My husband and I bought and moved into our current house when we got married 5 yrs ago but now that we are expecting 2nd child, it will be nice to move to a new house that has big basement space for children and maybe a bigger kitchen.

The timing of this article is scarily on topic as I was asking myself that last night at 4 am after throwing shoes at the ceiling of my bedroom in hopes that my upstairs neighbor would stop dropping bowling balls on the floor (or at least that's what it sounded like). Then I was thinking it again this morning as my downstairs neighbor had her daily screaming match on the phone. And I think it weekly when I have to sort the trash out of the recycling bins that my neighbors haphazardly throw in there. And daily everyone slams the outside door, which is six inches from my living room.

Ugh, yeah I think it's time to move....

I hate to move so when I pick somewhere, I intend to stick there. Nevertheless, because of my husband's job, the longest we've ever lived anywhere was 3.5 years. If you love your home and the cons are less than the pros, I would stay there. Maybe your noisy neighbors will leave :)

The rent is too damn high!

But no, really. Home ownership costs more, overall, but a steady mortgage with a locked-in rate might provide more peace of mind than knowing your rent might increase significantly every single year.

I have most recently moved half way across the world in search of myself but previously, I had moved because my apartment didn't feel like home. I lived in a place for 4 months before breaking the lease because I never felt at home in that place. The place I moved into after that (the one I just left) felt like home before I moved in and I just hope that it will be available when I move back.

I do enjoy the process of moving though. It is stressful certainly, but it is refreshing to go through everything, get rid of the old, add something new and in general just shake up the way things are.

What keeps us here is the low rent and location. However, the condition of the house is starting to grate! I'm on my last nerve with the creaking floorboards, the super-cheap rental carpet that holds in every stain, outdated wall sockets in strange places and just last night I think I heard something in the roof-space. This morning I saw a hole in the darn roof-tiles.

I'm ready for a new modern rental and never want 'a home filled with character' again.

This time last year, the heat in our air conditioningless apartment, combined with having a dog who is heat sensitive + 3 flights of stairs really got to be too much. We came home to our dog half overheated in April and realized we wouldn't make it through August again.

We started looking Easter weekend but didn't end up moving until September 1. We loved our old place but couldn't be happier in our new one.

My best advice would be to not just make the call and move. Take as much time as you need to find a place - even if it mean doubling up a month's rent. That way you aren't stressed that you will lose your place and end up settling.

I fully concur that this post is so timely! Just yesterday I made the decision to stay in my current apartment for at least one more year after spending the weekend checking out sad and/or overpriced apartments with additional broker's fees to boot.
There is a language barrier with my landlord which often results in miscommunications, plus neighbors that somehow thought I broke the boiler this winter, but the location is prime and we have a neglected backyard space which I plan to fix.

I have been wondering what my next apartment will be like, but I don't think I'll be able to find anything near as great as this one for the price, in this area! I really lucked out with my first apartment, and awesome landlords. I dread the time when they may want the upstairs of the house for their expanding family. I have felt at home here immediately.

I've moved every year for the past ten years. At first it was living in college, so moving each year is expected. But moving to Washington DC after college, there is such a high turnover in this city and housing is constantly in demand, nearly everyone in their 20s is constantly on the move. I really love the place I'm living now, but I'll move before I reach two years there - this time, to a new city.

We're in the middle of moving. I hate it.
But we're moving for a few reasons: two of our housemates subleased, and while we love one of them, the other one is just too difficult to live with. Since she is planning to stay when the lease is up, we think it's just better if we go.
We're also moving into a far less expensive situation, which we are hoping will help us save so we can buy our own place.

I wish it wasn't true, but I move almost every single year. I have lived in other states, other cities other towns. I move closer to work, closer to public transportation, closer to my budget. I move because I don't like what I have, because i like what I see and because I am bored with my surroundings. i never fix what I have--I don't even paint. Two years ago, my husband and I moved into a small college town so I could go to school in a program I didn't even get to apply to (my Dad got sick). The apartment I loved for being tiny and charming and wonderfully weird (the kitchen is so much a part of the living room you can't help but talk to the cook, and we are across the street from where the Derby Girls play in town) quickly began to grate on my husband. He got a new job, and has the farthest possible commute from it. The closest grocery is Walmart. And the on-site-only-for-us management turned out to be the deadbeat Dad of maintenance--we now have a roach infestation to rival most entemologists. A year ago, I talked my husband into a re-marriage to our apartment: break the move-every-year cycle, and put the moving money into the problems we have. Paint, fix, repair ourselves, and make management take responsibility for the apartments around us, so the bug problem will really get fixed once and for all.

