Relocation often begins with a desire to be closer to friends and family. According to most research, that’s the number one reason people choose to relocate.
Of course many people also relocate to take advantage of a career opportunity. Often your job has gone away and you feel forced to move to a new residence in another city or state.
Retirement and other life stage changes also motivate relocation. People who retire often want to scale down, find a slower pace or just live near their places of recreation. Moving to be near a golf course or lake? You are not alone.
However, moving is never easy. The decision to move requires considerable thought and research. The result will be due to a large amount of preparation and a not so small amount of luck.
Begin with this question: Is your move a “want to” or a “have to?” In other words, are you moving from a sense of obligation or necessity? Or are you excited about moving because you anticipate being able to do things you’ve always wanted?
Here’s a typical example. My clients often begin a consultation with, “I want to live closer to my family. They need me.”
Typically, these people have always enjoyed time with their families. Therefore, they expect that more time will be even better. They don’t realize that living nearby will change the relationship completely.
When you visit once a year, your time together becomes a special occasion. Your family and friends schedule special trips and events. They arrange time off from work and they take time from their own community and recreational activities.
When you live around the corner, the schedule changes. You realize your favorite brother actually has activities scheduled almost every night of the week. Your friend wants to spend time with her own children.
Tip: Expect to make your own friendships when you move. Everybody helps you move the first few weeks. After that, you are on your own.
More tips on dealing with the stress of moving and settling in: http://www.RelocationStrategy.comReloc
