Upsizing? It’s an exciting time with a lot of responsibility. You’re ready to spread out and have found a space for you and your family. But it can be an overwhelming process if you don’t have a plan. Use these strategic tips for moving into a bigger home so everything goes smoothly.
Live With It First
You’re probably settling in for a while. Sit with it. For once, you can muse about where you want to put your things—not just wedge it all in however it fits. If you’re coming from a home that was considerably smaller, you’ll be discovering a lot about the new place. You could come across a closet you forgot was there, or want to scout different nooks for quiet meditation. Be open to ideas about how to use the rooms. Think about how to create a welcoming aesthetic. It’s a blank slate; don’t be too anxious to scribble all over it.
Understand Maintenance
Does a bigger home mean bigger problems? It doesn’t have to if you know what you’re getting into. But when there’s more square footage, it’ll take longer to clean, so decide on a schedule—or hire some help. A larger lawn also requires more commitment, and you might not be able to handle it yourself. Survey the appliances, flooring, HVAC system, and anything that needs repair or replacement. You can’t do it all at once, but you can set goals. You can also set date reminders so you don’t get thrown off on maintenance.
Shop One Step at a Time
This is one of our most strategic tips for moving into a bigger home: take a deep breath and appreciate the space. It’ll fill up soon enough. You’re probably excited to go out and buy new furniture, but it’ll be more satisfying if you let it evolve organically. Besides, you just signed up for a serious investment. You’re still not used to your new expenses—and there may be more than you realize. So if you must shop, do it right. Start with the rooms you’ll use the most and look for one piece at a time. You don’t often get the chance to create your own surroundings from scratch, so enjoy the process. Embrace the emptiness. You and your home can grow together.