I wish this story had a happy ending . . . I was gone for nearly a year while my Dad passed away slowly, from cancer. And my husband really really tried--he hung things on the wall, moved the furniture, purged our storage, and really got us as good as we could be on our own without spending any money at all. But we still share our apartment with a constantly evolving infestation and we just can't take it anymore.

We will have lived here for three years . . . it's the longest I have lived anywhere since I left my childhood home. And yet, I can say nothing good about my time here. My husband can't remember why I loved this place so much, and hardly trusts me to choose the next place. It was absolutely PERFECT for us, when we found it. i stopped looking immediately. I wanted to stay here for the 5-10 years it would take to do grad school. Instead, I find myself preparing to re-apply, and moving, and grieving, and struggling with the bugs here all at once. Sometimes, we move because it's in our blood to move. But we must always remember: the paint job is always fresher, and the carpet newly laid, but that doesn't mean the next apartment won't have the same number of problems the old one had. Just new, and shiny.

I moved into a house in September on the shortest time span I've ever had to find a place to live. Out of desperation, I moved in with two other people. It has been a nightmare. We've had three people move in and out of one room in 7 months, our bathroom ceiling caved in 2 months ago and has yet to be fixed, and there is a bad mold problem. My last place was immaculate and felt so much like home. I would've stayed if I didn't want to relocate to a new city.

Our lease is up in August and I already started searching for places. Because I gave myself a lot of time, I found the perfect place. Like another user said, it feels like home already even though I have yet to move in. I would give yourself all the time in the world to find the best place if you are thinking of moving. You'll walk into a home and just "know". Never settle, especially if it's below standard of your place now. You can ALWAYS find better if you have the time and know where to look.

In our first apartment, we moved after a 1 year lease because we wanted a nicer place closer to where my husband works. We moved after a 1 year lease from our second apartment to an identical apartment within the same apartment complex so my husband could have satelite tv, we couldn't get a signal at the second apartment. After a 1 year lease, we moved again within the same apartment complex into a townhouse because I liked the layout and needed a change. Now, after 4 years at the townhouse we are moving closer to where both my husband and I work. We've found a place that is much cheaper rent and suitable to our needs. I think we just like to have a change once in a while since we can't do anything drastic to a place we don't own.

I think if the cost to fix the current place is cheaper than the cost to move, I do the fix then try to get the landlord to pay some or all from the receipt. Installing some carpet, getting a window unit air conditioner, hiring a plumber or pest control ... all things I have done before. If the problem is not fixable, like stairs or neighbors, then start looking.

We lived in a falling down duplex for years, doing all the maintenance ourselves, until the landlord moved into the other side. Not only do I hate living near my landlord (since you aren't equals in negotiating about noise and things), but he also was an exhibitionist! That prompted us to move, and we decided we were ready to buy our own place.

Getting ready for a cross country move now (second in three years). I hate it. Having to sell most of our furniture, save up for the moving company expenses, finding a new place to live across the country -- it sucks. But I've always been a "don't move unless you have to" kind of person.

We just moved last November. We loved our last place and had remodeled it to our taste but decided that we didn't like our large mortgage payment and the fact that we couldn't make the bathroom door ADA compliant (partner has MD). We spent several months looking and found a new place (foreclosure) that has a better location with great access to public transportation, groceries and other services, plus is totally ADA compliant. We cut our mortgage by 80% and our property taxes in half. The kitchen will need some work (too modern for my taste) but we really love the new place and the extra money each month is helping us pay down debt and sock some savings away.

This is also weird for me too because I'm at that point myself. My boyfriend and I decided it's time two days ago when we inspected his car and noticed all the new jey marks all over it... mirrors, bumper, trunk, hood, everywhere. My car has been victim of a few hit and runs too.
I love my apartment, the layout, space, price, brightness, wood floors, etc, but I HATE my neighbors and I'm getting really sick of losing sleep. We don't know exactly where we want to go, so we've started looking here and there for new a new place. Wherever we end up is gonna have to be better than where we are now, hopefully it will be a house with no neighbors stomping above us or vandalizing our property.

*key marks!

For me, it's when there have been four homicides in the immediate vicinity since the beginning of the year and it's only March. Time to go, time to go...

When I hate my loud obnoxious neighbors so much I would rather be at work and dread going home.

It's usually a good mix of rent, the neighbors, and layout. When I can't stand two out of three anymore, it's time to move.

