Oh my MIL does this!! And I would say that we did it the last time we moved 2 years ago.

It wasn't so much that I was bored, it was more that I had never loved everything about that house and had pretty much exhausted everything we could do to it and still keep it competitive for the neighborhood. We did have great neighbors and it was in the right school district for us, in a great neighborhood for the kids, had a pool, places to walk, kids could ride their bikes to friends, etc. etc. etc. I really never thought we would move until we were ready to downsize and retire.

But I got the bug, and started looking around, just for fun. Also spurred on by the passing of my mother I think, and knowing that she lived for years in a house she had loved once upon a time, but had become so attached to she couldn't leave it, even when she and my father really wanted to live someplace else...she was just too sentimental at that point.

We loved our old neighbors, and we still have them to dinner since we aren't that far away, and we love our new neighbors. We went from a neighborhood to a rural setting on the water. No storage, no trees, and a ton of remodeling we knew we would need to do. And yes packing up 11 years worth of accumulated stuff is a pain, but I'm SO happy we did it!

I'm 8 miles from a gallon of milk (and that's at a mom and pop gas station), when we were within 1 min of a grocery store before. Our daughter was in college and our son in high school, so having kids their age next door and a pool didn't matter anymore. We thought our then 15 year old son would be upset, but he was all for the move.

It was also financially smart since we had done a 15 year mtg on the old house and doubled it's value in the 11 years we lived there, so even though we would be almost mtg free now, the appreciation on this house is much much greater since it's waterfront.

So I guess it just depends on whether or not it's a sound decision, not so much a practical one...if that makes sense. I like to say that I would trade the worst day in our new house for the best day in my old house. I still miss some things about our old house, but I wouldn't change a thing!

Kat :)

My general reaction answer would be no. If your is decorated and pretty, yet doesn't offer any new challenges, perhaps you could think about changing the whole color scheme, doing some new window treatments, trolling craigslist for a couple of antiques to change up your rooms and add interest. Maybe you could even think about taking out some shrubs and add flowers? Or take out flowers and add more greenery?

But if you have the time and money and desire to just live in a different house, perhaps something smaller and more in tune with your newer family situation, then, look around. See what's out there. Do the cost analysis and see if this move might be right for you.

Red

I am so with sherrmann on this...if your house is the only thing that provides interest in your life....why I certainly feel sorry for you!

What i'm getting from CRICKET'S post is not boredom with the house itself, but she's 'lost that lovin' feelin' for the interior decor, and quite possibly the exterior. Maybe she's done everything that needs to be done, and has never thought to repaint, get rid of carpeting and install wood, get a kitchen remodel and maybe the bathrooms, too.Is this what you mean, CRICKET? We need you to 'splain' more. ;o)

Count me in with the "that's why I'm here" group. Not that we didn't talk about building again and this time bigger and in the country, but I'd decorated each room in our last city home at least twice and was ready for another challenge. And boy did we get it! Be careful what you ask for.
I would think long and hard before moving if you like the neighborhood and especially your neighbors. I miss talking over the fence and waving to the kids on bikes and all that living the city entails. Don't get me wrong, I love our "new" (six year old) home but it's a never ending work in progress since we moved in before it was complete and there seems to always be something else that needs out attention (landscaping, mowing over two acres, replacing screens the grasshoppers ate, etc...) and keeps us from finishing the home itself.

Wow, I'm a bit surprised by some of the responses and jumping to certain conclusions. The reason I say that is the OP really didn't give enough information about background to warrant IMHO some of the responses.

Cricket, what struck me in your OP was the fact that you indicated that your kids are in college. When did the last one leave and was it recently? Is it possible you are suffering from empty nest syndrome? The reason I ask is that I had a hard time when my son left to attend school in Shanghai for a year and now he is in Tokyo. Even though my life was full with work and other activities, there were times I looked around at the house and asked the proverbial question, why are we still living in such a big house. Particularly, since my son started college, in total, he has probably been home at most six weeks.

Is it just you and your husband now in the home? Do you work outside the home or are you a SAHM? What kinds of activities do you like to do? Could it be that you are overwhelmed with the memories of what "used to be" with you, your DH and the kids? If you are like most parents and I suspect that you are, the deafening silence now that the kids are gone could be coming out in the form of I'm bored rather than "I miss the hustle and bustle of the kids".

Whatever it is, I hope you are able to figure it out and get to a much better place so that you go back to either enjoying your house or making a final decision to move.

Stuck in a rut, it happens. cricket, most of us "get" what you mean and why you posted your question/poll. Sometimes, it's a phase, and it passes.
I remember feeling that way.

