As you start looking for a new place to live, one of the first things that will come up is how much space you need. The size of your family might have grown since you bought your last home, and now it’s time to move on. Some people are hesitant to buy a larger home because they don’t want the hassle of moving or letting go of old memories. But there are many other reasons why buying a bigger home could be right for you. Here are some signs that might mean it’s time for a change:
Your family is growing
As your family grows, you’ll need more space to accommodate everyone. Not only will each person need their own bedroom, but you’ll also need room for activities, storage, and maybe even a pet.
You can’t find anything in your price range
The price of your current home has become the ceiling of your search. You may have made some upgrades since you first bought it, but if interest rates are low and property values are high, you might have to stretch your budget to find a small place.
Instead, consider what type of house would be best for you now that your family is bigger. It could even mean that finding a smaller home might be more realistic until the time comes when you do need a larger one. Remember, you can consult experts like a trusted mortgage broker to help you along the way.
You can’t host everyone at once
It doesn’t matter how large or extravagant the space is. Eventually, someone will feel left out when there’s no room on the couch or floor for them to sleep. If you don’t want to rotate guests in and out or put them up in a hotel, it might be time for a bigger home.
You have to renovate often
If you’re constantly repairing or upgrading your home, that’s a sign that it’s time for something new. The repairs might not be too costly, but they’ll add up over time and take away from your quality of life. Plus, it can be challenging to get work done when you are constantly living in a construction zone.
Your kids’ bedrooms feel cramped
When your kids are little, everyone gets by with small rooms. But as they grow into teenagers, that’s when the room starts to feel tight. And then, all of a sudden, you have two not-so-little kids in one tiny bedroom. If this is the case, it’s probably time for a bigger home because everyone won’t have enough room.
The living room feels like an office instead of the gathering place
This is another sign that you need more space. If the living room is used as an office, it’s time to buy a bigger home with a designated area for work and relaxation. Consider how many need their own space for their careers or studies. This way, everyone in the family can have room for their activities and downtime without feeling cramped.
You don’t have enough storage
As your family grows, you’ll start accumulating more things. Toys, clothes, furniture, and appliances will take up more space than they did before, and you’ll need the extra room to hold everything. On top of that, your home might have multiple stories or have different rooms for different activities. If you can’t find enough storage in your current home, it’s probably time to upgrade.
Your yard is too small for the activities you want to do outdoors
Grilling in the summer, playing catch in the fall, building a snowman in the winter, and eating popsicles on the porch in the spring — these are all activities that should be enjoyed outdoors, but they can’t if you don’t have a space to do them. If your yard is too small (or non-existent), it’s time for a bigger home.
You’re starting to feel like you’re on top of each other
As the family size grows, so does the level of closeness. That’s great because it means everyone gets along and has each other’s back. But you might also feel cramped or have trouble finding time to get things done without being interrupted. If this is the case, you’ll need more space so everyone can have their own spot to relax and recharge.
Moving can be a daunting task for many families, but it doesn’t have to be if you’re prepared and know what to expect. You’ll need to make sure your kids are ready for the transition, get rid of extra stuff (don’t forget the garage sale!), and find a new home that’s right for you.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry — it’s normal. Just take it one step at a time, and soon enough, you’ll be in your new home, surrounded by family and friends.
