Why Can't I Stop Scrolling House Listings? Psychologists Uncover the Hidden Cravings

Understanding the Urge to Move

If you find yourself frequently scrolling through online listings or swiping through images of new spaces, this desire for change might extend beyond just being interested in interior design. The constant question of "should I move home?" can be overwhelming and distracting. But what causes this persistent longing for a new environment?

To explore this, I spoke with several experts who provided insights into the reasons behind this moving-daydream and how to break the cycle by finding contentment in your current space.

The Dopamine Treadmill

Daren Banarsë, MA, MBACP, a senior psychotherapist, explains that one of the main reasons people are stuck in a loop of looking at listings is due to the dopamine treadmill. Our brains are wired to seek novelty, and when we anticipate something new, the brain releases dopamine, a chemical that drives motivation. New environments trigger this same anticipation response, but once the novelty becomes familiar, dopamine levels drop. For those who crave novelty, this creates an addictive cycle where constant relocation becomes necessary to chase the initial excitement of newness.

He notes that the brain's reward system habituates quickly, meaning each new home provides diminishing returns, leading to a perpetual need for the next move. This cycle can result in constantly creating mental moving checklists whenever you see a beautiful space on the market.

Extroversion and Personality Traits

Dr. Ashwini Nadkarni, MD, a psychiatrist, highlights that certain personality traits can influence the frequency of moving. She points out that individuals with higher levels of extraversion may be more likely to move more often. Studies have shown that factors such as agreeableness, openness, extroversion, neuroticism, and conscientiousness can all play a role in how often someone feels the urge to relocate.

This suggests that personal and social attitudes can significantly impact the decision to move, making it essential to understand these traits when considering a change of scenery.

The 'Geographical Cure' Fallacy

According to Daren, many people believe that changing their external environment will resolve internal struggles, which he refers to as the 'geographical cure' fallacy. Moving offers the promise of a fresh start, but issues like anxiety, relationship patterns, and self-esteem often follow. This creates a gap between fantasy and reality, where the imagined new life seems more appealing than the present.

However, when problems resurface in the new location, the gap re-establishes itself, driving the urge to move again. A change of address does not equate to a complete reset beyond the aspect of design and space, so it's important to consider the reason for wanting to move before taking action.

Childhood Mobility Trauma

Daren also points out that frequent childhood moves can create lasting psychological imprints that persist into adulthood. A study by Clive E. Sabel, PhD, Carsten Bøcker Pedersen, DrMedSc, and Sussie Antonsen, MSc, found that adults who moved more than once between the ages of 10 to 15 were 61% more likely to develop depression in adulthood. These individuals often struggle with identity formation and develop more transient relationships with both places and people, making it psychologically easier to leave than commit to deep roots.

Recognizing past experiences and understanding how they may influence current behavior can help disrupt this long-standing pattern and aid in feeling joy right where you are.

How to Stop Compulsively Scouting Listings

Daren advises that recognizing the pattern of needing something else is the first step in breaking the cycle. He suggests taking a pause to simply breathe when the urge to browse listings arises. Practicing sitting with the discomfort of 'not enough' without immediately reaching for your phone can help learn that you can survive the feeling of wanting something different without acting on it.

Small changes, such as a living room remodel or some easy kitchen DIYs, can satiate the need for newness in small, warming ways. Before hiring movers and boxing up your home, take a moment to truly understand if you need a move or if it's just a passing want that's not worth giving in to.

Design Inspiration to Improve Your Current Home

For those looking to enhance their current space, there are several books that offer valuable design inspiration:

• Farrow and Ball – How to Redecorate by Joa Studholme & Charlotte Cosby: A guide to elevating your home with color and pattern.
• Curate by Lynda Gardener & Ali Heath: A lookbook of ideas to layer your home with intent.
• The Life Eclectic by Alexander Breeze: A treasure trove of design inspiration that transcends borders and time.

Understanding the guiding force behind the desire to move is key to making a decision you won't regret. If after some deliberation you still feel the urge for a change, consider slowly working on each living space in your home before making a permanent shift.