Should I Move? Signs That It’s Definitely Time to Move

• May 30, 2021
• Bill Chen

Last updated on October 30, 2023

Sometimes you just feel that a major life change is in order. Maybe your next career step will take you to another city or even overseas, maybe you want to get yourself closer to some loved ones or your hobby or entertainment of choice. 

Either way, if you’re feeling that way but you just can’t seem to make up your mind, look out for these telltale signs that it’s time to move on, get a fresh start, and find a new home. 

Here are 19 telltale signs that it’s time to move. 

1. You find job opportunities elsewhere

It’s a cliche, but many of us who move to a new city do so to find new opportunities or to start a new job. It could be that they grew up in a small town and there are just the jobs around, and the only way to advance in their careers is by relocating.

Or, as often is the case, it could be that the work is to be found in the rural area, or out to sea, or in an off-the-beaten-track suburb of your city. Either way, moving for work is pretty much the most common reason to move. 

2. To be nearer to a romantic partner

There have always been long-distance relationships or whirlwind summer romances. But now with the rise of the internet and social media, the prevalence of people finding their significant other in another city or state has only risen. 

And it doesn’t always involve a relationship that started out as long distance – but it may be because they moved for work, or back to their hometown after graduating university or because they have a parent or family member who is unwell or any of the other signs in this list that could affect you too. 

3.  Needing a life-change

Sometimes we can feel like we are stuck in a rut in life, and the only way to pull ourselves out is to do something life-changing. This could be moving house within your current city, finding a new job, or changing your support system. 

I once felt depressed a few years ago, and I tried everything – but when I moved into a new area, it began to cure everything for me as I no longer had the chance to feel depressed. It may not be a clinical cure, but anecdotally, it worked for me. 

4. Lack of safety in your area

It’s an unfortunate part of life that many areas in many cities around the world have a lot of people, and can be quite unsafe to live in. Parts of London, Los Angeles, New York City, Johannesburg. You need to look after your well-being, and this may mean moving to a safer part of town, or to a safer town in general. 

5. You plan on downsizing 

Sometimes, especially if you have grown up kids who have moved out, or you are getting a little older and can’t upkeep your garden as much, it’s time to downsize. This could mean moving from a large 5 bedroom house to a 2 or 3 bedroom apartment. 

Downsizing is a very real part of life for many of us, especially as we advance in years. 

6. Your financial situation has changed

Sometimes we buy or rent a home that we just can’t afford anymore. Maybe you had a higher paying job at the time, or maybe the rent on your current home has been increased so many times that now it’s time to find a more affordable option. 

7.  Wanting to start a new life

Sometimes it’s as simple as wanting a new life. Maybe you always wanted to live on the beach, and your city doesn’t have this option, or maybe it’s wanting to migrate to a new country to have a total change in life and weather. 

8. Cost of living is increasing

I’ve lived in places before where I could afford the rent, and I could afford the lifestyle, but not both at once. It’s just a fact that some areas come with the post code tax, even in the shops like a cafe or restaurant. I still remember when Curly Wurlys were 10c and the bus cost 40c. But those days are gone, and maybe it’s time to look to save on rent where you can. 

9. To be nearer to the school you want your children to attend

This is an incredibly common reason for moving, which is why in Sydney, the most popular moving dates are January 14th to February 14th, which is the time that the academic year starts up again. My advice is to move in September – October to be able to get settled and not have a mad rush in the days before the school year is to start again. 

10.  You want to be closer to your loved ones

It could be that they are in poor health, or they just had a baby and you want to help care, or you just want to be able to see them more often and conveniently, and develop some of your meaningful relationships.  

11. You are getting frustrated with your commute to work

It’s not just about being closer to work, but it might be about getting closer to a more convenient route to work. Whether it be a different arterial road you can drive or a different train station with a more express line, the ability to take less time to get to and from work is an absolutely life-changing event.

12. You’ve just had a bad breakup

They say that a holiday is as good as a change. The only issue with that is, when you’ve come back from the holiday, you’re back to the same 4 walls with all the memories. Sometimes, the only thing as good as a change is a change. The only way to move forward with life and get over it is to move to a new home. 

13.  You never really felt connected to your current home or local area

This can happen sometimes – maybe you’ve moved into a place and it was a quick thing – but you never really decorated or even spent much time in your local area. If you’re looking for a place to lay down some roots, you may need to move into a new place. 

14. Your efforts to fit in just don’t work

Many of us have been there – where we feel like a square peg in a round hole where we live. We don’t suit the cafe lifestyle, or there’s no football teams nearby, or the pubs are too grotty compared to what we are used to. You may be tempted to give the area the benefit of the doubt for a while, but sometimes we know it’s just time to move on. 

15. You’re finding yourself sick and tired of the weather

Maybe it’s just too hot, or too cold, or too wet, or too humid. Maybe you’re sick of the fear of flooding or bushfires. Either way, sometimes we just get over the weather and need to find brighter skies or cooler breezes. 

It’s actually a very common reason people move – many Australians move north to Queensland and the Gold Coast when they retire, or move closer to the ocean, many British and Irish move to Australia or Spain in search of sun, sand and sea compared to the dreary, grey, drizzling days of home.

16. You want to live closer to your sports team or an entertainment/ music venue

If you’re spending increasing amounts of your personal life going to see your sports team play, or playing at a golf course, or going to the theatre or whatever your chosen hobby and pastime is, you might start feeling the want to move to be closer to the stadium, or theatre, or golf course. 

This doesn’t just reduce your travel time there, but also can put you in the heart of the community of that particular pastime. 

17. There’s nothing left for you. 

Sometimes, you’ve just done everything there is for you to do in your town. Maybe all your close friends have left and gone to the nearest big smoke. Maybe you’ve done your part, and it’s time for you to move up there too. 

18. You realise, you actually are allowed to move

A lot of people live their lives not realising that they can move! Maybe they’ve grown up in the same house for 20 or 25 years. We’ve been conditioned that we must stay in our family home, support our family, or not move more than a few kilometres away from it. But one day, you start to realise that you can move if you want! It’s completely up to you. 

19. You need to be closer to better healthcare

There are some health conditions that require very unique, specialist advice. There are towns or even cities, or even suburbs that just don’t have access to this type of help, certainly not in a speedy manner if need be. You may choose to move to be nearer to a hospital or facility where your specialist or the right equipment is available for you. 

Ready to move?

So, maybe 1 or more of these signs apply to you and it’s time to find a new home. 

You will need to find a moving company and plan out your move thoroughly. So, here you can check out some tips to help make planning a move easier and give Bill a call today to find out just how smooth your move can be.