Out of all my moves, only one was motivated by boredom, DH initiated the project because he wanted a better view and an upgrade from our house.
It was fun to plot it out together, start looking into what we could get for our home, looking at other homes, etc... and it ended up being a very positive experience.

so if I answer your poll, I would say Y.E.S.

It doesn't matter if you end up moving or not, the process of considering it and researching it's feasability will be very involving and might change your mindframe.
It might be just what you need.

Yes, that is why we have lived in 10 different houses during our 36 year marriage. DH loves the building process and I the decorating part. Most of our friends dont understand this and wouldnt do it but we love it. This sort of hobby has also put us ahead financially and we both were able to retire last year at age 55. We say this is our last home, we moved into this April, but I have my doubts.

Wow, must be the full moon. Lots of judgey mcjudgeys in this thread.

I wouldn't make any rash decisions about moving, but it certainly wouldn't hurt to look around and see what's out there. After looking around you may want to take the plunge or you may end up appreciating what you have.

I have just sold a house and we are in a temporary apartment til the next house. We weren't ready to move right away, but finding the right buyer could not be egnored in this economy. We are flying to Fl from VA in two weeks to view houses that are for sale (set up with realtor in area where we are going).

I can understand a kind of boredom that sets in with a house when you are the type of person that likes to improve on your home and it is at its max. We really did a lot of work in that 8 yr house we had. We always knew we would sell since we were always going to go back home if the job ended (construction field) and it did. So, now we are going to make another home in a house we buy, this one will be the last one, the one we retire (soon) in.

I will decorate this next one differently than the last. I will make it more relaxed and more for family since they will be coming by often.

Our house we just sold was our 'networking' house, we had so many parties with people we worked with and aquaintences in the field. That is all different now, less formal living. And I won't get bored with all my hobies and the BEACH nearby!

Boredom can be so much more than just not happy with a house. It is the most expensive thing we buy, so we have to be sure in this economy if we want to sell at a loss.

I was raised in a family (in Nova Scotia) that never had idle hands (farm living) making things we needed, like quilts for cold winters, canning, cooking, cleaning, keeping up the interior and exterior of house and barn, taking care of animals, crops, grandpa's blacksmith shop, uncle's garage, watching houses being built (all carpenters on dad's side), Sunday afternoons spent listening to classical music, well you get the idea.
So, I am never bored, there is always something to do, something to read, somewhere to go, someone to call.

I think sometimes with all our typing and texting, we don't realize we need human interaction in person too. Girl chatting and sharing is so rewarding IRL, don't let that get too far and few inbetween girlfriend interaction!

Have you ever considered taking a lover? I'm kidding I'm kidding, I just thought I would lighten things up a bit.

I understand about being bored, truly I do. But sometimes I think we take that as being lonely.

The trouble with being bored/lonely is it goes with you when you move.

Perhaps you could take a little trip with your girlfriends or husband or something like that. And when you get home you'll appreicate it so much more.

.....Jane

That's what I wanted to do a few years ago but DH wasn't interested. I'm glad now we didn't, but boredom with our current home is what has motivated all the changes we've made here. If you enjoy the creative process involved in starting anew, I don't see a thing wrong with it.

Cricket .. If you do decide to move, buy an old house. You will go from bored to totally overwhelmed all the time in five seconds flat. ;) Personally from the sheer work point of view that moving takes, I wouldn't do it .. especially if I liked the area and neighbors. I hope you do what make you happy though, life is to short to be bored, unhappy or dissatisfied. :)

I understand being bored "and" that makes me lonely and want to move to be entertained. But would I do that,I haven't yet. I got a part time job, minimum wage :0) and these people don't believe I'm retired and just looking for something to do. I get all kinds of people asking me, I bet "you" wish "you" didn't have to work. ha! I don't! Dh & I just got back from scuba diving & hiking a rain forrest in San Juan Puerto Rico. I just refinished an old desk, reupholstered a chair, made slipcovers for 2 chairs and I still cook ALL our meals from scratch,run, hike, bicycle, garden,read books, trade stocks. I'm still looking for something interesting to do and selling the house is not one of them.

I might go back to college....:0)

Yep! I like change :0)

Wow Nicole you get the most out of life, how wonderful.

Yes. But I can't afford it. I live in a very rural area. No safe place to walk, no sidewalks, no cultural activities, no chance to take classes except online, neighbors are nice but do not socialize. Most of the things I like to do or would like to try are not available unless I drive 45 minutes or more. I love my house and part of me loves where I live. I guess there are tradeoffs. I have no traffic problem, very little crime, etc.

