Relocation: the Wellbeing Factors to Consider Before Moving House

We all find ourselves day dreaming about moving house, relocating somewhere where life could be better. Considering relocating ? Let’s look at the wellbeing factors you should be aware of before making the big move.

Firstly, the cost of living has been significantly impacted by inflation. Essential goods and services have seen a surge in prices. For instance, in December 2022, the price of eggs increased by nearly 60 percent from December 2021, and the cost of electricity rose by 15.6 percent over the same period. Wages have not kept up with inflation, making it difficult for many Americans to maintain their usual standards of living​​.

The housing situation has been equally affected. The average sale price of a new home in 2022 reached 543,600 U.S. dollars, making homeownership unattainable for many. This, coupled with a rise in rental costs, has led to a significant increase in the number of renters in the U.S. For those seeking to rent, the average cost of a studio apartment is more than one thousand U.S. dollars per month​​.

The cost of living varies greatly from state to state. For instance, residents of Maryland and Washington D.C., where the median household income in 2021 exceeded 90,000 U.S. dollars, have some of the highest costs for housing and services such as childcare. On the other end of the spectrum, Mississippi had the lowest cost of living index score in the United States at 84.5​​.

Relocating can also have significant effects on your mental health. It’s not just a matter of moving your possessions from one place to another; it’s also an emotional journey of leaving behind a familiar environment and adjusting to a new one. The sense of loss and stress can be substantial, and feelings of loneliness, isolation, and disorientation are common after a move​. However, prioritizing self-care and emotional well-being during the moving process can help to alleviate this stress​.

The impact of moving on well-being can vary greatly depending on individual circumstances, including the reasons for the move, the support available during the transition, and the individual’s financial status.

If you’re considering moving home, you should carefully evaluate your financial situation, consider the potential emotional impact of the move, and plan carefully to mitigate any potential stressors.

Moving homes, whether it be local or long distance, is a significant life event that not only requires physical exertion but also triggers an emotional journey. This move requires detaching from familiar environments and embracing a new home, which can have substantial impacts on our mental well-being.

Perhaps you are navigating loss and grief, or battling stress and anxiety, and moving home is the answer to start again. Before making that big decision, please have in mind that adjusting to new environments, and dealing with uncertainty are just some of the psychological facets of moving. That being said, prioritizing self-care and emotional well-being during this transition is crucial​.

On the financial side, it’s important to consider the cost of living in the area to which you’re planning to move. Data from 2022 show an increase in the price of goods, and wages have not kept up with inflation, making it more difficult for many Americans to afford the same goods and services they were once used to. Housing, a significant monthly expenditure, has seen prices skyrocket, with the average sale price of a new home in 2022 being $543,600.

The cost of living varies significantly across countries or even just moving to a different state. For instance, in 2021, states like Maryland and Washington D.C. had some of the highest rates for housing and services, while Mississippi had the lowest cost of living index score​​.

Careful consideration of both financial and mental health implications is key to making a successful move. The ever-evolving housing market, rental rates, cost of living, and the potential for increased stress and anxiety should all be taken into account in your decision-making process. It’s also worth mentioning that while moving can be stressful, it can also provide opportunities for positive change, like better job prospects or improved quality of life.

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