The amount of time people spend driving or commuting appears to have a direct impact on the number of unhappy days they experience, according to Goetz. This effect is universal, regardless of whether people live in cities, suburbs, or rural areas. People often move in search of a new job, home, adventure, or greater happiness. But does moving house actually make you happier?Moving house itself may not necessarily make you happier.
There will still be the same daily struggles and tasks that need to be done. However, Warnick notes that there are downsides to moving continuously. Research has shown that people who are content with their hometown and neighbors tend to have greater well-being, are less likely to suffer physical illness or heart attack/stroke, and even live longer. Additionally, a survey found that the more satisfied residents are with their city, the more it will prosper economically. Goetz's findings were intertwined with other psychological research which suggests that happiness typically follows a U-shaped curve, with people becoming more optimistic as they progress through midlife.
Moving out of the house is a big and costly upheaval, and it would be pointless if you find that your feelings follow you wherever you go. But what if it's your partner who wants to move out of the house or has to move for work reasons? Smaller moves can reduce social and economic costs while still providing happiness benefits. Having a large house or living in a desirable zip code won't necessarily make you happy. If you can be content and happy within yourself, you can make a happy home even if you're living in a tent. Increasing the size of your home can give you the space you need to breathe while reducing the size could remove some of the pressure if it means a smaller mortgage and fewer household chores.
It's important to have a plan B if your home move doesn't work out as expected and to maintain a support network of friends and family, especially if you're moving to a new city or area. If after all your soul-searching you're convinced that moving house is the right thing to do and will bring you the happiness you seek, then you'll want to ensure that your move is as stress-free as possible. Dutch researchers found that when people move, they tend to spend less time than those who already live there on active leisure activities such as exercise and hobbies, and more time on the computer. It's important to figure out what it is that you want from your house move; if the move meets that need or if there is another need within you that needs addressing rather than your house or its location being the problem. If you want to get the most house for your money, then consider moving to a more remote part of your country. People often make mistakes when they move which can leave them feeling more alone and isolated than necessary.
According to Melody Warnick, author of the new book This Is Where You Belong, this makes me a Mover with a capital M.
