What To Think About Before You Commit To A Big Move

Deciding to move house can feel as exciting as it is terrifying, and whether you’re planning to relocate across town or build something brand new, there’s usually a lot to consider. And before you know it, you’re juggling lists, comparing costs, trying to picture what life might be like in a completely different place, how the kids will fit into a new environment if you have them, and lots more. I’ve lost count of the number of times we’ve moved cities (we’re now in our forever home) so, if you’re thinking of making a big move, check out the post below on things worth sitting with before you say yes.

The reason you’re moving really matters, so make sure you know what it is, and that it feels right. For example, is it for more space? More suitable schools? A change of pace? Closer to work? Whatever your reason is, write it down because if you know why you’re moving, you’re less likely to get swept up in houses that don’t actually fit what you need.

Sometimes people move because they think they should, or because they feel stuck where they are, but without a real reason, it’s easy to end up somewhere that doesn’t quite work either. So before you do anything else, just take a few moments to be honest with yourself about what you want out of the move. That part is personal, and there’s no right answer, so do what’s the best thing for you and your family. 

It’s easy to fall for a chic open space kitchen or a freshly painted living room, but try not to focus only on what’s inside the house you’re viewing. Look beyond surface level and assess the potential of the house. The area itself matters too, so you’ll need to think about the commute, and get to know what the local schools are like, for example. Are there places to walk, or meet people, is there a doctors or hospital nearby, or parks and countryside? Will you be too far from the people you want to see? Will your work commute feel realistic in rush hour, from your new location?

Where you live dictates how you live, so as wonderful as a house might be, it’s the neighbourhood and its feel, your proximity to doing what you love (I adore open spaces and having a supermarklet nearby with three kids) that often ends up making the biggest difference in the long run.

Big moves usually come with big numbers, like deposits, mortgage payments, legal fees, moving costs, furniture, and the list goes on. And even if you’ve budgeted carefully, it’s worth allowing funds for unexpected extras.

If you’re looking at building new, then house and land package considerations are even more important. Some prices might seem like a great deal until you realise what’s not included – things like fencing, driveways, window treatments, or even basic landscaping. Some houses (like ours) will need renovations. Ask detailed questions then review the surverys carefully before making a decision.

It’s also helpful to look at how your finances will work month to month once you’ve moved. A bigger mortgage might mean less flexibility, a longer commute could mean more travel costs, and a higher council tax band might eat into your budget in ways you hadn’t thought about, so these are the kinds of things that are easier to deal with before they become a problem.

This isn’t just about what you want now, it’s also about what you might need in a few years. Will the house suit you if your family grows? Will the location still work if you change jobs or start working from home? Is there space to adapt the layout if your lifestyle changes?

Of course, you can’t plan for everything, and sometimes life moves in directions you didn’t expect, but having a little flexibility built in, whether that’s a spare room, a decent-sized garden, or a layout that could change over time, will make the move a lot more sustainable.

It’s easy to feel rushed when it comes to big decisions. Maybe you’ve found somewhere you like and you’re worried someone else will get it, or maybe a builder has a good deal with a short deadline, but the thing to remember is that moving house is too big a thing to rush into without feeling sure.

If something doesn’t feel quite right, think carefully about that, and always give yourself time to sleep on it, talk it through, ask more questions, or walk away if you need to. That feeling of urgency can sometimes be a red flag, especially if the people involved are pushing a little too hard.

You don’t have to make every decision by yourself, and in fact, you probably shouldn’t. Talk to people who’ve done similar moves before, and ask what they wish they’d known earlier. If you’re building or buying new, look for honest reviews of the developers or estates, and if you’re using a mortgage broker or solicitor, make sure they’re explaining things clearly and not just assuming you already understand the process.

There’s no shame in asking for help or clarification, and it often saves time and money in the long run. The more you know going in, the better choices you’ll be able to make.

This part gets overlooked sometimes, but it’s important because in the end, moving house isn’t just a transaction – it’s personal, it’s emotional, it’s your space, your money, and your life. So trust how you feel, and if something about the place or the process doesn’t sit well with you, even if it looks good on paper, that feeling matters.

There’s no such thing as the perfect move, and every house comes with its own quirks and challenges, but the more you slow down, check the details, and think clearly about what you want, the more likely it is that you’ll end up somewhere that actually works for your life. That’s the whole point, really.

So whether you’re browsing listings or getting serious about floor plans, make space for reflection and thinking because there’s no rush, and the best moves are the ones you feel good about long after the boxes are unpacked.