I know that by very nature of this forum and our love for trains pretty much everybody will say "Don't do it!"
Do I love model trains. YES very much so. I have great enjoyment from modeling the ATSF steam era and I also really enjoy messing with control systems, computer control, PS/2 upgrades and all the tech that goes along with it. I'm a UNIX guy by trade so hacking and tinkering are in my very nature.
Reality check - Wife, 2 sons and myself are moving. We're moving overseas and will likely move many more times in the next 5-8 years. We'll be in small apartments and likely other interim arrangements. There's won't be a permanent layout for at least 10 years if ever. Some of the cities that we will likely end up in just don't have the space at my price point to build anything unless it is a small carpet central. Honestly, I don't see running 3rd Rail engines and GGD cars on a carpet central.
Next reality check - Where would all the trains GO? Storage? If storage where? In the USA? Seems a poor location as I'll be in Australia. Ship and store in Australia for 10 years? That doesn't seem like a good plan either. Even after 10 years it won't be likely that I'll be building a new layout.
Taking a hard look at it.... Choices... I don't see giving up on a great job opportunity and a really nice future for my family simply because I want a basement full of trains. That just doesn't jive at all. Also, it isn't like model trains are my only hobby. Astronomy/Astro-Physics is also a big deal in my world. I presently own a very nice telescope and while cumbersome all the telescope gear is portable and can by stored in a closet. Astronomy, can travel with me where ever I end up. That's a big plus!
As, you can see I'm strongly leaning toward selling. It just kills me tho. I love model trains. Will, I regret it? No doubt, of course I will. Is it the better choice? I think so. Storing trains for 10+ years doesn't exactly allow me to enjoy them. I'd only be stressing over them, paying for storage and insurance for quite some time. At present I figure sell it all, take the cash, invest it in some long term stocks and if in 10 years I'm someplace where I can do model trains again I will have made some money (hopefully) instead of spent money on storage and insurance, and I can start again. I'd likely switch to 2-Rail and I've always had a desire to do On3. On3 is great from a size and space issue. I'd likely be in a much smaller space in the future anyway.
