Quite often people are so eager to move into a bigger home that all they can think about is the size of it – a bigger kitchen, more bedrooms, a media room! But, in the end, upsizing can lead to living in a house that really doesn’t suit them or their lifestyle.
Here are some reasons why transitioning into a bigger home might not be the right move:
Poor Layout and Limited Storage Options
I recently worked with a family that moved into a huge new home. Despite the six bedrooms and full basement, there was little storage for things like bikes, camping gear and holiday decorations. All these items had to be stored in the garage, so there wasn’t any room for their two cars.
Often I step into a new house and notice the builder hasn’t accommodated any space for coat and shoe storage at the front door (no, kids are not going to walk to the closet), pantries that don’t have the capacity to hold bulk food items or laundry rooms that aren’t big enough to hold an ironing board.
When you’re looking for a new home, be sure to think about your storage needs and general day-to-day flow. (“I come in and drop my keys here…” and so on.)
Bigger Cost
This is an obvious one. The bigger the home, the more it will cost to fill with furniture, window coverings and accessories. There might be some surprises too. For example, if your house comes with small closets, you may need to purchase armoires or linen chests just to hold your clothes or towels.
And of course, when you upsize, it will cost more to operate. Expect an increase in your bills and property taxes. “House poor” is a real concept!
More Maintenance
A larger home might mean a bigger lawn, or maybe even a pool or hot tub. While it may sound fantastic, will you enjoy the upkeep and repairs necessary to maintain your larger home?
If you dread gardening, shovelling the massive driveway in winter or cleaning your extensive gutters, a big house might not be the right fit (unless you want to pay someone else to maintain it!).
So, before upsizing, think about your lifestyle and what you need in a home. A bigger house might not be the solution.
If you’re planning a move in the future, Out of Chaos is here to help. Check out our Move Management Services.
I couldn’t agree with your more, Linda. It seems as though it might be easier to stay organized in a smaller, well-designed home with proper storage. And, of course, less stuff!
One would anticipate that the smaller the home, the less stuff one can amass (although not always :).