What are Some of the Most Common Reasons People Move Houses?

Whether it’s someone from school, church, or work, it seems as if someone is always moving. Maybe they’re moving down the street, across town, or to a whole different state. What motivates people to move? Keep reading to discover the most common reasons for moving houses.
Scott Berens

Scott Berens

Owner of .

Financial Security or Instability, Family Occasions, and Retirement

Several factors come into play when it comes to the most common reasons for people to move houses. Financial security or instability is a big reason individuals relocate their homes, as they may need more space or be looking for cheaper rent in another area. Employment opportunities can also force someone’s hand when it comes time to change and find somewhere new.

Family occasions such as births and weddings can prompt members of an extended family network to relocate closer together to share resources and support one another better. Finally, retirement provides many with the opportunity – both financial means and age/health-wise -to take on an entirely new housing situation that suits their lifestyle at the present moment better than before.

Lifestyle Changes

Our lives are made up of a lot of yesterdays, todays, and tomorrows, so whenever we find a chance to make the days that are still on the way a little better, we grab that chance, even if it means moving house, town, state, or country. That’s what relocation is all about, really!

    ● The foremost reason is a lifestyle change. No matter their priorities, they tend to move when they feel they’ve outgrown their current location or need to relocate to another city or country that offers them the right environment to grow and explore. This could mean a more relaxed lifestyle, more of the outdoors, and a home away from the crowd. It could also mean a hunger for business or work-oriented living, an environment where it’s all about the hustle, or regulations and policies that support growth. Whatever the choice, those who genuinely want more from their lives are always willing to put down roots where they feel more at home.

    ● For people looking for better work-life balance, semi-retirement, or a lifestyle focused on outdoor activities, certain practical factors come into play. These include safety, reasonable cost of living, travel opportunities, access to healthcare, straightforward residency laws, a sense of community, and a mix of laid-back living with modern infrastructure.

Some motivators for those looking to work more or expand their business or work network include a better tax structure, robust internet connectivity, easy availability of a trained workforce, efficient banking services, easier residency and company setups, and business-friendly regulations.

Guy Sharp

Guy Sharp

Relocation Specialist at .
Doug Van Soest

Doug Van Soest

Co-founder of .

Digital Detox; Escape the Distractions of Smartphones and Social Media

A unique reason for people to move houses is the pursuit of a digital detox. Nowadays, screens and devices dominate our lives and some individuals are seeking a more offline and mindful existence. These people choose locations with limited or no internet access in remote rural areas. They are motivated by [a] desire to disconnect from the constant noise of technology, reduce screen time, and reconnect with nature and themselves.

Moving to such areas allows them to escape the distractions of smartphones, social media, and constant notifications. This reason for moving may be unconventional which reflects a growing awareness of the importance of balance in our digital age and for a technology-free lifestyle.

Risk of Natural Disasters

One of the most common reasons to move houses is the risk exposure of the house to natural disasters. If their current house is usually exposed to natural disasters like typhoons, hurricanes, wildfires, and the likes, then this is a big reason to move houses. This coupled with the house construction being vulnerable to the effects of these hazards, makes them at high risks to life and property loss. Hence, the main reason for them moving to a different house. People naturally want to protect their lives and properties, so if the house is at high risk of being damaged and causing damage to their lives and properties, then they will move to a different house.

Zoe Wallace

Zoe Wallace

CHRO and Travel Author of .
Pete Evering

Pete Evering

Business Development Manager at .

Having a Child, Downsizing During Retirement, and Changing Relationship Status

People mostly move houses in connection to major life transitions. Some of the most common reasons are having a child or an additional child, downsizing during retirement, and changes in relationship status like marriage, divorce, or the death of a spouse.

People commonly move houses when having a baby or an additional child for a couple of reasons.

    ● One, they may need additional living space as the family grows and sometimes moving to a house with more rooms is cheaper and less problematic than adding a new room or floor to an existing house.

    ● They may also move houses to get nearer to specific school districts.

Empty nesters and people in retirement are also a prominent demographic among the moving public, especially now that aging in place is becoming more of a norm. Unburdened by the responsibility of taking care of their children, they may find the huge space of their old houses impractical from a living and maintenance standpoint, and may choose to downsize to a smaller home, apartment, or senior living facility.

This is a crowdsourced article. Contributors’ statements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of this website, other people, businesses, or other contributors.