Considering a move

You might be thinking about moving because your circumstances have changed. You may want or need to move because:

• it's hard to get in and out of your home – for example, if you live upstairs but there isn't a lift
• you find it difficult to move around safely in your home
• you can’t manage the garden
• there are rooms you no longer use
• you want to be nearer family or friends
• you’ve been bereaved
• you no longer drive and you’re too far from the shops
• you're dealing with antisocial behaviour in your neighbourhood – for example, you may feel unsafe, or your street may be too noisy
• there are fewer local transport links than before, which makes it harder for you to get out and about
• downsizing will give you more money to live on
• you’re finding it difficult to pay the bills
• your home is expensive to maintain and repair
• you're retiring
• you're worried your care needs might change in the future.

If you’re struggling to afford your rent or mortgage, visit our debt webpages or call our Helpline for a benefits check.

For some people, moving home isn’t a choice – you may be struggling a sudden change in care needs, or may be getting evicted. Our Help with moving page has more information on where to get advice and support.

If you are thinking about moving, there are many housing options for you to consider. These include:

• downsizing to a smaller property
• moving in with family
• sheltered housing
• extra care housing
• care homes.

Think carefully – not just about what you need now, but also what you might need in the future. These are some important things to consider:

• Can you afford to move? Don’t forget to factor in removal costs and agent’s fees. If you're considering ending a tenancy or rental agreement early, keep in mind that there may be a cost involved.
• Is the area you have chosen safe? 
• Will the area be as nice in winter as it is in summer?
• What are the local amenities? Is it close to a cash machine, GP surgery, dentist and shops, and can you access them easily?
• Will you still be able to do all the things you like to do?
• Will your family and friends be able to visit you?
• Is the new home easy to run and maintain?

It’s a good idea to get advice, but the final decision should be yours.

If you can, try to see a property in person to get a feel for the home and the area before you decide to live there. If you're applying for a council or housing association property and need help viewing homes to check whether they're accessible to you, ask your council, a local disability charity or an occupational therapist for help. If you are renting privately or looking for a new home to buy, you may be able to get help with transport to view the property, for example, from a local disability charity.

If you want to move from a council or housing association property, ask your housing provider about your options.

Under this scheme, you may be offered a cash payment to help you buy a property if you agree to give up your council or housing association home. You will usually be downsizing, because the aim of the scheme is to free up housing for larger households on the council waiting list. Find your local council – on Gov.uk if you live in England or Wales, or mygov.scot if you live in Scotland – and ask for details of schemes operating in your area.

Also known as 'mutual exchanges', these can help social housing tenants to exchange homes. This may mean moving to another area or a different type of home. You register to advertise your home and look at other properties.

To exchange homes, you must:

• not owe any rent
• get your landlord’s written permission
• contact other tenants until you find someone to exchange with.

Depending on the nature of your tenancy, there may be other requirements.

Visit Shelter to see if you qualify (in Scotland, visit Shelter Scotland and in Wales, visit Shelter Cymru).

You can also register your details on exchange websites, such as HomeSwapper. The Shelter websites have details of other tenancy exchange websites. Keep in mind that some websites might charge a fee.

If you want to move into sheltered housing, ask your landlord for more information about local schemes and if they can make a referral or nominate you.

Moving home is a big upheaval and might seem daunting – but you can get help.

There are different ways to get help to cover the costs, for example:

• loans from your local council
• benefit advances
• government funding schemes
• grants and charities.

For more information, see our Help with moving webpage.

To help manage the move, you can use a removal company. As well as helping you move your belongings, removal companies may offer other services, such as packing, storing unused furniture, disposing of unwanted goods and cleaning your home. Our Moving home checklist has more information.