Your 2026 “Where” Checklist

Five key questions to help you decide if this is the year to explore a move

The start of a new year has a way of clarifying things. After the rush of the holidays, many families find themselves taking a breath and quietly asking: Is this still working? Does our space support our routines? Are our days harder than they need to be? Are we set up for the year ahead, or just pushing through on autopilot?

If you’ve been feeling an itch for change, you’re not alone. Before jumping to Zillow or dismissing the idea altogether, it can help to slow down and take stock. This simple 2026 “where” checklist is designed to help you assess whether a move is worth exploring this year, and what kind of “where” might actually serve you better. 

1. Are new routines coming in 2026?

The year ahead often brings quiet shifts that deserve more attention than they get.

Are you preparing for a new school phase?
A change in work structure: more time at home, or more time commuting?
Different childcare needs?
A growing family or kids who suddenly need less hands-on care and more independence?

Moves tend to work best when they’re aligned with what’s coming next, not just what’s been hard in the past. If your routines are changing anyway, it may be worth asking whether your current location is still the right foundation, or whether a different setup could support those changes more seamlessly.

2. Did your home truly meet your needs in 2025?

Think back over the past year. Not just the highlights, but the day-to-day reality.

Did your home support how you live now? Or did you find yourself constantly making do: working at the kitchen table, juggling too few bedrooms, navigating tight layouts that suddenly feel less forgiving, or wishing for outdoor space that doesn’t exist?

Needs evolve quietly. What worked when your kids were toddlers may feel tight now. What felt exciting in your pre-hybrid-work life may feel limiting today. This isn’t about wanting “more,” but about whether your current space aligns with your current stage.

If your answer is “mostly, but…” that’s often the first signal worth paying attention to.

3. Where did your stress actually come from?

When days felt overwhelming in 2025, what was at the root of it?

Was it your space: too loud, too small, too hard to manage?
Your commute: hectic, unpredictable, or draining?
Your community: feeling disconnected, stretched thin, or lacking support?
Or something else entirely?

Stress has many sources, but housing and location quietly amplify or ease it. A stressful commute can derail your entire day. A lack of nearby childcare or schools that don’t align can create constant friction. On the flip side, the right setup can remove dozens of small stressors you’ve learned to live with.

Identifying where the pressure comes from is often more helpful than asking whether you’re “ready to move.”

4. What would make daily life feel easier or more joyful?

Set aside what you think you should be prioritizing. Think about your actual days.

What would make mornings smoother?
What would give you back time or energy?
What would make weekends feel more restorative?

For some families, it’s walkability — to school, the train, or a favorite coffee shop. For others, it’s more space to spread out, a yard, or proximity to nature. Sometimes it’s less about the house itself and more about the rhythm of the town: shorter drives, stronger community ties, or a pace that feels more human.

Ease and joy are often the best indicators of fit, and they look different for every family.

5. What kind of community would support the year you want to have?

This is often the most overlooked question, and one of the most important.

Do you want a community where neighbors know each other?
Where kids can walk or bike independently?
Where there’s built-in social life, or quiet space to retreat?
Where you feel grounded, supported, and less like you’re doing everything alone?

Community isn’t about perfection. It’s about fit. And it plays a major role in how a place feels once the boxes are unpacked and real life begins.

Turning reflection into a plan

If reading through this 2026 “where” checklist sparked clarity, or even more questions, that’s a good thing! Exploring a move doesn’t mean committing to one. It means giving yourself the space to think intentionally about what you want your life to look like next.

At Suburban Jungle, we partner with families from day one. Our first call is about really getting to know you and your lifestyle. We listen, we ask questions, and we help you connect the dots between your reflections and real-world options. From there, we strategize and plan, at your pace, with no pressure.

Whether 2026 is the year you move or simply the year you get clearer on your “where,” having a thoughtful framework, and the right partner, can make all the difference.

For more insights, visit Suburban Jungle’s blog page on our website.

Curious what your 2026 “where” could look like? Schedule a free initial strategy call today.