Relocation Reservations

Settling into your new home can take some time. Long after the removalist has left and weeks after you have updated your home insurance policy, you can still find yourself a little shaken. Perhaps it’s the sheer exhaustion from the move or the daunting task of establishing yourself and your family in a new community… whatever the snag is, these type of thoughts are normal.

A lot of people, after they relocate, wonder if they made the right decision. In between missing friends and family, they struggle with the concept of building their life again, all the while wondering if it will ever get easier.

Let’s start by saying that it does…and it will…that is, if you are prepared to work on it and give it time. 

When these situations where you are having second thoughts arise, it’s best to think about why you and your family moved in the first place. Was it because:

• The original house was too small? At some stage in our lives, we will all need to upgrade – it might be because our family is growing or simply because we want a bigger and grander abode. Whatever the reason, you can find comfort in knowing that your new house meets these aspirations.
• The original house was too large? Similar to upgrading, at some point in our lives we will all need to downsize. Again, you find reassurance in the fact that your new home meets your needs i.e. no more cleaning rooms or maintaining facilities you don’t even use – hooray for that!
• You relocated for a new job? A shiny new job or the position you’ve always wanted presents itself and you just have to take it no matter what. In the first few weeks when you are settling in, it can be difficult to find immediate value in your brash new move, but give it time.
• You relocated for a special someone? Deciding to uproot your life, and possibly the lives of other family members, for someone else is huge. But it can have amazing returns – leading to companionship, marriage and the merging of two families. What could be more valuable?
• Because of changes in your neighbourhood? More people than you think move because the suburb that they once loved has changed for the worse, either economically, socially or physically. Perhaps a freeway was constructed nearby or the new neighbours are nothing short of delightful.
• You wanted to be closer to family? This is a popular reason why a lot of people move. As young adults begin to start a family or as others age, they want to be closer to family for the support, comfort and happiness it offers.
• You started your retirement? Upon retirement, a lot of people search for that ‘next frontier’ i.e. where they want to spend their latter days. Therefore, we are seeing that active-adult communities are attracting many buyers over the age of 55. Retirement is a huge lifestyle change and one that will take a while to get use to. If you are feeling a little uneasy about the move, make sure that you fill in your extra time with activities that make you happy and people who brighten up your day.

Remember, moving isn’t easy, but it is inevitable for a range of reasons and just as you created a life in your old community, you will in your new community. It just takes a little time, commitment and perseverance.