Moving is a Hassle … but Sometimes That’s Worth it

The average adult moves home eight times during their life. That’s seven times too many for some – moving is undeniably a stressful experience, and one that involves a great deal of upheaval. Oftentimes, though, that short-term pain leads to long-term gain.

Moving can be the start of something new and exciting. What matters is that you make the decision at a time that suits you best. If you’re contemplating to a new property, let’s take a look at the most common reasons for moving home. If these apply to your circumstances, you may find yourself convinced that it’s the right decision.

Space Concerns

The most popular reason for anybody to move to a new house is limitations on space. We’ve all been there – you read The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, promised yourself that you’ll purge your home of anything unnecessary, and promptly realise just how much stuff you have accumulated over the years.

This can creep up on people, who suddenly find they have outgrown a property. Additions to a family, whether planned or unexpected, will also lead to further space issues. You may find yourself needing an additional bedroom at short notice. It’s widely frowned upon to make children sleep in the bathtub, no matter how comfortable it may look.

Of course, the opposite can also be true. Many people move because they’re ready to start downsizing. If you’re experiencing empty nest syndrome, a large, empty house may remind you that your family have started new lives of their own. Equally, if do manage to clear your cupboards of unnecessary belongings, you may decide you no longer need to pay a premium for storage.

Space is one thing that will never change in any existing property. All the tricks in the world involving light and paint shades will not change the dimensions of four walls. If you need more – or less – space, moving on is the only real way to achieve that.

Economic Worries

Sometimes, we’re forced to make tough choices in the face of economic uncertainty. This is especially common at the moment, as the impact of COVID-19 slowly but surely begins to make itself known. If you’re looking at your monthly statement and trying to choose between food or rent this week, it may be time to consider a cheaper property.

Now, don’t rush into this choice – take the time to ensure it’s a long-term strategy. Moving home isn’t cheap. Even though our house removal service is competitively priced, there is still a charge involved. You’ll also need to fund security deposits to a landlord, estate agent fees, and any new furniture that you may require. Don’t plunge yourself further into financial difficulty in the hope of a quick fix.

All the same, moving on can benefit your bank balance. You could consider sharing a home, which by extension divides the rent and bills. You may also find that different areas offer more affordable options without sacrificing quality of life. Do your research and strike a happy medium between practical and beneficial.

Work Requirements

Many of us choose accommodation based on where we work. We may pick a property that is close to public transport links, or that provides easy access to a motorway for commuting. However, we need to consider that working practices are set to change irrevocably in the wake of Coronavirus. Being realistic, how much time will you actually spend in the office going forward?

If you are set to work remotely with greater frequency, this should be factored into your decision-making. You’ll need a home with enough space that everybody has their own territory to get their head down and get to work. You’ll need to ensure that you’re not in a black spot for Wi-Fi or mobile phone signals. You’ll want sufficient peace and quiet to hold Zoom or Skype meetings, without the neighbour’s children bellowing at the top of their lungs outside.

You may even find that you no longer need to base yourself in a major city. If you have always dreamt of the simple life and living in the country, is there anything left to stop you now? London and the associated areas may not be the economic epicentre of the UK for too much longer. With more and more of us working from home, you can focus your energies on finding the ideal property and location.

Structural Issues

Your home should be your castle. That doesn’t mean that you should tolerate medieval living conditions, though. If your home suffers from serious structural issues, it’s sometimes better to simply cut and run. Life is too short to continually find yourself plugging leaks, sealing cracks and breathing in black mould.

This is obviously easier if you’re in a rental property. Discuss the issues with your landlord, and if they show no inclination to rectify them, hand in your notice and move on. Personal safety must always come first, and landlords have a duty of care to provide this. If the owner of your property fails to do so, they do not deserve any more of your hard-earned in rent.

If you’re a homeowner, this is obviously more challenging. If you are aware of these structural problems, you can bet your bottom dollar that any surveyor worth their salt will be too. Estate agents can blind potential buyers with jargon, but when it comes a valuation the truth will bite.

In this scenario, moving on remains advisable. You just need to make a judgment call as to how you’ll do so. You could take the money and run, selling at a lower price on the proviso that the buyer will need to make improvements. Alternatively, you could bring in a tradesperson to do this work and hope to recoup your outlay in an asking price. Who knows – you may even fall back in love with your property once these repairs are complete.

Fresh Start

Naturally, sometimes we could all benefit from a simple fresh start in different surroundings. A change is as good as a rest, as the old adage goes.

Moving to a new location can feel like an extended holiday, and help you rediscover your joie de vivre. If you feel that you’re stuck in a rut, look into changing your location. You’ll be amazed at how much difference this can make!