Nicole - you're my hero! Have you shared pics of the slipcovers?

Cricket - I'm sorry you got a couple of nasty responses. If I were you, I'd wouldn't make any rash decisions, but check things out. If moving to a different house, area, etc. will make you happy . . . well life's too short not to be happy! If you kids have just recently left home, this might be one of those times when you shouldn't make a hasty, emotional decision. See if making some of the changes suggested here make a difference. If not, then I say why not move?

If this is related to empty nest syndrome, do you have or have you considered a pet?

Hope you get it worked out!

tina

PS Jane - you always make me laugh!!!

newdawn1895...I always thought "not working" was my lifes goal. Now I don't know what to do with myself. lol This thread hit home! We did look for acreage to buy and build a new home, but it seemed silly since we LOVE where we live now!

tinam61.....lol thx! I did post a thread before I left for Puerto Rico. Take a look:

Here is a link that might be useful: wingback chair slipcovers I made

I wouldn't (my idea of the perfect 2-week vacation is to just stay home), but my aunt & uncle have moved 13 times in the last 20 years. They are remodeling junkies, everything from stately 6-bedroom homes to farmhouses to lakeside cabins. They live in a small town in Georgia & begin to fret with boredom if they have no major projects in hand. They have made money on their houses, but money is not the motivator. Other high-energy pursuits they've tried (e.g., ferreting out and selling antiques and collectibles at flea markets) were a temporary fix--nothing else works better for them than making over a decrepit dwelling. My aunt, now approaching 70, has been on an oxygen machine (still smoking like a factory) for the last 4 years, but she remains happiest when surrounded by power tools, scaffolding, and paint cans.

Have you ever considered taking a lover? I'm kidding I'm kidding, I just thought I would lighten things up a bit.

LOL @ Jane! Wow, that Latin guy hanging above your bed really influences your thoughts, doesn't he? ;-D

I can understand feeling bored with a house, and quite frankly, my interest in "home stuff" ebbs and flows. Sometimes I'm really obsessed by "all things home-related", but there are other times when I'm fixated on other things - health and exercise, travel, music ... I've just come to accept that my interests vary and they wax and wane, and I'm fine with that. I wouldn't consider moving if I were bored with my house, though. I'd just focus on another one of my interests for awhile instead.

I understand what cricket's talking about. We downsized two years ago when the kids were either on their own or in college from a large subdivision home--great house and neighbors--to a condo in the center of our downtown area. We see the same people and do the same things, but have enjoyed the new experiences in lifestyle. I've always said I don't want to know that I'm living in the house I'll die in, no matter how much I love it. I like change and new scenery, even if it's close to the last place I lived.

Yeah, you know I would. I've actually thought about that and think that is a part of what my problem is w/ our current house.

Yes, even though we have the fortunate circumstance to have the opportunity to know what house we are moving to I wouldn't want to stay in our current house if the other house wasn't a part of our known future. My MIL has often commented what a shame it is (referring to the town DH & I live in) and always says "Your house is so charming! If only we could pick it up and move it!" and I just shrug my shoulders and say "Nah, I'm ready for a different one.".

I chalk it up to moving so much as a child. I used to think that once I got a house I'd be in it forever - no more moving in my adult life, but I guess it's just imprinted on me! As a child my mind would always wonder about the new possibilities decorating wise and building wise about the new place we were living.

So many houses - so little time to live in them all!

Me thinks we may have scared the OP away. Sorry Cricket if that's the case.

I'm bored with my current house so, I vote YES!!

I agree there are just some people who can't help but throw a snarky, opinionated comment onto a thread. The OP wasn't asking for a psychological assessment.

Just because you have that feeling doesn't mean that your life isn't rewarding or fulfilled.

Actually, I see myself wanting to buy a slightly larger house and I have 1 in college, another out the door next year and a third in 6th grade. I see my family getting larger with the addition of spouses in the future, my parents perhaps having to come live with me, an aunt who would like to come and stay for longer than a few days etc. All of the above makes me feel my house isn't BIG enough to accommodate the changes I see in my future.

Plus, I want white wide molding woodwork and My DH won't let me retrim out our existing ugly wood stained 3" trimmed house...He thinks I'm nuts, and maybe I am!!

It's an interesting comment, but hopefully you take into account your finances and relationships...obviously. If you're looking to move and redecorate, I would suggest having fun on this Amish furniture site I would where you can figure out if your furniture will fit the dimensions of your new place.

Here is a link that might be useful: Furniture

I think I smell spam, care for any?

