How to Know You’re Moving for the Right Reason

Okay, so moving sounds exciting, right? Yeah, okay, like obviously it does here, like there’s the exciting idea of becoming a homeowner, you’re getting a new home, there’s that fresh start, new coffee shops, new lattes, a new group of friends (hopefully), and maybe a new version of you who somehow wakes up early and has their life together. Like, this should be a new leaf; this should mean that your whole life will change, right?

And yeah, moving can be amazing, but like, a lot of people get hit with that “new city, new me” energy without actually thinking it through. You see it in shows and movies all the time, actually, the last season of Sex and the City was probably a decent example of this. So yeah, before you start packing boxes, it might be smart to get real for a minute about why you want to move. You need to make sure you have a good reason. 

When is Moving Actually the Right Call?

But yeah, there are some moments in life where moving genuinely makes sense. Like, you’re growing, your environment isn’t. You know when you’ve just outgrown a space? Like, there’s the same house, same routine, same conversations, well, same everything?  If that’s the situation, yeah, moving can be like giving yourself space to breathe again. 

Oh, and another solid reason is when life is naturally shifting. For example, something like a new job, being closer to family, needing more space, or maybe you’re just craving better weather, those are common things. 

But Moving Sometimes is a Red Flag

Alright, so before you pack your stuff and choose a moving service to help you out, you should keep in mind that moving doesn’t magically solve problems (at least most of the time it doesn’t). So yeah, there are definitely times when moving is less “healthy life upgrade” and more “running from a dumpster fire”. And sure, it’s uncomfortable to admit, but so many people convince themselves that a new apartment will magically reset their life.

So, depending on why you want to move (which is what you need to reflect on), you should just reflect for a moment, or an hour, or even a day. Just keep in mind that moving doesn’t erase burnout, heartbreak, financial stress, or emotional baggage. Like, you can’t outrun a situation if it’s actually an inner thing. Some people move across the country and still feel stuck because the actual issue needs healing, not a new apartment layout with better lighting. 

Again, what you see in shows in movies is drama; that’s it, it doesn’t actually solve the issues you’re dealing with. 

The Questions to Ask Before Packing Tape Comes Out

So, hopefully you haven’t found an apartment and told people you’re leaving yet, because again, you need to reflect. So, before you put your whole life into a bunch of cardboard boxes, there’s some questions to ask first.

• Am I moving toward something or just trying to escape something?
• Will this move realistically support the lifestyle I want?
• If nothing changed except my location, would I still want this move?

If you feel calm and confident when answering those, that’s a green-ish flag, and that can help, but obviously, it helps to ask more underlying questions that are geared more specifically towards you.