Would you move to a smaller house to be nearer to school?

Rockporkchop

I would be extremely grateful for any opinions, particularly from anyone who has done anything similar. Apologies in advance if this is long and boring.

My triplets started reception in September, at three different schools, approx 5-6 miles away from home but close to each other. They are all extremely happy and thriving where they are so we are really pleased about that and will not be changing their schools. However, I completely underestimated the nightmare that is the school run. With various roadworks and redirections etc, I spent a total of 3.2 hours in the car on Friday just doing school runs. We do make the best of the time in the car and do chat, sing, listen to audio books, watch DVDs, but it's still boring after a while. I also totally underestimated the cost of the petrol, which came to £340 last month alone (compared to £30 per month when they were at preschool).

We are very happy with our house, it is a fairly modest detached house with garage, plenty of parking, nice neighbourhood, plenty of forests and parks nearby.

However, a house has become available which is walking distance to school and within our price range (similar value to current house). But it is a much smaller Victorian terraced house with residents parking permits and small garden. It needs completely redoing but could be a lovely house. Decent area (for London) and also very close to the station, which would save DH and I at least 20 mins each way on our respective commutes.

So do we all continue wasting many hours travelling for the next seven years and many thousands of pounds but coming home to and enjoying what we believed was was our forever home, or move nearer to school/work and gain lots of extra time every day but live in a much smaller house with barely any outside space.

I can't work out whether we would have a better quality of life by living in a lovely house and area but having to travel a lot or living in a smaller house in a more urban, built up area but having more time as a family. I would be devastated to give up my lovely home and then regret the decision.

emsywoo123

Tough question

From the way you've phrased your post, it reads like you do want to move. I personally don't think I would, but it think its just something you and your OH will have to decide.

May I ask (and obviously this is not a compulsory question :rotfl: ) but why do they go to 3 different schools?

fluffnutter

The research on commuting suggests that people overestimate how important a particular house is and underestimate how exhausting their commute can be.

Basically, people are happier if they live closer to work even if they're not in their 'dream home'. Bricks and mortar are just that - it's the stamp you put on a place, the people in it, the joy you have there that makes it your home. My only caveat would be the lack of outside space if you're a family that makes frequent use of the garden. But.. are there nice parks nearby? Being outside doesn't have to be in your own grounds and as your kids get older, they'll be venturing further afield anyway.

My personal opinion is that you should move. It's exciting to be in a new home!

Kayalana99

Have you considered renting your first house and buying a second? That way you could live in the one nearer to the school & work but still have your forever home to retire to? In these situations you tend to know what your going to anyway but thought this is one way you could have both?

I know how sentimental houses can be I always said when I was younger I would buy back my parents house if I ever had the cash. Don't think I'll get thier now tho as its 5bed on its own private street.

Ladyhawk

Only you know in your heart what you want to do but I would seriously consider moving

Rockporkchop

emsywoo123 wrote: »

Tough question

From the way you've phrased your post, it reads like you do want to move. I personally don't think I would, but it think its just something you and your OH will have to decide.

May I ask (and obviously this is not a compulsory question :rotfl: ) but why do they go to 3 different schools?

Thanks very much. DS is at special school, DD1 at all girl school and tomboy DD2 at mixed school round corner to DD1.

Wow well done on your weight loss.

Spendless

I'd be looking at having the triplets at the same school and then moving to be near that school that has 3 places, unless you have really exonerating circumstances that mean 3 schools are needed, eg 2 of them have special needs and are at schools most appropriate for them.

Rockporkchop

Kayalana99 wrote: »

Have you considered renting your first house and buying a second? That way you could live in the one nearer to the school & work but still have your forever home to retire to? In these situations you tend to know what your going to anyway but thought this is one way you could have both?

I know how sentimental houses can be I always said when I was younger I would buy back my parents house if I ever had the cash. Don't think I'll get thier now tho as its 5bed on its own private street.

Thanks - I would love to do that and we looked into it but the rent wouldn't cover the mortgage and we would never get a loan on top for the new house too.

Hope you do get your dream of buying back your parents' house. I'll let you know if my numbers come up!

365days

Rent out your house and rent one nearer?? See how it works for a year then decide whether to bite the bullet and sell?

Ok just seen that won't work.

Spendless

What is smaller in terms of the rooms of the house, something manageable eg a smaller dining room, or only 3 beds instead of 4 or something that is really going to compromise you on space?

Rockporkchop

Spendless wrote: »

I'd be looking at having the triplets at the same school and then moving to be near that school that has 3 places, unless you have really exonerating circumstances that mean 3 schools are needed, eg 2 of them have special needs and are at schools most appropriate for them.

That's basically the situation we are in, although we are lucky that all schools are close together and have different start and finish times.