Top Ten Reasons for Moving
“Being the owner of a moving and storage company and a NorthAmerican Van Lines Agent that had its start in 1951, I’ve heard a lot of reasons why people move from one location to another,” said Karen Strickland, President of Ayer Moving and Storage.
Some reasons for moving are because parents may need to uproot their families because of a new job. Others need a larger home or desire a better neighborhood. In fact, according to the US Census Bureau, between 2012 and 2013, about 36 million Americans moved to a new home.
Traditionally, the average American will move about 11 times in their lifetime. What are the reasons for moving that often? Why would someone choose to move that many times? Here is a list of the top 10 reasons:
To change jobs and relocate to a new area
Many people move every few years due to a change in employment – the industry, position, or type of company. Some may have been transferred by their employer to another corporate location.
To seek out a new school district
Those with school-age children may seek out a new or different school district, which is an important deciding factor when selecting a new home.
Needing more or less space
When the family grows or the number of square feet in the home no longer meets the homeowners needs, it may be time to move. If the children have grown and moved away, it may be time to downsize to a smaller home or condo or apartment.
A change of scenery
Perhaps the home, itself, is fine, but the homeowners want to change where they live. It may be that they no longer want to experience the long, cold winters. Or the summer heat has become unbearable. Others may want to be closer to shopping, public transportation, entertainment venues, or beaches.
A change in lifestyle or relationships
A marriage, divorce, remarriage, illness, or death may necessitate a move to another home. If a loved one needs caregiving, a move to a relative’s home or to a senior living community may be required.
A change from renter to home buyer (or vice-versa)
Some people who have been renting are ready to purchase a home. Others who have been homeowners are ready to scale back and leave maintenance and lawn care behind.
A change from the city to the suburbs (or vice-versa)
City apartment dwellers may want to live in a home in the suburbs with a backyard in a quiet neighborhood with less traffic and congestion. Others may be looking for nearby shopping, theaters, restaurants, pubs, and the nightlife typical of life in the city.
To benefit from the equity in the current home
Today real estate prices are high and many decide to move in order to sell at a high price and cash in on the built-up equity in the home. They may use this equity to buy in an area with a lower cost-of-living or purchase a less expensive condo.
Changes in Migration
In late 2020, research showed that Americans were moving at the lowest rate since the Census Bureau began tracking mobility and migration in 1947. There were a variety of reasons for this slowing … from the population aging to younger people not moving because of the high cost of living and starting families later than prior generations.
Because of financial challenges
When job loss, furloughs, or other financial challenges occur, homeowners, rather than falling behind on payments or risk foreclosure, may sell their homes and relocate to smaller, more affordable homes.
The impact of CoVID-19
According to a July 2020 Pew Research study, 20% of the adults in the US said they moved, had someone move in with them, or knew someone who moved as a result of the Pandemic. The reasons were:
They were no longer able to afford their rent or mortgage payments.
They felt unsafe in their city or town.
Their college and/or college housing closed.
They lost their jobs.
Financially-independent individuals moved from densely-populated cities into suburbs and countryside.
No matter the reasons for moving, it is clear that Americans continue to be “on the move.” If you have questions about your upcoming move, call Ayer Moving and Storage at (800) 233-6683 or email one of their Relocation Specialists.
