The moment when you choose to move house can be incredibly exciting. But, as we all know, moving can also be stressful, and that’s not just because of the paperwork involved. You’ll also have some pretty difficult decisions to make
Location has to be the hardest choice of all. While the chance to change your situation is ultimately a great thing, choosing where to settle can be tough. One question you’ll especially need to answer is whether you should buy somewhere close to home, or whether you should consider moving away and starting fresh.
Unfortunately, only you know the answer, but there are ways to simplify your decision, and we’re going to consider them here.
# 1 – Weigh up Costs
Your first step towards making this decision should simply be to weigh up the costs of each choice. After all, the more money you can save overall, the lower your general moving stress levels will be.
Believe it or not, long-distance moves aren’t automatically more expensive, which is why you should consider costs for your unique situation. This is especially true if prices in your current location are high, in which case moving to a more affordable new town might be cheaper even with your need for long distance movers and travel expenses. Equally, there are instances where moving further can cost significantly more in the long run, especially if general lifestyle costs are higher in your new location.
So, start a spreadsheet to help you understand the financial realities of each option.
# 2 – Consider Your Non-Negotiables
It’s also worth considering your non-negotiable moving requirements. For instance, if you value being close to work above all, then you’ll want to house hunt locally. However, if you would be happy to commute for the sake of proximity to a great school, then you’d be better off looking further afield.
These non-negotiables will change for everyone, so it’s important to know what’s at the top of your must-have list, and whether a move at home or away can offer those things the best. Note, too, that your non-negotiables might change during your search, and you should always be open to that.
# 3 – Go With Your Heart
If you ask us, the heart doesn’t get enough of a mention when it comes to the home moving process. In fact, many of us entirely discard our hearts for our heads when it comes to a financial decision of this scale. While that makes some sense, it can stand in the way of the right choice for you.
Why? Because if you don’t love the place you’re buying in, then you won’t be happy there. Sure, it might make sense to buy locally and live closer to your workplace, but if another town has your heart, then you’ll soon want to sell up again and may lose money as you do. So, when it comes to it, listen to what your heart is telling you. You can work the rest out once you get there!
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