Essay (Consists of three parts)

Running head: THE PERILS OF MOVING 1

The Perils of Moving: An Exploration of the Pros and Cons

John Brown

Sullivan University

ENG 101: Composition I

October 30, 2011

THE PERILS OF MOVING 2

Abstract

Moving can be an incredibly difficult process. In fact, some people dread moving so much that

they will stay in one location for years, regardless of space limitations, neighborhood problems,

or any other number of obstacles which present themselves. This can lead to added stress and

frustration. In the end, however, moving doesn‟t have to be a traumatic event. By doing some

initial research and planning, even the inexperienced mover can learn how to make this process

not just easier, but actually enjoyable as well.

Keywords: moving, space limitations, initial research and planning, easier, enjoyable

THE PERILS OF MOVING 3

The Perils of Moving: An Exploration of the Pros and Cons

Moving is all too often a dreaded word, carrying with it associations of countless

cardboard boxes, rental trucks, and endless headaches/frustrations. While this is sometimes the

case, moving doesn‟t have to be a nightmare. In fact, with preliminary research and proper

planning, moving can actually be an enjoyable and worthwhile experience.

People have been moving, in one form or another, since the beginning of time. It is a

natural part of life. It could be argued that humankind was not meant to stay in one place for life.

People tend to go where the action is, whether action is defined as food, resources, jobs, or

entertainment (Taylor, 2009). The question soon emerges, then: why is moving such a daunting

task? Perhaps a better question, however, is why do so many people avoid it, even when a move

would clearly be in their best interest?

On a very basic level, a better understanding of “home” can help answer the questions

above. According to Jones (2011), “the notion of „home,‟ like the notion of „love,‟ has been

romanticized to the point that the term is essentially meaningless. Perhaps „home‟ can best be

defined as the place where our mail is sent” (para. 5). While Jones makes an interesting point, he

misses something essential—home is love. It is where we find comfort, companionship, and joy.

It is also a place of memories. Moving, then, results in parting with all the memories one has

made in a particular location. “Home,” then, can be defined very simply as a “house” for the

individual‟s memories and associations from a given period of his/her life. To relocate is to take

a step in a new direction, and this can be very scary.

Furthermore, a challenge many face is deciding when it is time to move. Far too many

people commit to one geographical location and adopt the mindset that this is home, regardless

THE PERILS OF MOVING 4

..... Continue to end of body of paper…….

THE PERILS OF MOVING 5

References

Barry, T. (2000, August 9). Moving can be liberating. Louisville Eccentric Observer, p. 48.

Retrieved from ProQuest database.

Cierrad, I. (2010). Homes from home: Memories and projections. Home Cultures, 7(1), 85-102.

doi: 10.2752/175174210X12591523182788

Jones, H. T. (2011). Moving and shaking: A postmodern dilemma. Cincinnati, OH: Penguin.

Taylor, J. (2009). Home and hearth: Loving the space you are with. The Journal of Relocation,

3(7), 111-115. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database.