Moving is a big decision. Finding a new place to live, packing (then unpacking), starting a new job, having your kids go to a new school—relocating is a big life change.

Sometimes you have no choice but to move. For instance, you just got an incredible job offer you can’t pass on that requires you to relocate to a new state. Or you’re furthering your education and have to move for school.

However, sometimes moving may be good for you, even if you don’t necessarily have to. For example, you might want to be closer to family, or being in a new neighborhood would fit better for your lifestyle. Here are some signs that it may be time to find a new home.

1. What you want and need out of your neighborhood has changed.

The things you need from your surrounding neighborhood can evolve and change. For example, when you first moved into your current home, you might have been looking to be close to bars and nightlife. Now, you want to be in a quiet neighborhood with access to outdoor community spaces and close to your favorite Pilates studios. Another example is being close to public transportation was essential to you, but you now have a vehicle and no longer need to be near a train line. Review what you want in a neighborhood and see if it aligns with your surroundings.

2. You want a pet.

Congratulations! You decided you wanted to expand your family with a cat or dog. However, your landlord doesn’t allow pets, or your backyard is too small for a dog. When looking for a new home for your family and new furry friends, consider outdoor space, the surrounding area for walks and playtime, and steps, which can sometimes be taxing on animals’ joints.

3. You need more (or less) space.

How much space you need can change over time. You may have moved into your current space as a single person, but now you’re living with your partner, and your one-room bachelor(ette) pad is too small for you two. Or you may have thought you needed a dining room but realize you don’t eat there. When considering how much space you need when moving, balance out your current needs and future desires, whether it’s a dedicated office, library, or guest bedroom.

4. You want to be closer to family.

Previously, you might have liked the freedom and space that came with not living close to family. However, whether you now have kids and you want them to grow up near your family, your siblings just had a baby that you want to see grow up, your parents need your help, or you simply might just want to spend more time with your family, it might be a good idea to move closer to them. When choosing a new home closer to family, consider other factors, like job opportunities, cost of living, and school districts. Also, consider how close you want to live to your family, whether it’s the same neighborhood or just driving distance.

5. You want to be in a different school district for your kids.

When you first moved in, you might not have had kids, or they were so young that the school district wasn’t a factor when picking a home. However, you now have school-age kids and you’re dissatisfied with the school district that you live in. Consider researching and visiting different schools and their accompanying neighborhoods to see what’s the perfect match for your family.

6. You want to decrease your commute to work.

Often we change jobs more frequently than we move. The job that you have now may not be the job that you had when you first moved into your current home. And while your previous job’s 10-minute commute was perfect, you’re new job’s hour commute is too time-consuming and causes undue stress. You might consider moving closer to your new job to decrease the time you’re in the car, and (bonus) how much gas you’re putting in your tank.