Moving is universally acknowledged to be an arduous task and not one to be taken lightly. However, in many places, for many people, moving is considered a rite of passage as it’s a sign of entering adulthood and gaining independence. In this article, we’ll look into the various reasons why people decide to move out of their current apartments.

Income

One of the most common reasons for moving out of one’s current apartment is income. On the more positive side, perhaps you’ve recently gotten a promotion and salary bump at work; or you’ve landed yourself a better, higher-paying job and want to splurge on a bigger living space.

On the other less positive side, perhaps your salary has decreased and/or rent has increased and it’s no longer financially feasible to continue living in your current premises. This has resulted in you having no choice but to look for a place with cheaper rent. If you happen to be in such a situation, Village House offers rental properties across all 47 prefectures in Japan starting at a budget-friendly ¥20,000 with no deposits, renewal fees, handling fees, or key money.

Lastly, perhaps your income and rent have luckily remained stable but other expenses in your life such as medical fees, educational fees, inflation due to a Covid stricken economy, etc. have you considered downsizing to maintain your current standard of living or to save up?

Too Small

Outgrowing your current apartment is another common reason for people to move and they do so because:

• They’re starting or expanding their family
• They’re getting married and want to live with their partner
• The kids are getting bigger and need their own room/space
• They want to get a pet or their current pet(s) are getting bigger and need more room to run around

In these recent pandemic years, many people have made the shift to working from home, some permanently. Thus, they may need a dedicated office space in their abode that’s separated from their sleeping and relaxing space and/or to have privacy from their partner who may also be working from home. This has led some individuals to find bigger accommodations that will allow for a spare bedroom to be converted into an office or study.

Too Big

While for some, their current premises may be too small, for others, their current premises may be too big! People may move from bigger accommodations to something more snug and cozy because of the following:

• The kids have moved out / gone to college
• The individual has gone through a separation, divorce, or breakup and is now single
• They are no longer working from home

Moving to smaller accommodations can save money on rent and maintenance. Smaller abodes are also easier to upkeep and clean.

Commute

For some, long commutes are the bane of their existence, and those who wish to rectify this issue may choose to move out of their current apartment to be closer to work or school.

In Japan, living near major train stations is considered prime real estate so prices tend to skyrocket the closer you get to one. However, at Village House, factors such as commuting time are taken into consideration by the organization’s dedicated agents so if this is a concern for you, feel free to let them know through the online application or in person at one of their offices in Japan.

Commuting is not limited to traveling to and from the office or school. Perhaps your current apartment is inconveniently located near zero amenities and shops or lacks parks, schools, or green spaces for the kids. These are all valid reasons why people may choose to seek greener, more convenient pastures.

Fresh Start

People may outgrow their current apartment not because it’s too small but because of its neighborhood and surroundings.

For some, this may be their first ever apartment upon graduating from university and they chose an area that’s more lively with an active and bustling nightlife. However, it’s now proven too chaotic and noisy; especially if they’re planning to start a family and so are looking to find accommodations in a quieter, more residential neighborhood.

For others, perhaps the neighborhood is getting on in years and the quality of life is starting to decline what with the closing down of local businesses, lack of maintenance in public areas, or even a rise in criminal activity. Safety and convenience are important things to take into consideration when living somewhere so some may choose to move if they were in such a situation.

People looking for a fresh start because they’ve recently gone through a separation, divorce or breakup may also consider moving because their current abode is either too spacious for one or may hold too many memories, not all of them pleasant. Moving to another place may offer them a clean slate and a fresh start in life.

Mold

Mold is inevitable when living in Japan. The humidity levels can skyrocket, especially during the summer and rainy months, leading to mold in places with running water. It’s usually manageable and budget-friendly (you can buy very powerful and effective mold killer spray in one of Japan’s numerous 100 yen stores) but if you’re finding that mold is particularly persistent and prevalent in your current apartment, it may signal a bigger issue. Perhaps there is a lack of ventilation and natural sunlight. Maybe the mold issue has been going on for years. Whatever the reason, it’s enough to consider moving to another place, for your health and safety if nothing else.

External Issues

Your current apartment may be practically perfect but the building it’s housed in may not. Issues such as pest problems, communal areas not being cared for and well maintained, noisy neighbors, unruly pets, lack of building security, etc. are some other reasons why people may choose to move out. Ensuring that the building, tenants, and surrounding area fit your requirements for health and safety are important factors to take into consideration when house or apartment hunting.

In sum, moving is not something people usually do on a whim as the process prior to, during, and after moving can be a headache and a half. However, for many, moving is an inevitability and if one does need to move, they should take into account all the issues of living in their current place and curate a list of requirements when house or apartment hunting so they can avoid similar issues in the future.