Many people dream of just packing up and hitting the road,
moving far away from their troubles or just the humdrum routine of everyday
life. However, making a long-distance move is a huge life change that requires
careful consideration and planning to determine if it's the right path for you.
If you make the decision to move away and later realize that you are unhappy
there, it can be a very costly mistake to fix. If you need some help determining
if a long-distance relocation is the right choice for you, this guide will
outline some of the advantages and disadvantages of moving away.
The Pros
Change of scenery
Living in the same place year after year can offer a
sense of security, but it can also grow mundane. Experiencing new places can
help you to gain perspective, grow as an individual, and open your mind to new
cultures and attitudes. If you are beginning to feel like you are stuck in a rut
or you're getting sick of the same dull routine, moving to a new city or state
can offer you a fresh start.
New opportunities
Relocating to a new place opens you up to a world of
new opportunities. Stagnant career? Moving to a new city or state could present
you with various new job options and networking connections. You will also get
the chance to try new things. Have you always wanted to take up skiing? Surfing?
Indulge in exotic ethnic foods? Unexplored regions will offer various new
hobbies, leisure activities, foods and nightlife options that you may have
always wanted to try--and even more that you never even considered trying! You
will have the chance to meet new people and form new relationships--perhaps with
individuals unlike those you'd meet in your hometown.
Finding yourself
Getting out of your comfort zone and immersing yourself
in a completely new element can do wonders for self-awareness. You will be
forced to become more self-reliant without the safety net of all of your friends
and family close by, especially if you are relocating alone. Being surrounded by
unfamiliar faces in a city that is foreign to you will only make you braver,
stronger, more resilient and more independent.
Physical benefits
Studies show moving away may actually be good for your
health! Mental stagnation caused by the stress of your daily routine can wear
you down and cause exhaustion and psychological strain. Starting over in a new
place can rejuvenate your mind and body by alleviating whatever mental burdens
you have been carrying. Moving to warmer, more temperate climates can also cure
the winter blues and remedy certain ailments such as arthritis and respiratory
problems.
The chance to purge
Being forced to haul all of your earthly possessions
cross-country will make you re-consider how much you need them. Since moving
long-distance can become quite costly if you have a large volume of belongings,
it can force you to considerably downsize. Hoarding unnecessary items causes
clutter, increases stress, and can be emotionally burdensome. Letting go of
things with little utility or importance to you will make you feel lighter,
clear-headed, and ready for a new beginning.
The Cons
Missing your family and friends
The hardest part for many people considering a
long-distance move is bidding farewell to loved ones. If you have close family
and friends in your hometown, it will be difficult to adjust to not having them
accessible to you at any time. It may be easier than ever to keep in touch
during the age of Facebook and Skype, but there is little substitute for a hug
from your mom or a meal with your best pal when you're feeling blue.
Uprooting your children
If you are relocating with children, you will
have to consider the impact that the move will have on them. They will have to
change schools, leave behind their friends, and quit any extracurricular
activities or sports teams they belong to. While they can easily make new
friends or get involved in recreation in your new city, leaving behind the
familiar in exchange for the alien is often unfathomable for children. They may
resist and resent the change, and make the moving process emotionally difficult
for the whole family.
Culture shock
Moving to a new place can take some getting used to. You
may feel withdrawn, alienated and alone in this strange, new place without the
comfort of your loved ones nearby. Even if you are only moving a few states
away, cultural differences can be drastic. Social norms may be dramatically
different than what you are accustomed to in your hometown. You may not have
access to your favorite foods and the activities you once enjoyed may not be
practical in your new city. If you are moving overseas, the language barrier can
be especially overwhelming and frustrating.
The cost
Moving can be a costly venture--especially long-distance. If
you have a large home, a lot of belongings and furniture to transport, and many
miles to travel, you could be looking at up to $10,000 in moving costs. There
are many moving services to choose from and many methods to make your move more
economical, but depending on your budget, packing up and making the trek to a
new state just might not be financially feasible.
The stress
Moving is a stressful experience--there are various tasks
involved and a great deal of planning to do in order to successfully execute the
move. You have to determine your moving budget, choose your method of
relocation, research movers and compare quotes, pack your belongings, transfer
medical records, change your address--and the list goes on. Moving long-distance
can require even more planning than a local move. You may feel so bogged down by
the taxing process that it kills the excitement and anticipation of starting
over in a new place.
Other Things to Consider
Weather: How will you adjust to the
climate in your new home? You may think you'd love to live somewhere that's hot
all year long, but if you are used to a moderate climate with four distinct
seasons, you may be uncomfortable with 80 degree weather at
Christmas.
Cost of living: If you are relocating for a
job opportunity, take into consideration the cost of living in the new city. You
may think you are getting a great salary offer, but if living expenses are much
greater there than in your current city, the opportunity may not be so wonderful
after all.
Job market: You may want to relocate because
you can't find a job in your rural hometown, and believe that moving to a big
city will increase your opportunities. While it is usually true that urban areas
have more career options than rural areas, some cities have better job markets
than others. Make sure you choose a city with a flourishing market in your
industry so that you don't have a difficult time finding employment.