Moving On Up: 5 Signs It’s Time to Upsize

Picture this: you’ve been living in an apartment, condo, or smaller home for a few years, but you’re dreaming of something a little bigger. You feel like it’s the right time, but how can you know for sure? Here are 5 signs you’re ready to upsize, as well as tips and tricks for outfitting your new home.

Signs It’s Time to Upsize

You may be thinking about upsizing simply because you want more space, but there also might be specific reasons it’s the time for you. Here are some of the ones we brainstormed:

1. You’re growing a family or have family members moving in with you.

It’s important to have enough space for the family that you have or expect to grow. Whether you’re expecting a child or grandma is moving in with you, having your own space to relax in is a necessity. If you’re expecting changes in terms of numbers in the household, it’s time to upsize.

1. You can afford it.

Maybe you just got a new, higher-paying job or you have a better budgeting situation, allowing you to add more money to your savings per month. If upgrading is something you’d like to do, it may be the right time to do it. Be sure to factor in new maintenance expenses, higher taxes, and a higher mortgage. We recommend creating a spreadsheet and laying out your monthly expenses to find out how much you money you need. 

1. You want to relocate.

If you’re looking for jobs in a new area or simply want a change of scenery, upsizing in the process may be the way to go. Consider relocating to a more affordable neighborhood and how that will affect your expenses. Often a larger home in a less expensive area can be the same price as your smaller home. 

1. Your home feels cluttered, no matter how much stuff you get rid of

We all go through those phases where we want to throw away the clutter that has taken over our homes. But sometimes, there’s only so much you can throw away, and your space only seems to be getting smaller. This is a clear sign that it’s time to move somewhere with a bit more storage and space.

1. You want to host gatherings.

It can be difficult to gather a large group of friends in an apartment (especially when it comes to parking). If you love to host but struggle to find space, you should consider moving to a bigger home. On the Vermont Real Estate Company website, you can customize your searches for specific internal and external features. When communicating with an agent, tell them exactly what you’re looking for, whether it’s a large backyard, a spacious family room, or a chef’s kitchen. When they know what you want from your home, they can find the best places possible for you to view.

Identifying your must-haves

If you have decided it’s time to move, it’s important to identify some must-haves for your future home. These are things a prospective home must have in order for you to consider moving there. Here are some questions to ask yourself to pinpoint your essentials.

• How many bedrooms do you need?
• How many spare/guest bedrooms would you like to have?
• How many bathrooms do you need?
• Do you need an at-home office space?
• Do you have pets? Do you need a yard to accommodate them?
• What additional rooms are necessary for your enjoyment? (E.g. sitting room, mudroom, porch, etc.)
• Do you have any specific accessibility needs?
• How many people in your household can drive? How large of a driveway do you need to accommodate that?
• Do you need a garage?

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 you truly want. 

Outfitting your new home

Upgrading your home comes with new space to furnish and decorate; now is a great time to plan out each room for paint and interior design. If you’re looking to hire an interior designer, read our blog listing our top seven Vermont professionals.

It can be tempting to buy all-new items. For budget-conscious homeowners, the most valuable thing you can do is make a budget for the items you need to buy and how much you are willing to spend. This way, you can make sure you are not going over budget and maxing out your credit cards.

Whether have a set budget or your budget is limitless, buying new items can be expensive and can create more waste. Here are some tips for outfitting your home, considering a budget and environmentally-friendly approach:

1. Shop secondhand

A couch that someone didn’t like in their home might fit perfectly in yours. Look to Craigslist, eBay, Goodwill, and secondhand furniture stores to see what you can find at a discounted price. If you are a Facebook user, Facebook Marketplace can be a great place to find used items, as well as sell/swap and Buy Nothing Facebook groups.

1. Declutter your space before you move.

Go through what you have and determine what you no longer need/want. Some used items aren’t worth reselling, but if you have furniture, clothing, or decor items that are in good condition, it’s always good to put a bit of money back in your pocket. This will allow you to expand your budget for buying new or used items for your new home.

1. Temporary decor hacks

Colorful flooring and wallpaper is the current trend; maybe you saw some fun wallpaper on Pinterest or TikTok that you’d like to try in your home. Only, you don’t want to spend your whole budget on wallpaper. Peel & stick/removable wallpaper and flooring is extremely popular for those renting who want to spruce up their space, and it’s also a great option for new homeowners who have yet to make a decision on their decorations. 

1. Don’t rely on DIYs, but don’t shy away from them either

Some are more craft than others, and you likely know which category you fit into. But, if you find a DIY that looks manageable, easy, and relatively inexpensive or using items you already have, why not give it a shot?

1. Browse the clearance section

Some of the best decor can be found in the clearance section of a department store. Whether you want to save a few dollars on candles or find a great deal on some glassware, the clearance section will be your best friend. If you’re shopping online, add items to your cart and leave them there for a day. If you have an account, often the store will send you an email with a discount code for the items you “forgot” in your cart!

Although you can continue using your credit card before the closing on your home, it’s important to avoid large purchases, as lenders want to know you can be responsible with your money and theirs. If you must make a necessary large purchase, consider having a conversation with your lender and create a plan that involves both of you. Maxing out your credit card before closing is a dangerous way to get your loan (and house) taken from you.

Don’t let yourself go bankrupt before you move into your new home. It’s okay to have an empty room for a few months while you get settled in.