Do you have a growing family? Maybe the number isn't increasing, but the size of your children is. It's not uncommon for an elderly parent or parents to move in. Perhaps a new capability to work from home helped you realize there's no good area for an office in your current house. Or maybe you just took up a new hobby that requires it's own room. Whatever the reason may be, you are now considering moving into a larger home.

Lifestyle Considerations

Can you afford a bigger house? Everything about moving up will cost more.
Do you have the time it will take for upkeep?
Will any family members be moving out in the near future?
Is the possibility of having extra unused space okay?
Are there more stairs? Will steps be problematic for anyone now or in the near future?

Benefits
There are several different reasons that we may decide it's time to buy a larger home. There will be benefits and possible drawbacks. Here are some things to consider before making a decision.

1. More space- probably the biggest reason for moving into larger homes is for the extra space. Growing families, needing a home office or wanting more privacy are all popular and valid reasons for moving up. Gaining 1, 2 or more extra bedrooms means not having to move again for many years, if ever.
2. A better, more preferred layout may be a key feature in a bigger home. An open concept rather than cozy closed off rooms may gain you a larger kitchen.  Perhaps a master bath is what you are after.  Renovating and adding onto a smaller home can be as costly as buying a larger home with the layout we desire.
3. Possibly gaining a larger yard is a big dream for those with kids, dogs or are avid landscapers. We all want space to run and play.
4. Larger tax deduction, who doesn't love that?

Downfalls

1. More space means higher utility bills. Heating and cooling that extra space adds up.
2. More space  means most improvements or changes may be more expensive. More paint, more flooring, more carpet, more window treatments, more bathrooms, etc.
3. If a bigger yard comes with your bigger house, there will be more lawn care needed.
4. Higher property taxes, no one loves this.

When the time comes to move up to a bigger house, it's exciting to consider having a different layout and more space. Check out the "During" page for some considerations to make before putting your current home on the market.

Once you have moved into your new larger home, the fun begins! Often there will be extra room that requires furniture and decorating of some sort: children's bedrooms, an office or meditation space, a spare bedroom for guests, bigger kitchen and bathrooms. Hiring a home stager is a wonderful way to learn how many items are truly needed to decorate and make your home feel comfortable and welcoming.   See my Home Stager recommendations under Resources.

As you unpack your new home, your pile of empty moving boxes will continue to grow. There are several easy ways that you can get rid of them. One is posting them on your local Craigslist site. Another is to contact me, your trusted Realtor. I always have clients who are moving and need moving boxes.

Have fun making your new house a home, and enjoy having more space!