Are you happy where you live? Six questions to help you decide
Midlife is a great time to reassess and rethink what we want – including what and where we call home
For some, moving home is an exciting adventure. For others, it can be an emotional journey that’s tied up in shifting careers, new focuses and changing family dynamics. Whether you’re escaping to the country, looking to downsize for retirement or struggling to feel inspired in your current home, it’s important to consider all your options before you call the estate agent. These are the questions you should be asking…
QUESTION 1
WHY ARE YOU MOVING HOUSE? We buy new homes for many reasons. Some people are compelled by a sense of adventure, while others have change forced upon them through redundancy, bereavement or illness. That means moving can be an opportunity for change beyond the home, too, and a way to support other life goals. Buying a cheaper property could unlock funds to help you start a business, retrain or retire comfortably.
QUESTION 2 WHAT’S YOUR DREAM HOME?
Are you yearning to have more space, or does the house feel empty? Do you want green fields, or the city’s bright lights? Work out why you’re moving and what you want from a new place. Write a list of ‘must-haves’ and ‘nice-to-includes’.
QUESTION 3 WHAT DO YOU REALLY NEED?
Most of us dream of a country escape,
or mountain retreat, but it’s important to look beyond the perfect property. When you start researching a move, take a look at the local area and investigate schools, future employment prospects, the availability of transport links, broadband coverage and facilities. You’ll probably need to compromise – sea views will likely mean fewer shops, cultural attractions and transport links beyond the door. Remember to weigh up the practicalities of everyday life.
QUESTION 4 WILL THE NEW HOME WORK?
Be realistic; moving is expensive. Stamp duty, surveys and solicitors all add up. You don’t want to do it regularly, so think long-term and plan for your future selves. What kind of home would suit your circumstances for the next 10 years? Will you be able to continue mortgage payments when you retire?
QUESTION 5 DO YOU NEED TO MOVE?
For many, it’s cheaper to invest in your current home and stay put near existing support networks. A little DIY can be as life-changing as a dramatic move. Even decluttering rooms and freshening up a paint job can improve our happiness. If a move isn’t financially available, try to think what home changes would significantly benefit your life.
QUESTION 6 COULD YOU FRESHEN UP YOUR CURRENT HOME?
Get the roller out Research has shown
that bright wall colours increase our wellbeing and productivity. People sitting in red, orange and pink rooms report feeling more alert, friendly, confident and motivated.
Create open space Make an existing property more airy with a few tricks. Try removing oversized furniture, use mirrors to give the illusion of space and if you don’t want to throw furniture out, paint items in neutral tones to soften their bulk. Light it up We underestimate the importance of lighting – too little can make a room feel gloomy and cramped. Too bright, and the space becomes clinical. An easy way to improve ambiance is by switching bulb colours. Look for cosy ‘soft white’ bulbs to warm-up living rooms, and ’warm white’ for bathrooms and kitchens.