I wanted working plumbing. I rented downtown (10 min walk to work) for almost 7 years. Each year the plumber would have to come out and work on the pipes. Well, I finally had it this past Christmas. We were without a bathroom for 3 consecutive weekends. The plumbers finally did the proper fix needed, but I was tired of charm and just wanted a few more modern amenities...working toilet, windows that are airtight, a furnace that doesn't smell like gas all of the time. Bought the house of my dreams, now I am 15 minute drive away from work and I know that I can flush the toilet. :-)

I also agree that I find this article very timely, but it makes sense when you consider the seasons. The majority of moves take place in spring/summer, as that usually works out best for families. I've also always worked within the higher education field and find that this time and August is when our students begin to consider moving around the most.

My partner and I are currently looking for a new place, because like Pi mentioned, the rent is too dang high. We're down-sizing to a smaller apartment for the year. Similarly, like someone else mentioned, we move because of big changes (mostly job related).

In regards to the process of moving, I definitely do not dig the cost associated - renting a truck, gas, etc. The also physically daunting aspect of moving, like when you walk into your home and are like 'Where do I even begin?' is not something I'm looking forward to. But I do look forward to purging stuff we've outgrown and also to setting up a new space!

Tired of renting and not allowed to make cosmetic adjustments, and I could afford to buy. Most of all I knew I would be staying here for the long haul and my head was in the right place. I loved my neighbors and the amenities but in my hearts of heart it was time to move and put down roots. I've been nesting ever since; remodeling, renovating, diy projects left and right - it's all been very therapeutic.

we moved for an "opportunity" to rent a severly run-down, in-need-of-some-extra-TLC apartment that was 1 mile closer to the train, which my boyfriend walks to and from everyday in order to get to work.

we spent a month replacing floors, plumbing, light fixtures, and painting before moving into our $600/month still-in-need-of-some-TLC-but-tolerable-and-only-two-blocks-from-the-train-apartment (that was without running water for a week from broken lead pipes) from our $1350/month apartment with endless mice and continously leaky roof that the landlord "claimed to keep fixing".... sometimes i really wonder why i moved to the east coast from my cozy life in the midwest!!

I move often because I get restless, and because my life changes. I love the apartment I'm in now, but when I go back to school to finish my degree (hopefully within the next year) I won't be able to afford it. But I don't see moving as a huge issue as some do - I think the hassle is worth being somewhere where you're happy, and packing is such a good opportunity to do a good purge!

@ Erica Romeo - your story made me really sad, as someone who's experienced cockroaches I'm so sorry that was something you had to deal with on top of everything else in that time. But try to think about your next move positively - you're getting away from bugs! Maybe you'll have more space, and your husband while have a better commute! Maybe you'll be close to a grocery store!

The trick to getting landlords to be honest about cockroaches is saying that if you move in to discover an infestation, you will happily break your lease to get away from them. Doesn't matter if you're bluffing - they won't want the hassle. To keep any kind of bugs at bay, every time you wash your kitchen & bathroom floors spray along the edges & especially in the corner with an indoor bug spray, it works a trick.

I've been planning a move "as soon as the renos are done" from my house (kept it after a break-up but it's too big for me) for two years. I'm finally at the point where I'm going to stop making improvements and just put it on the market but the temptation to maximize through improvements is still there.

I've been in my current apartment for two years, but the shine had definitely started to wear off of the apartment and the neighborhood for me in the past few months (my kitchen window totally falling apart in a wind storm definitely didn't help). I'd been looking casually, but when my weekend job cut hours and my budget went from "at bit tight" to "I'm totally screwed if I get sick or anything out of the ordinary happens", I knew it was time to get serious. It took me about a month, but I found a nice apartment that's $300/month LESS than the current place and still has tons of character. I move into the new place April 1.

Had it not been for the new budget constraints, I probably would have plugged along in the current apartment for another year or so...

Last week I had some insane stuff happen at my apartment- the man that lives nearby me tried to open the door to my apartment at 4AM. I woke up, told him to go away (he appeared drunk), and he left..but returned a few minutes later, again trying to open my door and yelling some woman's name. I had to call the police to get him to leave me alone. Later that day, mail was stolen off my doormat *and* another neighbor told me how someone recently slashed her tires.

I hate this neighborhood, but my job pays very low (my BA is useless) and living in public housing is the only way I can have my own place. Southern California is expensive everywhere, too. I have no idea how to get out of this situation.

I lived in an 850sq ft home with three boys. We loved it when we moved in as the home had great character, but slowly, over the years, the neighbourhood grew wilder, the space got smaller as our boys got bigger, and our landlord was increasingly annoying (showing up unannounced, ripping out the garden space because he wanted to park his car, etc.) So, we moved. My husband and I were both in university at the time and it was insane, but we're so glad we did. We found a whole house, upstairs and down with a large yard and a garden space for a couple of hundred dollars more a month.

when i've tried every floorplan and furniture layout...and then i'm bored with it.

