Written by: Olivia Forgette

Deciding to make a real estate move can feel anxiety-inducing and overwhelming. It’s a monumental instance in life that shouldn’t be taken lightly. On average, Americans move around 11 times in their lifetime, making this a common, yet still difficult transition for many. There are multiple factors that play into the decision. We are here to give you some tips and tricks on how to decide if it’s time to move.

Taking the first steps

Figuring out if you’re ready to relocate can be a difficult task. Taking these initial first steps and considerations can help you decide if a move is the right choice for you and your family.

If you have any questions about the real estate market or moving, don’t hesitate to contact Maureen!

 

Same page

Ensure you and your spouse or family members are on the same page about wanting to make the big change. Fluid communication about your desire to relocate with those you live with is key to deciding if it’s time to move. Some tips to discussing the topic with your partner include:

  • Bring up the idea of moving and gauge their reaction
  • Show that you care about how they feel regarding moving
  • Have stats ready about the new location and why you think it would be great to make the change
  • Be ready with reasons you feel a move is necessary including needing more space, better daycare options, better school districts, getting closer to work etc.
  • Suggest a vacation or daytrip to the new spot so your spouse or family can get a feel for location

 

Logistics

If you feel like it’s time to make a move, there are endless logistics that you should consider before diving in. From packing to making your new space feel like home-sweet-home, the logistics of a move near or far can feel daunting. Some things to remember before you decide it’s time to move include:

  • Commute times – Whether you’re making a big jump across the country or just a little leap to a new neighborhood, commute times should be a factor in your location decision. Think about not only commute times to work (according to a large study, the ideal commute time is about 16 minutes one-way), but also to frequented places like kid activities and shops.
  • Getting a new job – Changing careers on top of switching up where you live can make the decision to move even more scary. Be sure that the new role is financially in your best interest by considering the full compensation package (remember the benefits offered, not just salary!)
  • School districts – Before making a move, thinking about school districts should be a priority if you have kiddos at home or are considering starting a family. Some factors to think about when assessing a school district should be academic performance, curriculum and programs offered, facilities and resources, safety, and diversity.
  • Neighborhood amenities – Another consideration to know if it’s time to move are neighborhood amenities. These are things like a go-to local coffee shop, a place to do your weekly yoga practice, a playground for your kids, pet amenities like a dog park, a movie theater, free public parking, restaurants, a hair salon or barber, skilled doctors and healthcare, and a sufficient local grocery store. The list of amenities to consider will vary from person to person, but whatever matters most to you, make sure your new spot offers it!
  • Cost – Aside from purchasing a new home and closing costs, there are other costs associated with moving that you should have top of mind. Some cost topics to consider include moving truck rental fees, moving supplies, fees from professional movers, cleaning services, moving insurance, personal vehicle transport, and storage unit fees.

 

Impact

There is no denying that moving will have an impact on your life. Whether you’re a single person or have a family with unique needs to consider, this change is not something you should take lightly. There is a fear of the unknown for everyone involved.

If your children need to change schools, how will they adapt? Or if your kids are involved in sports or other activities, will it be difficult to continue that in the new place?

Here are some tips if you’re moving with children and how to help them cope with the change:

  • Moving is the hardest on kids over the age of five, so if you can, make the move before this milestone is reached
  • Provide your children with a stable environment before and after the move
  • Do what you can for your kids to ensure the move feels seamless and stress-free
  • Keep children informed about the move and future plans so they don’t feel blindsided
  • Ensure they have ample time to say goodbye to their familiar home, friends, and family they may be leaving behind

Moving isn’t only difficult for children, but also adults. Here are some psychological challenges you can anticipate as an adult making a move:

  • Moving can leave adults with a feeling of loss by leaving familiarity in environment, memories, and routine
  • Dealing with all the logistics of a move, you can expect to feel anxiety and stress (this is normal but something to be aware of)
  • Adjusting to the new home and neighborhood can take time, give yourself grace and patience

 

Connect with the community

Our final tip on how to decide if it’s time to move is to connect with your soon-to-be new community. Whether you’re moving just a town over or across the country, it can be an important deciding factor on if you’re ready to jump into a new place.

We suggest you take a trip to your new potential neighborhood. Get a feel for different areas in town. Talk with local people at a café, shop, or park. Join local social media groups online to understand the area better. Taking these small steps to connect with the new community can help you assess whether that is the right place for you and your family to make new lasting connections and memories.