As your family grows or your lifestyle evolves the question often comes up: is your home still the right fit? It’s easy to become attached to a home, especially if it’s filled with lasting memories. However, when considering your family’s comfort and long-term happiness the size and functionality of your home become critical.
A home that once felt spacious might now seem cramped as needs change and your family grows. So how do you determine if your home is big enough for your family? Let’s dive into some key considerations.
Bedrooms & Bathrooms: Are You Outgrowing Them?
One of the most obvious indicators that your home may no longer fit your family’s needs is the size and/or number of bedrooms and bathrooms. As children grow they often require more space. Sharing bedrooms might have worked when your children were young but as they reach their teenage years privacy becomes more and more important. If your children are starting to ask for their own rooms or if the rooms you have feel small and cluttered then that might be a sign that you need more space.
The number of bathrooms can also drastically impact your family’s daily routine. A single bathroom for a family of four or five can lead to morning rushes, frustration and a lack of privacy. Multiple bathrooms or at least a larger shared bathroom can often alleviate this tension. Consider whether your bathroom space is functional for everyone in the family or whether it might make more sense to upgrade to a home with more bathrooms.
Have your eyes set on a new Ottawa home? Check out these blogs for more buying advice.
Can You Keep Up with the Clutter?
A growing family inevitably will always lead to more belongings. If you’re finding it hard to store your families clothes, toys, seasonal items and the rest of your household items then it may be time to assess whether your home is equipped with adequate storage space. Walk-in closets, built-in shelves and additional cupboards can make a big difference.
Look at your current home objectively. Are you constantly running out of room for all of your coats, shoes, sports equipment and holiday decorations? Are your closets bursting at the seams or do you have to keep things in boxes because there’s no space to put them away? A lack of storage can add stress to daily living and clutter can make a home feel much smaller than it actually is. If organizing your space seems to be a constant struggle then moving to a home with more built-in storage or the potential to create storage solutions could be a worthwhile investment for you and your family.
Is There Space For Productivity?
The rise of remote work has forever changed the way we use our homes. If you or your partner are working from home then having a dedicated office space can be essential for your productivity. Using the dining room table or a corner of the living room may work temporarily but over time a lack of dedicated workspace can interfere with your ability to focus and be efficient in your job.
Ask yourself if your home currently accommodates the need for a quiet and professional space if required. Is your office space in a high-traffic area of the home making it hard for you to concentrate? Do you have to pack up your work materials every night to make space for your family activities? A dedicated office or flex space might be something to consider when evaluating your home size. This could be a separate room or an additional den that can be converted into a workspace.
What About Outdoor Space?
Outdoor space is often an afterthought when evaluating a home but it’s crucial to consider how well your current yard or outdoor area supports your family’s lifestyle. Do you have young children who need room to run and play? Is there space for a garden, a pool or even just outdoor furniture for your family gatherings?
For families who love to entertain outdoors a large deck in the backyard can be a priority. On the other hand if maintaining a large yard feels overwhelming, you might prefer a smaller more manageable outdoor space that still offers enough room for your family to enjoy. Assess how often you use your current outdoor space and whether you’re able to engage in the activities that matter most to your family.
Does Your Home Fit Your Future?
Thinking ahead is key. Even if your home feels adequate for your current needs, consider how your family’s requirements might change in the near future. Are you planning to have more children? Will older relatives potentially need to move in with you? Do you foresee the need for a guest room, large den or perhaps a larger playroom as your kids get older?
Thinking about the next five to ten years can help you determine if your home will grow with your family or if it’s already at its limit. Many families find that what worked for them in the past or even right now, may not support their future goals and lifestyle changes.
Function & Efficiency
Square footage isn’t everything. How a home is laid out can greatly impact its functionality. Open-concept layouts are ideal for families who enjoy being together allowing for easier communication between rooms like the kitchen, dining and the living room. However some families prefer more defined spaces to allow for quiet time or separation between their family activities.
Consider whether your current layout works for your family’s daily routines. Is the kitchen large enough for meal preparation? Does the living room offer enough seating for everyone? Are your common areas cramped making it difficult for the family to gather comfortably? If so then moving to a home with a more practical layout could make all the difference.
Upsizing to a new home means selling your current place. Check out these blogs for helpful selling advice.
- Why A Home Doesn’t Sell
- If You’re Planning on Selling, Here’s Why Decluttering Is So Important
- Tips For Selling Your Home During the Winter
Does Your Home Reflect How You Live?
Finally, ask yourself whether your home aligns with your overall lifestyle. If you’re constantly adapting your habits to accommodate your home, whether that means squeezing into smaller spaces, managing clutter or working around inefficiencies then it may be time to consider an upgrade.
For active families a home near parks or recreational areas may be important. If your family loves to host gatherings then an open floor plan with a spacious kitchen and entertaining area could be a priority. If quiet evenings and personal space are more important for you then a home with separate rooms for relaxation might suit your needs.
At the end of the day your home should be a sanctuary that fits your family’s needs both now and in the near future. If you find that your current space is no longer serving you then it might be time to explore larger homes or homes with different layouts that can support your growth and lifestyle.
Need Help Upsizing?
If you’re wondering whether your current home is still the right fit or you are considering upgrading, feel free to reach out to the Pilon Real Estate Group for advice. We can help you assess your family’s needs and find the perfect home for your future!
Ready to upsize your Ottawa home? We can help! Call 613-909-8100 or email us at Info@PilonGroup.com.
Meet Pilon Group
Get to know Ottawa’s leading agents, and how we make the market work for you.