I've been in my duplex for almost 8 years, then the landlord died. The new owners are weird. They want to cut down all the healthy trees, because "they might die one day." They pulled out my neighbors and mine flower gardens because they don't want plants near the house. They also tore out the grass, resulting in one giant mud pit. On top if it all, they raised the rent substantially. So towards the end of the month I'm giving my 30 day notice and moving. Too bad, the place was perfect for me and I had made it the way I wanted. Oh well.

I once had to move because the sheriff posted a notice that the house was foreclosed and going to auction in two weeks!

What a timely article. I literally just gave my 30 days notice. I love my old apartment, but with a recent pay cut had to find something cheaper. After seeing a lot of duds, I came across a lovely old apartment with a huge closet and a dishwasher. It is not perfect, but even my husband say it feels like home...now on to moving...sucks!

Our last move was to our first (and probably only) built-to-spec (sort of) house. We owned one house prior, and this move was precipitated by my partner's discontent with his home theater setup in the living room and his increased earnings with a new company. The old house might have been renovated, but it would make it the most expensive one on the street, never good.

Not being able to find a house that had the features he wanted and not being able to AFFORD the empty lot real estate around here (often in multi-acre parcels -- nice, but expensive) we bought into an under-construction development, modified an existing plan, and got a semi-custom home that dedicates most of the basement level to a home theater. It's not my dream home, but it's very nice, and since we chose all the fixtures and finishes (within a budget, so not always the ultimate dream option) it makes us happy enough! Other benefits of the move included a FLAT driveway (which is much better than the steeply angled one we used to have in winter -- I literally crawled up that stupid hill in two separate ice storms!) We also gained a two car garage, so I no longer have to park unsheltered, which I love, particularly when unloading groceries on rainy days! We lost my lovely landscaping, but I'm working on that...

Personally, I hate moving because I feel like whenever we decorate we really decorate around our space, but at the same time, life is too short to live someplace you don't enjoy living in. We just moved last October (out of total choice) and at first it felt strange since nothing was terribly wrong, but we made of list of must-haves and sure enough we found something perfect. Moving is a pain, but in the long run, I think it's totally worth it.

Bad 'neighbors', making it an UNhome for me, closer to family, further from work though, (tradeoffs). Hopefully a prettier town and environment, than the run down town I'm in now..much better for my psyche. OH, I HOPE the little dream place is out there...for same rent or LESS>> Also, I can put my new 'decorating' plans into play.........light and airy and definately PURGED>>thanks AT and friends..as usual!

I'm finally moving into my own condominium after innumerable years of renting. I haven't even closed yet (good-for-nothing banks) and the money is flowing out! Still, once I get moved, my outlay will be stable and will roughly equal what I pay in rent.

Why am I leaving (other than to have my own place)? No close parking, the horrible old carpet, the fake wood of the cabinets, the general grodiness of the bathrooms, the raccoon in the crawl space between the old lady upstairs' apartment and mine. I am giving up a fireplace and the friendly management service of accepting packages, the two charms of the place I'll miss.

I detest moving. This time, I hope to stay put. Wish me luck!

Wow, some of these stories are so sad. My sister became a landlord a few years ago and I told her "I love you, but I just don't want to hear 'bad tenant' stories, because I am always going to side for the tenants." Except that I forgot that I have lived in rent-stabilized housing populated by schizoids and drug-dealers. It's so difficult for people to find decent housing. Good luck to everyone who's a peace-loving, responsible renter!

I've been a renter & a landlord. I've lived with loud neighbors, rude, crazy neighbors and drunk ones including one I had to step over in order to get into my apartment on occasion. The renters I've known, thank goodness, were always lovely people and so I have no bad tenant stories. I've found it much tougher to be a tenant than a landlord! The worst by far was the apartments with cockroaches in Austin or Chicago—so I am thankful to own my residence now thus insuring that I never have to live with THAT problem again. And so I'm never moving!

@secondscott...I am using your phrase of 'peaceloving and responsible renter' to landlords in my search, about myself..thank you! Enjoy your racoonless new home!

This sounds so much like my present situation. I love my apartment. It's quaint, and I've put a lot of effort into making it just the way I like it. After two years, it's perfect. But, I'm very over the rowdy college student neighbours and the pounding music into the wee hours of the morning. Also, looking not looking forward to the upcoming summer heat. This apartment is fantastic, but it has ZERO air circulation, is on the 5th floor, and has no A/C. I sit and I sweat all day long in the summer.
The negatives are starting to outweigh the positives. If moving wasn't so darn expensive, I'd be looking for another place. Just to see what's out there, you know?