10 things to consider when moving other than price

Little details that can make a huge impact in your daily life

When moving, there are many more factors to take into account other than location and price. Overlooking these can be the difference between living happily ever after or living in a nightmare you can’t wait to wake up from. Wouldn’t it be nice if there was one place you could go to check out a property before you commit? Karens is working on a property database that will do that and more.  You’ll be able to search by property address, or landlord, and find out all you need to know from verified previous occupants. Until then, see below  10 things that everyone should consider before moving into their next place. 

Noise level 
Knowing the noise level in the neighborhood you’re moving to is an important factor to overall satisfaction and happiness. Living on a busy road may translate into hearing fast-moving cars, drivers honking all day or noisy trucks driving by. Are there a lot of barking dogs or noisy neighbors? Are you near train tracks, an airport or somewhere that plays loud music until early in the morning? Studies have shown that abrupt noise and living in an overly noisy environment increases stress and anxiety because it triggers our bodies to breathe less deeply, increase the heart rate and release fight-or-flight hormones.  If you’re living in a noisy environment, check out what you can do to help soundproof you home here.

Parking 
If you’re moving somewhere that does not have dedicated or private parking, understanding the situation before you commit can help save you headaches and stress down the road. Coming home and having nowhere to park can cause anxiety and frustration. If there is first come, first serve street parking, it’s important to ask how often the street is full and how difficult it is to find parking, especially at night when parking is usually at a premium. You should also be prepared for what to do if there are no spots available. Knowing a back-up place to park will keep you prepared, reduce your stress, and can also help when you have guests that may need somewhere to park. 

Neighbors 
We’ve all heard crazy neighbor stories. Whether they regularly use power tools at 6am on a Sunday, blast their music 24/7 or insert themselves into everyone’s business, a troublesome neighbor can cause major stress in your life. If possible, ask the seller or landlord about the surrounding neighbors. If there are neighbors out when you’re walking through, introduce yourself and get a feel for yourself.  If you do realize you might have an issue when you move in, address it right away and if you’re having an issue with a neighbor that you can’t seem to solve, the Karens are always here to help. 

Flood Risk 
Are there any bodies of water nearby, that could rise unexpectedly? Are you at the bottom of a big hill? Water runoff can quickly become a huge issue if it makes its way into your home.  Even if you’re near a small creek, being unprepared can cost you cherished mementos or an expensive restoration. Be sure to talk to your insurance agent about flood insurance if you’re in an applicable area. Never store anything important directly on your basement floor unless they are in waterproof containers. Utilizing shelving can help organize your belongings as well as keep them safe from any flood dangers.

Local amenities 
Having what you need at your fingertips is a convenience we can all appreciate. If you have any hobbies, having access to them close to you is always ideal. Gyms, yoga studio, local shops and libraries are all neighborhood amenities that you can utilize. If you are an avid biker, see what trails or parks are close to your prospective new home. If you’re a foodie, see what local restaurants are in the neighborhood and how easy they are to get to. If you have a dog, are there any dog parks or dog friendly retail close? Having these options so close to home can improve quality of life and happiness.  

Crime 
Knowing the crime stats for your new neighborhood can help you make an informed decision. Unfortunately, due to the Fair Housing Act, realtors can’t disclose this information to prospective buyers. There are many tools at your disposal for you to do your own research about the community. Sites like CityProtect, AreaVibes, and Neighborhood Scout provide data for various locations. Neighborhood Facebook pages can also provide a wealth of information and may even give you the forum to interact with current residents and ask their opinions on safety and overall neighborhood satisfaction. Local news sites and Google are always a good place to check, too.  Family Watchdog is a site you can check to see if there are any registered sex offenders nearby.  Although you will be hard pressed to find an area without crime, knowing what to expect can help make you feel safer and more comfortable in your new space. 

Walkability 
A neighborhood’s Walk Score tells you how ‘walk friendly’ it is. The higher the Walk Score, the easier it is to walk or bike to work or retail areas like shops, restaurants, or entertainment venues.  Even if you have a car and don’t rely on walking or public transportation, living in a highly walkable area can promote and increase physical activity and foster a greater sense of community. 

Commuting 
Getting to where we are going as easy and painlessly as possible is something that everyone can appreciate. Depending on where you live, going 10 miles can take you 10 minutes or an hour. Failing to take your commute to work into consideration when moving can be an oversight that causes you time and pain every day. The best way to be prepared and know what to expect is to commute from the prospective neighborhood. If driving there first and then commuting to work isn’t a viable option, try renting a hotel or Airbnb for one night to see how it feels to get up and go from your new place.  Additionally, if you rely on public transportation or bike routes to get to work, be sure to see how easily accessible those are for you to get around. 

Road closure/Isolation probability
Living in a secluded part of town may seem like a dream, but sometimes it can quickly become a nightmare.  If you live somewhere that has one way in and out, you can quickly become trapped if that road closes or becomes blocked.  Obviously, accidents happen or a tree can fall making the road impassible for a period of time, but knowing of any upcoming scheduled road closures or construction work as far in advance as possible can help you be prepared should that situation arise. 

Snow 
If you live on a main road, you may be required to move your car if it is an emergency snow route. If you live on a back road that is not prioritized by your municipality, you may be snowed in for a while. Ask your neighbors how quickly the roads typically get cleared before your first snow at your new place.  If you live somewhere with a sidewalk, be prepared to clear it when it snows. If someone falls on your sidewalk due to ice or snow, you can be held liable for any injuries sustained. Knowing that you need an extra 30 minutes to shovel your sidewalk or to maneuver snow covered roads will save you from dangerously rushing to get to work.