The coronavirus pandemic changed many things. In addition to affecting the way we work, shop, and socialize, it impacted the way many of us think about home and the places we live. For people in crowded cities, the after-effects of the coronavirus have even prompted thoughts of moving – once and for all.
If you’re considering a move right now, you’re not alone. Two months of sheltering in place led people to think differently about the concept of “home.” Like any significant decision, though, you can’t jump into a move without some careful consideration. Here are a few tips for arriving at the best choice for you and your family, straight from our team:
How Coronavirus Made the World Think Differently About “Home”
Thanks to coronavirus, the world has shifted. In the past three months, everyone’s reality has changed. To “flatten the curve,” cities and counties throughout the country shut down businesses and issued stay-at-home orders. Instead of getting together with friends on the weekend, we suddenly found ourselves wearing masks and watching reruns.
Instead of making casual trips to the market, we were grocery shopping once a week, at a distance of at least six feet from our fellow patrons. These shifts happened rapidly, and they caught many of us off-guard. Even as restrictions are beginning to subside in many areas, the unsettled feeling remains. What happens now? And is this an experience we want to repeat if we live through another global pandemic?
While there has been some good to come from the pandemic (people have discovered they can – with some adjustments- work from home, meet with clients and co-workers virtually, and be much more autonomous in their jobs), the pandemic also exposed many inconveniences. We’ve had to learn how to “shelter in place,” homeschool the kids, shop so we have enough supplies to last a week or more, and enjoy the outdoors as our recreation (no movies, gyms, concerts, or shopping).
Today, people are fearful of being in crowds, and social distancing is required everywhere we go. As a result, many people have begun to consider moving to smaller, less dense communities where life seems simpler and safer.
Why Relocate Right Now?
Throughout the country, sparsely populated areas were less impacted by coronavirus. They have also “opened up” with fewer restrictions than the more populated cities like New York or Los Angeles. For many, a move to a quieter place also means the opportunity to be closer to family, and to have easier access to natural resources. For many, political environments and opinions have also become a consideration.
Regardless of the reasons behind the move, here are a few of the pluses and minuses of making the leap:
The Good:
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Decreased population density means easier access to resources.
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If another global pandemic hits, less populated areas stand to be less impacted.
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A slower pace of life and lower cost of living.
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Possible proximity to family.
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Easier access to nature and outdoor recreation.
The Drawbacks:
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The financial impact of moving can be significant, especially for families moving away from high-paying jobs in the city and toward lower-paying rural employment.
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Moving on your own can be stressful. Hire a professional moving company to assist you if you’d like to streamline the process.
Should you Stay or Should you Go?
As in any big decision, you can’t make this one impulsively. Instead, you’ve got to weigh the good and the bad and decide which is best for you and your family. While fear shouldn’t be a motivator for making a huge life decision, the Coronavirus pandemic did expose some of the cracks associated with living in an urban area.
Ultimately, life is short, and where we live impacts more than just our careers and the way we raise our children. Part of staying healthy, both mentally and physically, is committing to finding your happiness, and carving out the place in the world where you can live your best life.
Are you considering a move? Contact our team to learn more about our local and long-distance moving services and how we can help you.