According to US Census data, the average United States resident moves 11.7 times in their lifetime.
For better or worse, relocating to a new home is a life-changing event, especially when you find yourself far from family and friends. So, why do people move so much? Find out here.
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Why Do People Move for Work?
Since we spend most of our waking hours in gainful employment, it’s not surprising that work is one of the main reasons why people move. Often, they receive a promotion that takes them to another state or even country.
Other times, people become irritated with a long commute to the office and decide to find a home a little closer to work. Businesses relocate too, so if your employer moves to another part of town, you might decide to follow suit.
Moving With a Growing Family
Nobody stays in the first studio apartment where they spent the first months of married life for long. Many newlyweds want to start planning a family, putting up a white picket fence, and getting a dog.
You can’t do any of those things in a city apartment. A growing family (or desire for one) is one of the best reasons to move to a bigger place.
As time wears on, aging parents might move in with their adult children, necessitating a move to a bigger home.
Buying a New Home
Almost everybody aspires to own their own home one day. Moving from a rented house or apartment to your dream home is one of the most exciting times of your life.
Even established homeowners might find themselves moving on to an even better place after a few years in their first or second abode.
Downsizing to a Smaller Place
Just as families increase in size during the early years of marriage, they start to get smaller as time goes on. The children that once filled your home with laughter, friends, and scattered belongings eventually leave.
They grow up, meet the love of their lives and move away to start their own families. Before you know it, there are only two of you rattling around in a huge home that cost a fortune in upkeep.
Maintaining a large empty nest is a needless expense and responsibility when you should be enjoying your retirement. That’s why many aging couples opt for a smaller lock-up-and-go home once the children have all flown the coop.
Relationship Changes
In between your first big romance and saying goodbye to your offspring, you could also experience several relationship changes.
Separated or divorced couples usually move out of the same house and sometimes people move in and out with each other, without getting married at all.
Another type of relationship-related move involved roommates that come and go. To save on costs, young people might decide to share an apartment or house, only to move when their circumstances change.
School Catchment Areas
Local children always get priority when it comes to school admissions. So, it’s not surprising that some couples move their families to the catchment areas associated with the best schools.
This is one of the best ways to ensure your children get the education you want them to have or to ensure they attend your alma mater.
A Fresh Start
Everybody needs a change of scenery once in a while and some people move for that very reason. Maybe there’s a new housing development opening up across town and you can’t resist the allure of living in a gated community with abundant onsite amenities.
Sometimes people discover new interests or hobbies out of town and decide they want to move closer to the places where they can enjoy these newfound pleasures. It’s not unheard of for families to visit an area on vacation and decide it’s the perfect place to set up home.
At times, there’s no reason at all for a move except simple boredom. Some people take years before they find a home or locality where they truly feel at home.
Neighborhood Changes
Neighborhoods are ever-evolving so it’s possible that your quiet suburban paradise might develop into a busy semi-metropolis over time.
In other instances, your beloved stomping ground could become a crime hotspot or experience environmental changes due to development and factories in the area. Perhaps your neighborhood’s not a great environment for kids, or all your old friends have relocated.
If your neighborhood’s changed so much that it’s a shadow of the place you used to love, it’s time to consider a move.
Financial Reasons
One of the reasons for moving that’s become more commonplace in recent times is a simple matter of affordability. Homes need ongoing and expensive maintenance.
When you’ve recently lost your job or had to take a pay cut, these costs can become insurmountable.
Some homeowners manage to get out early by selling their house while it’s still in good condition. For others, waiting for things to improve often means they end up with a home that’s in such bad repair that nobody wants it.
Find out more about how these homeowners go about selling their homes as-is before heading for greener, more affordable, pastures.
Are You Planning a Move Soon?
If you’re in the process of relocating, you’re most likely asking the question, ‘why do people move?’ rhetorically while throwing your hands in the air out of frustration caused by moving stress.
Rather, focus on the excitement of moving into your new place and making it your own. Browse our home section for some great ideas and inspiration for making your new house a home.
