Is it finally time to move into a bigger home? For most homeowners there will come a time when your current home no longer fits your needs. How do you know if it’s time to sell your current home and buy a new one? Here are 5 signs that you’ve outgrown your current home.
Changes in Family Size
Perhaps the most common reason for needing to upsize your home is the addition (or return) of children, a spouse, an elderly parent, or furry friends. Adding even one person or pet can quickly make your home feel overcrowded, especially if your children are old enough to need their own space. Your cozy two-bedroom home might have sufficed before, but with an expanding family, you may find yourself in need of additional bedrooms, more bathrooms, or a larger living area. A new addition generally means your catch-all/home office/workout room is now also someone’s bedroom. It’s a domino effect, the elimination of this room then means you’re squeezing your workout or zoom call into another area that starts to feel congested. So if this new family member isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, it could be time to start looking for a bigger space for your family.
Lack of Storage
Insufficient storage can quickly turn a home into a cluttered and disorganized space. If you’re finding yourself struggling with places to store your belongings, and have maxed out your home’s storage potential, it’s a sign that your current home is lacking the necessary storage capacity. Off-site storage units are nota permanent solution, and you’ll want to consider moving to a home with ample storage options that can provide the organization and functionality you need.
You’re Not Living Up to Your Hosting Potential
There have been several times in the last year you’ve chosen not to host something because you didn’t have the space. It’s not like you need the biggest home in the city, but if the size of your current space can’t accommodate all the guests you’d like to entertain, a larger home with a dining room, patio or bigger kitchen might be a better fit. If you’re constantly looking for excuses not to host at your home, you may be happier in a place that better suits your needs.
Change in Lifestyle
As your lifestyle changes, so do your housing preferences. Perhaps you’ve developed new hobbies or activities that require a dedicated space like a home office or workout area. Your home should help you pursue the things you want in life. If your lifestyle has changed significantly or you made some sacrifices when you first moved in, consider finding a home that facilitates your desired lifestyle rather than restricts it.
You’re House Hunting Even Though You’re Not Officially Looking
If you spend tons of time looking at other homes online and daydreaming about your perfect home, the home you have may not be the one you really want. I mean beyond just looking at those beautiful new builds; you’re looking at realistic, attainable homes and investing time into checking if it’s a suitable area for your family to live. Take this as a sign to start looking for a home that will make those dreams a reality.
Identifying Your Must - Haves
If you’ve decided it’s time to upsize, it’s important to identify some of your must-haves for your home search. Make a list of must-haves and nice-to-haves that will have an influence on your housing choices. This will make it easier to narrow down your search to get something that will accommodate your need for a bigger space.
Acknowledging when your current living space no longer fits your needs is the first step toward a happier life for you and your family. It can be hard to part with a place where you've made so many memories but being honest and objective about your situation will help. Things change, and if your current home isn't meeting your needs, it's time to move on. If you feel like you’re ready to start looking for your next chapter, I’d be happy to help with your search!
