According to the Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory, a change in residence is the 20th most stressful event in life. It’s no wonder that many of us avoid the obvious signs that it is time to move. Generally, we only start to face the facts once other stressors, like a career or relationship change, make a move inevitable. We are here to help you see the signs that it’s time to pack up and move to a new house before you get to the breaking point. Read on to learn more:
A Long Commute
Although an increased number of people are working from home or telecommuting, the morning and afternoon commute is still very real for many. Being stuck in traffic twice a day is enough to weigh on anyone’s sanity. There’s no doubt that you would rather spend the time doing almost anything else, and your partner would likely say the same.
A commute can add high costs to your monthly budget regarding added fuel, insurance, and mileage on your car, which are time and resources that you could be spending on having a home that has a more enjoyable travel to work every day.
A Career Change
A job offer and associated career boost will oftentimes require moving to a new city or even out of state. At other times, it means a jump in salary that can facilitate getting a mortgage for first home buyers. This is a fantastic time to negotiate with a new employer to see if they are willing to offset any potential costs involved with moving.
The Wrong Size
Whether it be cramped or cavernous, moving because your house just doesn’t ‘fit’ anymore is one of the leading reasons for packing up. Undoubtedly, kids are a significant factor when it comes to space requirements: you might need additional bedrooms, a playroom, or a bigger backyard. Likewise, once your kids leave, you might not be so keen on keeping your larger home clean when you’d rather be relaxing.
Some people want a backyard so that their dogs can run about or to spread out and get into a hobby. The need for a home office conducive to working effectively has also been a big push for getting people to move since 2020.
An Equity Boost
You can gain equity in your home in various ways. Paying down your mortgage is the obvious one; however, you can also make improvements that add a lot of impact to your selling price. Perhaps your area has been gentrified, and you are happy to move on to another up and coming location. Taking advantage of your equity gains can be a rewarding reason for moving.
While stressful, moving can also be exciting, with change in surroundings being a refreshing change of pace for many. Ensure that you spend time considering what your present needs are and what you envision your needs will be in the future so that you can make an informed decision.