Everyone has different views on moving. I personally think it is too much work. If I was bored, I would think of alot of ways to improve the house I am in. To each his/her own. Do what ever makes you happy!

I don't know if boredom is the word I would use, but we have certainly moved a lot and we enjoy each new place. We've been in our current home only 4 years and we're getting VERY itchy to move again. I haven't lived in the same spot for more than 4 years since I was 13 so I think I'm just programmed this way...

Cricket what part of the country do you live in? I don't want for address but was just wondering are there things to do in your neck of the woods?

Aunt Jen as I told Parma "Bernardo" is quite gay. I've really made Bernardo famous, huh?

....Jane

Cricket, Have you considered a job or doing some meaningful volunteer work? Our two oldest have flown the nest, and our youngest is a junior in college. This year I took a new and exciting job. Bored......hell, no! Intellectually challenged.....yes, in every way. Time for obsessing about decorating? Well, you can guess the answer!

Seriously, look deep within you to find out what YOU want at this time in your life. This is a time when many women blossom!

Oh, please, can't you people understand - she's not bored with life, she's bored with her view - there is a big difference. Quit trying to "busy" her up, that's not what this is about!

Yep - Absolutely!
In fact, I mentioned this thread to Hubby this evening and his eyes positively lit up. He's ready for a change too. While we love our house and neighborhood, it's simply time for a change.
Hubby and I both love doing the 'Life Swap' every few years, and we're fortunate enough that the swap never means swapping out each other.

Good gravy some people should stop typing before they start. How on earth could you be so rude about such a silly question? Why compare her ability to move to your ability to buy a sofa or say you feel sorry for her? How do you justify that kind of snarky comment?

OP if you still are interested in GW (and I can guess the meanies scared you away) please, take a collective "I'm sorry there are mean people" from the heart.

I completely understand being bored by a house. Ladies, what if you lived in the same 1970's ranch for 20 years. You raised your kids in it, bought it cuz it made sense then stayed so they could stay in school...then they left? Your life could be perfectly happy and you still could be bored with your home or your architectural surroundings.

We live in a 1980's townhouse, and yes I love it, but I have sort of "done" it to death at this point. Paint won't inspire me again. Sure I'll make changes, but I'm really looking forward to the challenge of a victorian now. And I can see that in a few years we'll likely buy a different summer house in a totally different architrectural style because it will inspire me again, much like our new place, both inspire me while in it, and inspire me to love this place again because it's so different.

OP Go for it :) No need to volunteer, adopt orphans, raise elephants who escape from the zoo, read novels or bake til your brain falls out (for some that is not actually "fun"). Go start looking at homes that inspire you :) I think it sounds like great fun!!!

OP here: So sorry folks, I didn't mean to stir the pot! I realize now my question was too vague. I'm just bored with the house, not my whole life. I like change. I was just wondering if anyone has moved from a perfectly good house to another perfectly good house just for a change of scene, and new home improvement projects. Because I was suspecting that a lot of people have. : ) I liked reading all the different points of view, no offense taken.

I like the question, and I've often thought about it. Sadly as mostly a DIY'er, the thought of all that work stops me fast! Thankfully, I have several decor needy people in my circle of life who are glad when I pop over to help them re-decorate and provide suggestions. Amen to Igloo, Greenthumbfish and others that recognize surroundings can be BORING and creative outlets can be limited.

Imagine- does losing your mojo over cooking dinner every nightfor 20 years straight reflect a deep seated unhappiness in your life, a void that needs be analyzed or just the truism of the same old, same old... sometimes I joke when my kids scream 'mean mom' to me that jail would be a vacation to me- clean clothes, food, down time, but I know without a doubt the lack of decorating opportunities would be a real downer!

cricket, it's nice to hear from you !! you did not stir the pot at all, there was no pot to begin with, just a perfectly well formulated poll. Some people can't read between the lines I think.
I also enjoyed reading the different comments, I like topics like this.

I feel the same as igloochic~you finish up a place and than say to yourself, now what? You *love* your home, you're just not *in love* with it~i'm sure you've all heard this figure of speech used in re:to other things.

I wanted to get out of CA for years, but didn't have a clue how that was going to happen. It took several years~youngest DD married, DH was transferred to LA, and finally, the company he was with decideed to open an office in another state(it was either going to be NC or TX)and now i'm in Austin.

Cricket, sometimes you have to 'wide out the waves' and wait. Just sit on that idea awhile, sweetie. ;o)

Glad you came back to the topic. I know exactly what you mean and I just went through it..kind of. We've lived in the same house since 1980. The kids are grown and gone, the house was still small for the two of us.

