It’s set to be the largest investment you’ll ever make – and we’re not just talking about the money in your bank account.

While much is made about the financial implications of buying a house, let’s not forget that there are plenty of emotional questions to ponder as well. This is a huge step in your life, and one that is very difficult to reverse.

Bearing this in mind, if you are set to embark on the long, moving house process, let’s make an easy-to-remember checklist for moving house to make sure you get your decision right.

Are you moving for the right reasons?

No matter how much you might think that a move would be good for your career, your family, or your social life, the truth is that this is a big decision that will have a major impact on all areas. Before making this decision, it’s important to ask yourself the following questions: Are you moving because you really want and need to? Or because you feel like you should? If it’s the latter, it’s important to be honest with yourself and consider whether you would be better off sticking it out where you are.

Getting to the bottom of this simple question can pave the way to making the best decision for everyone in your family. Why is it you are moving, again?

How easy will this move be on my family?

Moving can be hard on anybody. It’s stressful and exhausting. The last thing you want is to add extra stress and exhaustion into your family’s lives.

We’re not just referring to the whole moving process either. After all, most kids will quite enjoy the cardboard box jungle that will shortly ensue! Instead, it’s about after the move. Will they move school? Or, will they be further away from school and friends which might hinder their life?

Try not to get caught into the “big new house” moment. Instead of selling yourself, and them, the dream, deal in facts. Sometimes you won’t get the answers you want – but this will work out for the better in the long-term.

Am I ready for the financial burden?

Don’t let anyone tell you that moving is cheap. It’s not! While the headline might be that huge deposit you’ve put down, the real money pit is in all of your other expenses – including rent or mortgage payments, home repairs, taxes, insurance costs, furniture purchases and more.

Again, let’s move back to the F-word (facts). Before you even consider making an offer, whether it’s to rent or buy, lay down the facts on the table. Write down all your numbers and assess how this move is going to impact your quality of life.

In some cases, you might be financially better off, in which case great. In others, it doesn’t always work like this, and that’s when you need to take a step back and assess whether this move is going to be for the greater good, or if it’s one that’s going to hurt you financially for years to come.

Have you moved or are you planning to move soon?

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