More space. That tops the list when you upgrade to a bigger house—but bigger isn’t better if the new home isn’t spacious in the right places. So before you go house hunting, evaluate where you need the extra space.
If you’re unsure if you’ve reached the point where a move is warranted, and you wonder what kind of additional space you might like, here are some things to consider:
- Additional Space for Kids: Life changes and our homes must change also. As children grow, they require more space to play, study, and have privacy. A larger home can provide them with their own rooms, a dedicated play area, and more.
- Storage: Do you need more closet or storage space? A home with more space could be the answer. As your family grows, you tend to accumulate more possessions. A bigger home can provide additional storage space for clothes, toys, and other items.
- Guests: With a larger family, hosting guests becomes more challenging. A bigger home can provide additional bedrooms or guest quarters for visitors.
- Family Planning: You may be planning to have more children in the future or maybe you will need to accommodate aging parents or family members.
- Better Quality of Life: A bigger home can provide a more comfortable and spacious living environment, which can improve the overall quality of life for the family.
- Home Office: Many workers opt for telecommuting from home. So if your kitchen is your office, it might be time to look for a new home with extra room for a home office.
- Outdoor Entertaining: Home design trends over the last couple of decades has seen a rise in outdoor living and entertaining areas. You might have outgrown your yard if you crave space for an outdoor living or dining area.
- Lifestyle: The square footage might be fine, but you would prefer a different floor plan, more open, single story, more windows, etc.? Instead of remodeling, it might make more sense to move (i.e., Love It or List It?).
Your reasons for moving will be as unique as you are. The above are just a few considerations that will help you decide if you have outgrown your current home. Bottom line: Does your home still meets your needs and wants?
