How do you know when you’re really ready to upgrade to a larger house? That question is a tricky one to answer and it should never be taken lightly.
Maybe, in your case, you just might need a bit more space to move around. Maybe it’s too crowded in the four little rooms you currently have – the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living room.
Or, maybe you’re just looking to change up your lifestyle because the place you’re currently living in doesn’t allow you the freedom to have get-togethers often. Not to mention, adding a member to the family is near impossible in a place that’s too small.
There are so many different reasons to upgrade your home and there are countless situations that could lead you to make that decision. Thankfully, we’re going to talk about the most common reasons and situations below, to get you feeling more confident about your decision.
If you think you’re definitely ready to move on from your current home, pay attention to these signs and then start your hunt for a new place to live.
Reason #1: Your Family Is Growing
Two-bedroom homes are great starters, especially for someone single. Dedicated couples and newlyweds often begin living together in a two-bedroom house. However, if you’re trying to add kids to the mix, you may find yourself quickly outgrowing the “cozy” place you’re currently living in.
The bedrooms are not the only potential dilemma in this situation, though. If you don’t have extra living spaces, your growing family may get antsy. For example, if your living room is operating as a dining and living room (and maybe your at-home office as well), you may need some more space. A growing family will need extra space for things like kids toys, a place for the adults to relax to themselves, and maybe even a bigger yard to enjoy the Florida weather in.
Reason #2: You’re Outgrowing Your Storage
There are only so many Ikea storage cubbies you can set up before you run out of space to put things in. If you’re running low on areas to house common items, that’s a telltale reason to upgrade your home. Maybe you’re not fitting all the pots and pans in your kitchen cabinets. Then a couple of weeks later, you can’t fit all the clothing that you and your housemates have in the tiny closets. A few months later, all the junk you own starts to pile up and you have no idea where to put it.
Don’t start looking at a storage facility, though! That might be even more money per month than buying a home with a slightly higher mortgage. Instead, consider that a home with more rooms may be your next big move. Especially if you’re thinking about having a child, installing an office, or wanting a second bathroom.
Reason #3: You Received A Raise Or Got A Better Job Opportunity
More often than not, homeowners will think about purchasing a larger, more expensive home when they’ve figured out that they can afford it. Getting a raise at work or a better-paying job will definitely help move the process along – so getting a bigger and better home is a reasonable thing to do. Additionally, if your new job will mean a substantially longer commute, it could be more beneficial to move closer to your new gig.
However, we don’t think it’s a good idea to use a raise or better job opportunity as an excuse to just go out on a whim and buy a new home. But, if it’s the right time, we also don’t suggest holding back. After all, you may be yearning for a better location, more home upgrades, and bigger yard space.
Reason #4: You Really Want Some More Rooms In The House
Additional rooms are a necessity, especially when other rooms are working overtime like we talked about before. Let’s put it this way: there’s no reason that a living room should be acting as a classroom, office, playroom, movie theater, AND living room. This is your first clue that you need some extra rooms in the house that you’re living in. Who wants to have the kids in the corner of a tiny living area throwing blocks and books around when you’re trying to watch the newest film on your at home movie theater projector?
Reason #5: The Lifestyle Your Currently Living Has Changed
Your lifestyle can change in the blink of an eye. For example, getting married may warrant a home upgrade, depending on your current living situation. Or you may decide that you really want to get into gardening and need more outdoor space, or start hosting fancy parties and need a formal dining room. Perhaps a family member who has always lived close by will be relocating, and you want to make sure you have a comfortable guest room for them to stay in when they come back to visit you. A cramped living space can really cramp your style, so a change in home may be in your near future if your lifestyle is about to change, too.