How Often Do Families Move?

According to different data and information, the average American family moves about every five years. Most of those households are composed of adults in their twenties and thirties, raising young children. And, as those families grow in numbers of humans occupying the space, they need to upsize their homes to accommodate their stages in life.

When the time comes to move or downsize, professional moving services can provide the extra help and support needed for a successful transition to a new home, especially for the aging population.

As we age, downsizing and making changes to our homes may become necessary to ensure they suit our ever-changing needs. Here are ten beneficial accommodations:

• Adjustable height countertops and cabinets to accommodate different heights and needs

• Stairlifts and/or chairlifts to provide easy access to different floors

• Non-slip mats or tiles in bathrooms, showers, and other wet areas that pose slippery conditions

• Secure handrails in all the bathrooms, hallways, and staircases

• Lever door handles which are easier to grip

• Motion-activated lighting to reduce the risk of falling

• Pull-out shelves and drawers to make items easier to reach

• Grab bars in bathrooms and showers

• Elevated toilet seats with armrests for better stability and comfort

• Widened doorways for wheelchair access

• Home health services and alert or smart home systems for added safety and peace of mind

In thinking about how to plan a move best, the elderly and their caregivers must consider a whole host of other things to do on top of what’s typically involved in a “normal” move. Moving services for senior citizens are specialized services that cater directly to the aging population, providing them the extra help and support they require during the transition to a new home, wherever that ends up being.

For seniors and young families alike, a neighborhood that fosters community relations within community centers or senior centers is most certainly ideal. Further on in this article, we’ll discuss more of those factors to consider when looking at what areas to move to.

What percentage of Americans move in a year?

Around ten percent of Americans move annually. That’s a little over fifteen million households in the United States, with an average size of 2.3 family members, moving annually. In addition, three million people move interstate every year in the United States, with around sixty percent of those people moving during the summer months between May and August. Real estate and mortgage companies have a deep understanding of these statistics.

Whether changing jobs, upsizing their homes, or just looking to try on a new neighborhood or dream city, Americans move just under an average of twelve times within their lifetime. That seems about right. Even though I have lived more than seventeen years at my fourth house and twenty-one years at my current home, I lived at seven other residences before then and in between. So that’s nine altogether, and I am just reaching middle age. So, the likelihood of me moving two more times before my time on this Earth is over is very high.

A lot of times when we move because we seek a new neighborhood. When moving to a new neighborhood, there are many factors to consider beyond the basics. Here are some things to keep in mind to ensure that you find a place that suits your needs and wants:

• Does it have a community center?

• What are the schools like?

• Does it have a senior center? Can I grow old here?

• What type of amenities do you need? For example, do you prefer to live near shopping centers, restaurants, parks, and other recreational facilities? Are there entertainment options nearby? Are there quality schools in the area?

• What is the cost of living in the area? Are there any taxes or fees that you need to be aware of? What type of housing is available, and how much does it cost? Are there affordable options available?

• Accessibility! Is the neighborhood accessible by public transportation, bike lanes, or walking paths? Are there any nearby highways or other major roads that could lead to heavy traffic?

• What is the crime rate in the area? Are there any reports of vandalism or other criminal activities? Are there any organizations and initiatives that promote the safety of the residents?

• Are there any community organizations or events that you could take part in? Are there any festivals or other special events that they host?

• What kind of jobs are available in the area? Are there any potential employers or industries that you could consider working in?

Fortunately, in the Michigan Greater Detroit area, there are plenty of employment prospects as well as educational opportunities. However, our weather is not usually considered “desirable.” You have to have “sturdy stock” if you want to survive the dark winter months! But, if you can hold out long enough – spring, summer, and fall are beautiful, amazing times to live, work and play in #puremichigan.

• Are there good hospitals, physicians, or medical facilities nearby? Are there any specialty clinics or doctors that you should be aware of?

By doing your due diligence in researching this new place to live, work and play in and, considering each of these factors, you can ensure that you will find a place suitable for your needs and wants. It is also essential to consider your personal preferences when making this decision. Again, with the proper research, you can find a new home in a neighborhood that is perfect for you.

How far does the average person move away from home?

A new study from researchers at the United States Census Bureau and Harvard University states nearly sixty percent of young adults (around the age of twenty-six) live within ten miles of where they grew up. Eighty percent live within one hundred miles.

That statistic also seems about right to me. When I first moved out of the home I grew up in; I moved five miles away. The next move was nine miles away. And then, when I got married and started having a family, I was about twenty-five miles away from home. And that’s when my mom moved out to our area to be closer to us and live in the community “next door” – just a few miles away.

Moving away from home is a big step in life. Although it can be exciting, it can also be quite daunting. Remember to do your research to find the place that meets your needs and desires.

Another important consideration is how far away you want to move. Moving too far away can be a challenge, as it could make it hard to stay in touch with family and friends or to travel back home easily. For example, my oldest son was exploring going away to college in Hawaii! While he figured out that it would cost about the same in tuition, dorm life, etc., the fact that he would literally be across the globe was emotionally too much for him to go away that far. Plus, as mentioned earlier, highly accredited universities are right here in the mitten state!

On the other hand, moving too close can sometimes be uncomfortable, as it can be challenging to create a sense of independence and establish your own life.

For many, the best option may be to move somewhere in the middle, such as within a few hundred miles of home. For example, my son ended up choosing to go to Michigan State, so he will only be about fifty miles away from home. This will allow him to stay connected to family and friends while also giving him the opportunity to create new connections and relationships in his new location.

Ultimately, finding a balance that works for you and your situation is critical.

How often do families move?

Moving is a common part of life, and the average family in the United States moves about every five years. When moving, remember to consider various factors, such as cost of living, job opportunities, schools, safety, and community. Furthermore, the distance of the move also plays a significant role in how successful it is, as finding a balance between staying connected with family and friends and having the opportunity to create a life of your own is key.