The question of why do people move is being revisited by many in light of recent revelations that individuals are doing less and less of it. Fast Company reports that less than two percent of Americans are moving between states and just under six percent moved within their same counties.

While the reasons for this can vary greatly, it helps to understand why people move in the first place. In the following article, we’ll be taking a look. Here are the five basic factors. 

1. Employment Moves

According to the US Census Bureau, one of the key factors in determining a move is economics. Movers either lose employment or gain employment. 

If they get a new job in their same town, they’re less likely to move but is usually due to going from rental to homeownership. The Census data also shows that long-distance movers tend to do so for employment reasons. 

2. Changes in Relationship Status

Another of the popular reasons to move is a change in relationship status. Couples who decide to get married or divorced are likely to find new places to live as are casual relationships that become more serious.

Getting a place together is a massive commitment. You have to decide whose name(s) will be on the lease, as well as agree on how space will be used and what you’ll be bringing into the place from your previous lives.

3. Upsizing or Downsizing

The next on our list of reasons to sell your home (or buy one) include buying something in contrast to the size of your current home. Retirees and empty nesters often look for smaller homes or apartments. Couples might be motivated by the opposite.

4. Money Motivation

Buying or selling a house is as much about investing as it is finding a place to stay. As a result, the desire to establish or realize these investments can be a factor in moving. Some might choose a less expensive home so they can establish other investments or start a business. 

5. Family Needs

Couples intent on starting or growing a family often choose to buy their first home or a larger home based on the needs of their family. As children are born, age, and move out of the house, needs will change. 

It could be the size of the home or other factors. Some of these factors include the quality of school districts and safety considerations of a residential neighborhood or multi-family unit.

Before You Move

Whatever you or your family’s needs are, there are certain things you should consider before you move. Ask yourself questions such as:

• How long do you plan to live there?
• Are you buying to sell or selling to buy?
• How much space do you need?
• Is the area safe?
• How difficult will the home or rental be to get out of should you need to do so?
• What can you expect to pay in upkeep?

Also, sudden changes in your living situation need to be factored into the equation. If you have to sell a house quickly, for example, you might consider a service saying, “Yes, we buy houses with cash.” This will allow you to quickly unburden yourself of the investment without having anything to show for it.

Questions Like Why Do People Move Provide Unique Insights

Questions like why do people move reveal wide-ranging motivations that will pertain to all of us at some point. Whether based on employment, family needs, finances, or size factors, moving is not something to be taken lightly. 

Best of luck as you plan your move, whatever the reason. For more real estate and lifestyle tips, check out some of our additional posts!

Jane