If you’re feeling the itch to pack up and start fresh somewhere, there are plenty of reasons you can come up with to do so and plenty of ways to make it happen. You could start applying for jobs in other locations, consider that master’s program you’ve been putting off, or take a leap of faith and figure the rest out as you go if spontaneity is your thing.
No matter what your reason is, there are pros and cons of relocating. Here are seven things to consider when contemplating relocation.
1. Job Opportunities
The #1 reason for relocation among U.S. families is a job. Does your current company have opportunities in other areas? This may be a great way to move up in your company or achieve that change of pace you’ve been craving.
Before you accept an offer to relocate, be sure to ask about relocation costs. Will the company help pay for the move? If so, how much? Will they cover house packing services or full-service movers? If you’re in the market for a new job, are there plenty of job openings? Job opportunities are a huge factor to consider before moving somewhere.
2. Practicality
We all crave adventure sometimes, but is moving practical? Will moving solve your problems? Ask yourself if moving would improve your quality of life, make it worse or keep it the same. Moving is a lot of work, so you should ensure it’s the right decision and will be worth it. Ask yourself why you want to move and if you’ll regret it. Moves can be temporary, but if it’s a big move, you’ll want to ensure you’re up for it and ready for a significant change.
3. Personal Reasons
You may have a laundry list of personal reasons for wanting to relocate. Here are some questions to ask yourself while thinking about relocating your life:
- Will I be satisfied with the social life there?
- Are the schools rated well?
- Would my family and I fit in?
- Could I afford the lifestyle I want there?
- Do they offer services that are important to me?
- How close is the nearest grocery store and post office?
4. Relocation Costs
Moving can be expensive, so you’ll want to consider the costs and determine if you’re up for it financially. The expenses rack up quickly, from finding a new home to purchasing furniture to fill it. If you expect your cost of living to go up, you’ll need to ensure you get a well-paying job to compensate. The financial aspect is a huge factor to consider ahead of time.
5. Location
Location is everything. You may love your job, but you may need help to feel happy if you dislike the area. You may be unhappy with no mountains around if you’re an avid skier. And if you love winter, you may be miserable in the desert. Visiting an area more than once before moving there is highly recommended. If you’re going for job interviews, schedule extra time to explore. Look into the real estate market, school system, health care, and recreation.
6. Housing
Will you rent or buy? Or maybe you’ll rent while you look for the perfect house. If you’re opting to rent, consider the quality of your rental and the neighborhood it’s in. Is it a good part of town? If you’re planning to buy right away, calculate how long it will take you to drive to work each day. Look into the economy in the area. Is it thriving or dying? Is there a potential for your home to rise in value? What’s the demographic of each neighborhood? Get in touch with local realtors for assistance.
7. School System
If you have children, the school system is worth looking into. And even if you don’t have kids, an area with highly rated schools can raise the value of your home. What is the caliber of the surrounding school districts? This is important to look into before purchasing a home. Does the school district receive enough funding? Are the parents involved? What are the student-teacher ratios in the classroom? Do they offer extracurricular activities for your little aspiring actor or budding athlete?
Relocating can be quite a complex topic. There are so many factors to consider and plans to arrange. If you’re on the fence, investigate and see how you feel after considering jobs, personal reasons, relocation costs, housing, and schools. If you’re relocating due to a job, that can be exciting and overwhelming. Take it one step at a time and prepare as much as necessary before the big move.
Sometimes our intuition is the best decision-maker, so remember to follow it. And if your intuition is telling you to take the plunge and relocate, you may require assistance from one of Utah’s moving and storage companies. We’d love to make your relocation journey a breeze. Reach out to us for inquiries.
Infographic
There are many reasons to move and lots of ways to achieve it if you want to start over somewhere new. If you enjoy spontaneity, consider enrolling in that master’s degree or take a chance and sort everything out as you go. Take a look at this infographic to learn the seven things to consider before deciding to relocate.
Video
