’t afford to. It adds so much stress to your life and you’ll probably end up moving back to where you were. If you want to move somewhere and stay there long-term, you must map out your finances first and see if movers cater to your new location. You may also consider booking a penske truck rental service. Additionally, if you need a safe space to store your items and other belongings when moving, then you may consider renting a storage unit.
Take a look at where you are now. If you can afford the move without having to do anything extra with your finances, it could be a good choice for you. However, there’s nothing wrong with saving until you can afford it.
Have You Factored in the Weather and Environment?
If you aren’t moving too far away from where you currently are, this may not apply to you. But if you’re considering a move to a different part of your state or another one altogether, it’s important to factor in the weather and environment.
If you’re coming from weather that’s the exact opposite of what you’ll be living in at the new location, how would that impact your day-to-day living? Even if it’s just a bit off from what you’re used to, understanding how that weather change would impact your quality of living is essential.
Can You Become a Part of Your Community?
When you move somewhere, you want it to eventually feel like home. You want to know your neighbors, the stores and restaurants around you, the leisure activities available, all of it. You want to thoroughly enjoy life in your new place.
Visiting the communities you’re considering moving to beforehand will help you decide whether you can see yourself in each particular community.
Conclusion
The above seven questions aren’t an exhaustive list of considerations to make when moving. However, they are a solid starting point to get an overall feel for whether or not a move is the right decision for you and your family. Take as much time as you need to answer these and any other questions that will help you make an informed decision.