We seriously looked at new houses and thought about building our own. Even made an offer on 5 acres. Thankfully they didn't accept it. lol. Instead we added on a new room, it's quite large, added on two rooms from the old living room, and completely gutted my kitchen, tore out a wall and made it larger.

I'm glad we did this because the huge oak trees we have all over our acre are full grown thanks to my dh planting each and every one of them when they were only a couple of feet tall.

My house now faces a different direction, so we have a completely different view!

Not only have I done so before, several times, but plan to again. It's not about being bored because there are not other things to do, but I love the challenge that decorating a new place presents; that's my "thing" I guess. There's only so many times I can repaint the same walls, look at the same view, re-arrange the furniture in the same room, blah, blah, blah. I'm now painting the last room in this house, could move tomorrow, and never look back (I never have). For me, it's the process, and not about getting to the end of the decorating journey.

OP here: So sorry folks, I didn't mean to stir the pot! You didn't!

Ok, glad you came back to clarify that you're not bored with your life. I read "bored, kids are in college. What do other people do" and took it from there.

If you're ready to move and can do it, and if that is what makes you happy, go for it! Why not.

If you're bored, take a lover; or something more sensible than moving. Sheesh. Buy high sell low is a fail. Does it make you any money?
Casey

Cricket - thanks for the post. Thought we were weird or something because we have moved - 3x in 10 years. All in the same zip code and school district. My daughter thinks everyone has their own realtor (ours currently lives across the street) and while DH sometimes comments that we're single-handedly making him rich, i know he feels the same as i do - that we often need a change (read: bored) We're in this house a year now. Getting ready for a kitchen remodel. Think we'll last less than 5 years total in this place. It's not our dream house, that's for sure... As long as we keep making a little $$ each time we sell, we're ok.

Cricket, you sound like you are calm, cool and collected. After reading all of those posts, you reply with "I like reading all the different points of view. No offense taken." That to me sums it up. You are ready for a new point of view as 12 years in the same house, with the kids now off to college, has you longing for a new location.

For some people, moving is super stressful and their home becomes a part of them and they want to stay forever. For others, moving is an adventure and not something they do only with a job transfer. It seems like you are ready for a new adventure and with your calm demeanor and amicable nature, you are sure to make lots of new friends and neighbors. Plus, get a whole new decorating opportunity.

OK. I admit it. I am a secret wannabe moveaholic. I am an Air Force brat who moved every two years while growing up and came to love it. I crave change just for the sake of it. New views, fresh perspectives, wide-open opportunities. Alas. I am married to (and in love with) a content-where-he-hangs-his-hat man. So... I paint rooms, make drapes, work on many projects at once, refinish furniture, create oil paintings.

But, I do not feel totally satisfied with where we live.
I want to move. The house we are living in is 10 feet away from our neighbor's house---we live in a historic district in a small, Southern city. I CRAVE a view and a lot more privacy.

So, yes, cricket0828, I think it is fine to move if you are bored, if you can afford the move and your DH is in agreement.

paint chips, you came very close to how I feel when you said, "Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that sometimes you just have to let life pull you along for a ride."

Do like I do. Just keep moving the furniture around and repaint. You think your in a new house! Of course you have to love to paint and move furniture.

Perhaps it's more to do with 'changes' in our lives! Children grown but our happy memories keep intruding, of dependent little ones, holidays and birthdays in this room or at that table.
So it's more about a new chapter, with just two main characters and the visiting young adults.
Fix up, remodel, or add on to your much loved home. It can be the master bath, family room, kitchen or the outside living area, any or all.
Your new views will go with your new life path as empty nesters, with time for traveling and pampering yourselves (if the economy allows).
Good neighbors are hard to find, same for nice neighborhoods. If you looking to downsize, let friends and several realtors know that you're looking in your same neighborhood!
Good luck!

Cricket, I like your question.

I would move, but DH would not. He moved a lot before we were married and does not like moving. My ex was military, so I got accustomed to moving. It is a great way to get the house really clean, LOL!

We have an ideal location now, but we are in a small house. The LR is not functional, and houses like ours were being torn down to build McMansions. There are some things I don't like about my house - you've made me wonder if those things will bother me more after I retire!

If your DH is willing, I would move. Definitely.

Yes. I bought a house only 41 months ago and already I'm bored with the neighborhood found that there's one bad neighbor with a loud Woldog,fie Rottweiler dog, and thinking about using my home equity to find something else and I've also noticed that there are better neighborhoods nearby!