Chloe Taylor Buying a new home in this economy is no mean feat. A lot of hoops have to be jumped through to acquire the home-owner status, but for people who have achieved the milestone, it can be a dream come true. Even renting a property comes with its unique, often tedious, set of challenges. No matter the property attributes, moving is a big deal. Moving houses is a complicated process that demands your full attention, considerable effort, and a certain sum of money. But moving is not, nor should it be, spontaneous. Rather, it should follow a comprehensive thought process based on ground realities and current circumstances – whether personal, economic, or social. That is why we are here with this article discussing the essential questions you should ask yourself before committing to moving.
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Why Am I Moving?
Why are you moving? Is it because of a wonderful job that is going to offer substantial career growth? Or perhaps the move is going to bring you closer to your friends and family. A lot of factors go into justifying a move and choosing a place to live, but still, it’s highly important to take out some time to figure out what you stand to achieve from the move, and whether it’s sustainable.
For example, if you are moving for a job, consider whether it offers enough security, benefits, and growth to justify such a huge commitment from you. Apply the same consideration to whatever other factors you may have, and then ask yourself if it’s realistic and sustainable enough to elicit this course of action.
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Can I Afford to Move?
Buying a house is a whole different ballgame, but even before renting a property, You may be asking, how much rent can I afford? Daydreaming about your own place may be wonderful but the reality requires a certain degree of financial security and stability. Most apartment and mortgage management companies require your net income to be at least thrice the amount of rent you are supposed to pay.
This is not a blanket requirement but rather a general rule of thumb when it comes to figuring out the maximum number you should have before considering a move. Also, consider extra expenses that usually come with a move, like utility bills, commute charges, moving charges, etc. Having a realistic number in your mind will help you browse properties that fall under your affordability range.
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Where Do I Want to Live?
After you identify your primary reasons to move, and also, take account of your assets, the next question to ask is where do you envision yourself living. Some people are inclined toward an urban lifestyle, full of city splendor, while some prefer more serene surroundings devoid of any hustle and bustle, like the suburbs. The decision concerning your next apartment or house should be taken after a lot of research and brainstorming since, once it is taken, you have to commit to it for at least a year.
The apartment or the house itself is a big deal, of course, but the neighborhood is also an equally important factor to consider when selecting your next location. Google the area and see what’s around. If you are into running, check for any nearby parks. If you have kids, it’s best to check whether the area has any good schools. Moving is expensive, but relocating right after moving inflicts a huge financial blow. Do your research, and select an area that suits your lifestyle, hobbies, and expectations.
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How Will I Go to Work?
Although Covid has revolutionized the work environment, many people still do not have the luxury to work from home. For regular commuters, this question is highly important. After an 8-hour workday, no one wants to spend a minute more than absolutely necessary on the commute. To avoid any inconveniences, learn what the transportation scene is like in the area of your destination. If you do not own a car, consider checking out the public transport options near your apartment. The question here is not only associated with commuting but rather with the ease of mobility to and from your house. The easier it is to move around the city or the town, the better that house is.
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Are There Any Rules?
Educate yourself about the community and apartment management rules before signing a lease. Some of the questions that you should ask before signing a lease are listed below:
- What is their pet policy? Are there any restrictions regarding the breed, number, or weight of the pets?
- Is there a visitor policy?
- When is rent due? What is the late penalty? Is there a grace period?
- What happens if I were to violate the terms of the lease?
- Can the apartment be painted or re-decorated?
Asking the questions listed above will make for a smooth accommodation experience. It will also make sure that you choose the right place according to your needs and requirements.
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How Should I Move?
Once you have finalized your plan to move and decided on your new apartment, the immediate next step should be to start packing. The more you delay it, the more stressful it will become. Start with cataloging everything that you have. Next, categorize them – make a list of all the necessary items that you plan to take with you. Also, make a list of everything that you plan to sell before your move. The fewer the items the easier will be the moving process.
If you move frequently and have reliable friends who can help you with the move, you can consider moving without employing any professional services. But if you lack the necessary experience or personnel then it’s better to stick with the pros. After all, they are equipped with the right tools and expertise to handle such matters.
The Bottomline
Moving in this economy is one of the hardest and most stressful experiences of any adult’s life. But it is equally exciting and promises a life that is in line with your future goals, dreams, and standards. Ask yourself the questions listed in this article to assess where you stand when it comes to making a life-changing decision like moving house.
