Not every home lasts forever. Families expand, lifestyles grow to include more activities, and valuables and decor double or triple. No matter the reason your beloved house has become too cramped, it’s easy to struggle with whether or not it’s time for a bigger one instead of downsizing your belongings.
Explore below and find the clear signs it’s time to upsize your home instead of reorganizing it.
#1 You Can Afford It
An upsized home brings greater expenses, causing increased mortgage payments and likely surprise maintenance and repair costs. This may sound like bad news, but it’s much closer to an opportunity. If your financial situation has improved since your last home purchase, engaging a mortgage lender is a good idea. Meeting for a consultation can provide insights on securing a mortgage for a larger home while ensuring financial stability and the ability to live within your means comfortably.
#2 You Want More Space without Overstretching Your Budget
Are you looking for a larger home without exceeding your financial boundaries? Relocating could be a strategic move. Exploring areas with more affordable housing options allows for a spacious home that fits comfortably within your means. While Washington and California have some of the highest median home prices in the US, there are still some great and affordable places to live in the Pacific Northwest. For example, Forbes reports that Washington’s median home price is $602,00. However, according to Zillow, Port Angeles in Washington has an average home value of $446,010. In the same vein, Oregon has a median home value of $502,000, while Baker City, OR, has an average home value of $248,852. In other words, every state has an affordable city or town where you can live with an upsized home without breaking the bank.
#3 You Dream of Having More Time with Your Family
For retirees, envisioning more family moments with kids and grandchildren is both common and significant. A larger home offers space for hosting expansive family gatherings, particularly during festive occasions. Additional bedrooms cater to comfortable stays for overnight guests, ensuring everyone has a cozy space to rest and bond. Upgrading to a bigger house not only nurtures quality family time but also accommodates multigenerational experiences, fostering lasting memories.
#4 You Can't Have ‘_’ Because of Space Constraints
Your current home’s limitations might constrain wants like having pets or upgrading furniture and appliances.
Upsizing your living space opens doors to fulfilling long-held dreams, such as creating ample room for your wanted pets. Larger yards allow dogs to run within secure enclosures, while designated Catios offer felines an outdoor experience without disrupting the local wildlife. Additionally, a more spacious home enables responsible ownership of exotic pets by accommodating appropriately sized enclosures.
Expanding your living quarters also allows for investing in comfortable and luxurious furnishings, such as intricately carved rocking chairs or designer sofa sets. Moreover, it provides the canvas for integrating cutting-edge technology, whether for immersive movie experiences with a surround sound system or to support your hobbies and interests.
#5 You Dream of Having More Space or Privacy
Dreaming of a larger yard where kids can relish playtime away from screens or expanded living areas to accommodate elderly loved ones are common goals. There are times you wish for a space of your own.
The pandemic-induced shift to remote work has added the need for more home space. With more people working from home, a dedicated home office space has become more necessary than luxury. A way to achieve this is to expand your living space by moving to a bigger home or adding an additional dwelling unit (ADU) to your property.
The evolution of your family’s needs underscores the necessity for adaptable homes and expanded space. As life unfolds, the demand for additional room and suitable arrangements becomes paramount to a harmonious and functional household.
#6 No Matter How Much You Declutter, It's Still Cluttered
Your home looks… a little too lived in. No matter how much you clean and organize, it feels cluttered. The window sill doubles as an umbrella rack, bathroom schedules become routine, and meal times result in some family members resorting to eating in the living room due to space constraints.
Transitioning to a larger home allows your family to find ample breathing room, fostering harmonious coexistence among members and their possessions. A spacious environment not only accommodates the physical space needed but also nurtures a sense of comfort and privacy within the household.
#7 Your Family is Getting Bigger
As family dynamics evolve, scenarios like the arrival of a new child, your kids growing older, or the welcoming of additional relatives into your household may arise. These changes often call for a larger living environment, especially when considering long-term sleeping arrangements for everyone. Adapting to changing family needs may mean seeking a more spacious home to accommodate these new dynamics effectively.
If you feel it’s time to upsize your home, learn the factors you need to consider in “Should I Upsize My Home? Four Major Factors to Consider.“
