I want to move. Can I do it alone?

[ismiledather]

I’ve wanted to move for years. I’m still in the town I grew up in and don’t want to be.

Im alone. I have no one to help/ support me.

I’ve no idea how to go about it as I’ve been in my current house over 20 years.

Where do I start?

You can do it! I did!

Moved away from my home of 20yrs to an area I didn't know. Packed up by myself and now, almost 8yrs later, am so happy with my decision.

Do you know where you would like to move to?

Do you currently own or rent?

Will you be looking to buy or rent when you move?

I would go on RightMove and get an idea of properties and prices in the area you want to move to.

Go and spend a weekend there and talk to estate agents.

If you currently own and want to buy, get one or more estate agents in to value your current property

Talk to your bank about how much you could borrow on top of whatever equity you have in your current property.

Currently own. Want to move a county away.

Wont be able to borrow as I’m not working.

@HelenaWilson

@DinoLil it feels like an enormous thing to do. Where did you start?

Well why can’t you do it alone ? You know where you want to go to?

Compare house prices next and estimate costs ti check you can afford where you want to be

Is there a reason you want your move? Can you afford all the costs associated with moving?

Currently own. Want to move a county away.
Wont be able to borrow as I’m not working.

Then first of all you need to:
Find out how much you could raise by selling your current property
Get on Rightmove to see what you could afford in an area you would like to move to.

ETA this is all factfinding, you don't have to decide anything yet. Most estate agents are willing to have a chat without you committing to anything.

Even people in a relationship end up doing the whole process pretty much on their own anyway.

It's easier if just one person is 'move admin'.

You will be fine. Just take it one step at a time. Start with getting yours valued and get looking on Rightmove.

Good luck x

How much equity do you have in your house? Will it be enough to buy something in the county you want to be in, taking into account moving costs etc?

Yes but the physical part of the actual moving (decluttering, boxing up, getting rid of stuff, wanting to cry, cursing the fact that you have so much stuff...) will be hard going. Ask me how I know!

Where did I start?

Well, I knew what kind of property I wanted. House, 3 beds, garden. I also wanted to clear my mortgage.

I hit all the online property websites and put my house on the market. I started packing and decluttering straight away.

My house sold, completed, so moved into my parents whilst I didn't have anywhere to go to. Put all my stuff into storage. And living with your parents at 46 isn't funny!!

Found a house a few hours away, it failed the survey so I pulled out. Found another one, 200yrs old and a right money pit!. I said I'd need to be in within 4 weeks. And I was!!

It wasn't scary until I moved in, then I gulped! But, I promise you, its the best ever thing I've done. I've made fantastic friends, am lucky to have great neighbours (I'm in a terrace but one neighbour over the road has a REALLY LOUD VOICE!).

If this is something you're considering, have a scout about online. Put your place on the market then you'll have no problem viewing other homes. And be brave! You know you are because you're considering it! Good luck to you and much happiness!

The declutterring is one thing (and can be done over time) but I strongly recommend booking a full packing service if funds allow. We did this when moving with a toddler and it was a joy. Basically packed our personal effects into suitcases and they everything else, every last teaspoon.

Of course you can - do you honestly think that only couples move house? I have moved four times, twice to a completely new town.

It’s hard work, physically and mentally and I think you need to really think about why you want to move and where you want to move to. And if you’re not working, will you be able to afford the new house, stamp duty, legal costs, removal fees and all the expenses contingent on moving?

if you really want to, you can do it.

@MerelyPlaying I don’t think only couple move but it’s obviously going to be harder to do it alone.

I don’t have parents I can move in with like others on this thread. I obviously don’t have the mental strength other people have. Like yourself as you’ve pointed out.

OP, at this stage there's no hurry. Take things one step at a time. Start decluttering. Spend time on Rightmove. Go and spend a few days in the town you'd like to move to and get an idea of where you'd like to live. Get your house valued. See what you can afford to buy. You don't have to do all of that at once and none of it commits you to anything, but you'll have a better idea of whether you can or want to proceed.

I did it by myself aged 61. I had lived in the same house for 27 years. It was a 4 bed semi with a garage full of stuff. I went on Rightmove and set up an alert for the type of property I wanted in the area I wanted go live in.
I got a valuation on my house.
A house came up on Rightmove that I liked. Went to view, had my offer accepted then put my house on the market. Then started decluttering and packing.
4 months later I moved house. No help from anyone except the removal company. (Except for my neighbour who looked after my cat whilst my house was emptied).

I moved alone from the UK to Paris (and then from Paris to Madrid) when I was in my 20s. Different I guess as I was renting, so didn’t have to sell a house, but still a bit of a challenge. It was fine though.

Where do you want to move to and why?
eg I want to live in Bath as it is a nice area

Compare house prices there and where you currently are
Factor in solicitors, stamp duty, surveys and of course estate agent fees
Other costs eg new carpets etc

Make sure it is financially viable first and decide your motivation

just a change?
new friends?
better amenities?

I moved on my own nearly ten years ago. I moved back to an area I grew up in. Most of my friends had moved away but I made new ones and met my husband. It’s been a gift.

The physical moving process is very stressful but I paid someone to back and move it all and it was rubbish - moving is. But I love my new home as much as my old one.

You absolutely can. What is stopping you? If it is physical or emotional maybe a counsellor could help you to empower you?

I did it last year. I packed it all up and went to a different town. It was exhausting but it can be done. Having the right moving company helps.

Definitely agree with a packing service although I nearly broke my packers/movers. Despite thoroughly decluttering after 30yrs in one house and a divorce I hadn't actually decluttered enough. Apparently I used up twice the amount of boxes against the average 😬

I did due to divorce. I had a mortgage broker that was a huge help. I knew the kind of place I wanted, the distance I was prepared to move and just kept hunting until I found the one.
I hired a van and done all the packing and moving myself too. It was tough, mentally and physically but I was/am so proud of myself that I did it.

I’m about to do just that OP, and you’re right, it is intimidating.

Take it step by step, as other posters have advised. I’d start with your financials - check if you can actually afford to live where you would like to, taking into account stamp duty, solicitor fees, survey fees, estate agent fees. I’m selling then moving into rented for a while so I don’t have to rush the purchase. And start decluttering now. I didn’t think I really had much stuff…turned out I really do. Honed it right down so I don’t have to pay so much for storage, and can just go into the rental with clothes, cat and cat stuff.

How old are you?
I know people say all you can do whatever you want up until you’re 98 but it is more difficult.
You haven’t answered. I don’t think which country you’re planning to move to a more to the point why?