18 Reasons Why It Might Be Time for You to Move

Equity refers to the value of property, minus any debts connected to the property (mortgages, lines of credit, etc.). More equity is generally a good thing. As you pay down a mortgage, finish impactful renovations, or wait as the housing market in your area improves, you are gaining equity. A point may come when taking advantage of your hard work and the current market means cashing out—selling your home and using the extra money to upgrade your living situation.

At a certain point, a commute becomes a burden. If your commute is taking valuable time away from your family or personal goals, look for a home closer to your work. It may be worth it to downsize to a smaller home instead of losing too many hours out of every workday.  

If you have the opportunity to pursue your dream of attending an educational program, but it's not near where you live, consider moving. Labs and other experiential activities can't be replicated online.

If you want to raise kids in a neighborhood with great schools, parks, bike trails and lots of other kids, you may need to move. Research neighborhoods by spending time there and talking to people who live there. Plus: How to get kids started in DIY activities

Although there are DIY solutions for both mold and pests, if you've done what you can, or spent a lot for professional remediation or extermination, and you still have these problems, it might be time to move. You shouldn't feel like your home is out to get you.

A job offer or the opportunity to relocate for your current job may be the perfect reason to make a move. Moving expenses may be paid for by the employer and if a pay raise isn't offset by a higher coast of living, this move is a win-win.

Maybe that perfect neighborhood you have your eye on is changing. Perhaps prices are climbing out of your reach, or the homes in a new development are almost all sold. Don't lose out on the chance to get into the home you want by waiting to long to make a move. Plus: Tips for getting more from a home inspection

Pets have an impact on moving decisions, too! This is particularly true if you have a beloved pet that needs plenty of outdoor space that your current home can't really provide (or if you're hoping to get an active pet in the future). Check into handy walking trails, dog parks and other pet-friendly amenities. Plus: Tips for pet care and pet safety

One of the most common reasons people move between 5 and 25 miles from their current home is a change in a relationship. (Interestingly, after 50 miles, this number drops to nearly zero.) Sometimes major relationship changes require a new decision about living arrangements. Plus: How to Complete a Renovation Without Getting a Divorce

Have you always dreamed of building—or at least planning—your own house from the ground up, including all those amenities you've always wanted? Don't let that opportunity pass you by. If you find the right property at the right time and for a good price, this is the time to build a house to your specifications. Plus: Build a low-cost custom closet

Climate remains one of the most popular reasons for people to move. It's no surprise that sunnier areas tend to be more popular, but some homeowners may simply prefer a more temperate, predictable climate with fewer weather problems. Plus: Heating and cooling maintenance and ideas

It's natural to grow and develop new hobbies and interests. Plus, kids and significant others do the same thing. However, sometimes your current location doesn't support the fun pastimes you're invested in. This is why people love to move to locations with plenty of outdoor activities, or urban areas with an exciting nightlife that better suits their personality.

Even if your equity hasn't grown very much yet, other regions or cities may have very different housing markets. Add in the potential for finding better home loan interest rates, and you may have a good reason to consider moving to an area where you can find a bigger, newer house that doesn't cost as much. Plus: What to consider when buying a house

Sometimes a job or school opportunity forces a move away from family and friends. However, there are also reasons to move closer to them! When family members fall ill or you realize that your friends mean more to you than a bigger paycheck, a move back to the familiar may make a lot of sense. Plus: House hunting and buying mistakes to avoid

Entrepreneurs know that location is an important aspect of starting a new venture. Certain cities have reputations for being particularly friendly to tech startups, new business owners, innovative restaurant ideas, entrants in burgeoning industries, and so on. If your passion is starting a business, moving to make it work could be the first step. Plus: 17 US inventions: From DIYers; For DIYers

We all have pet peeves. If your current home is in a neighborhood with too much traffic, noise, smog, growing crime rates or other issues, then it's probably time to move on. Plus: Tips for home soundproofing

Your health is another reason to make a move. Either people move to be closer to a specific medical treatment facility and better healthcare, or they move because their current climate is bad for their skin, lungs or immune system. Ongoing health problems are a serious reason to consider moving. Plus: Safe and healthy spray painting tips

Hey, we get it. Sometimes a house isn't a home unless there's something to fix or improve, even if you aren't planning to sell it in the future. If you've already accomplished the DIY projects your current home needs and you are itchy for DIY activities, think about buying a house that needs your help. It's also a good way to turn your renovations into profit if you decide to sell again. Plus: How to buy a great DIY home