Life Changes and So Should Your Home – 3 Reasons It Might Be Time to Move

From growing families to downsizing dreams, here’s when it makes sense to relocate

Your home should fit your life like your favorite pair of jeans—comfortable, reliable, and just the right size. But what happens when it starts feeling more like a tight squeeze or, on the flip side, way too roomy? Life has a funny way of shifting things around, and sometimes, that shift means it’s time for a new address.

As the old saying goes, “Change is the only constant,” and when life changes, your living space should keep up.

1. Your Family’s Growing—But Your Home Isn’t

You’re trying to cook dinner, the dog’s barking, a kid is doing cartwheels through the hallway, and your spouse is pacing with a Zoom call on speaker. Sound familiar? That once-cozy starter home might now feel like an obstacle course.

You’re not alone. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, 37% of homebuyers in 2022 were looking to upsize to accommodate their growing families (source). It’s not just about needing more bedrooms—it’s about craving a little breathing room.

Take the Johnsons, a sweet family I helped last year. They moved from a snug two-bedroom apartment to a bright four-bedroom home. Suddenly, there was space for the kids and Grandma’s overnight stays. No more stepping on Legos in the middle of the night, and Dad finally got his home office (that wasn’t also the laundry room).

2. Downsizing Can Mean More Freedom (and Fewer Gutters to Clean)

On the flip side, maybe your kids are grown, the guest room has turned into a dusty storage unit, and you’re wondering why you’re still paying to heat an entire second floor.

You’re not alone there, either. A study from Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies says that nearly 40% of baby boomers are thinking about downsizing (source). And why not? Fewer rooms to clean, lower utility bills, and more time to enjoy life.

The Smiths, longtime clients of mine, made the leap from a five-bedroom house in the suburbs to a downtown condo with a skyline view. Now, they spend their weekends at farmer’s markets instead of tackling yardwork. Honestly, who wouldn’t trade raking leaves for sipping lattes?

3. Your Home is Worth More Than You Think—Time to Cash In?

The housing market doesn’t always follow logic, but when it leans in your favor, it might be the perfect time to sell. If your home has gained value over the years, moving could unlock funds for your next big chapter—whether that’s traveling, investing, or relocating closer to loved ones.

In 2024, many areas across the country saw home prices jump, with some markets up by 20% or more. That kind of appreciation can turn your house into a ticket for new adventures.

I once helped a couple sell at just the right time. They used their equity to take a cross-country road trip in an RV, visit with their grandkids in person, and finally settle down in a cottage on the coast. It’s not just about the money—it’s about what that money can help you do.

Let’s Wrap It Up

Whether you’re bursting at the seams or rattling around in an empty house, your home should fit your life—not the other way around. Sometimes the right move… is to move.

Thinking about upsizing, downsizing, or making a change? Let’s talk. I’ll help you weigh your options and decide what makes the most sense for you.

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👉 Life doesn’t stand still—why should your address?