Of course, some people prefer a small space. But if your family or employment needs change, you may decide to move to a new city and a larger home. Just imagine how much easier your life will be when you actually have room for your current belongings!
However, upsizing holds a few challenges as well as rewards. The more you understand what a larger space means for you, the better you can prepare-not just for moving day, but for all the days afterward.
Downsize Your Belongings 
If you want to really enjoy your large new home, cut the clutter before you arrive. Even though everything you currently own will easily fit in your new place, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t purge some belongings before the movers arrive. There’s no point in paying your movers to box up the books you never read or pack the faded drapes that don’t match your new décor.
Additionally, too much junk is a challenge no matter your home’s size. Even if you have ample room in your new house, you won’t feel much like sorting out the junk once you arrive. Do it now instead.
Prepare Ahead to Save Money in a Larger Space
Although you may be tempted to buy more furnishings right away, resist the temptation to overspend. Unpack a little at a time and see how your current belongings look and feel in your new space.
Also, since you’ve only seen your furnishings in the context of a smaller home, it will take time to adjust to the bare walls and emptier-than-normal rooms. Allow yourself several weeks to simply live with your new environment before you consider adding more furniture or other belongings. Even then, be judicious with new purchases so you stay within your budget.
Depending o
n your new home’s size, you’ll probably spend more on electricity and gas bills each month. This is another reason to avoid buying new furniture and other accessories right away. When you’re adjusting to a new mortgage payment and higher energy costs, you’ll need to avoid unnecessary purchases for a while.
Adjust Slowly to Your Surroundings
Don’t expect to feel at home right away. It’s normal to feel some anxiety at first.
To combat these unsettled feelings, try to create as much of a normal routine as you can. Take your dogs for a walk to explore the neighborhood. Set up your kitchen in a similar pattern to your old kitchen-at least for a while. Have dinner at the same time as usual.
Remember, too, that you’ve already lived for a long time without those extra closets. There’s no need to fill them just because they exist. As time goes by, you’ll be open to creative ideas for them and other areas in your new home. Besides, not every space must be filled.
If all the open space starts to bother you, just remind yourself about how long it took to pack everything prior to the move. This thought should settle you while you slowly adjust to a bigger home.
If your budget allows for it, make yourself feel more at home by painting the spare bedroom a new color or switching out a bathroom fixture. These smaller, budget-friendly choices help you invest in each new space without automatically filling it with more belongings.
Before long, you’ll enjoy the extra space around you. In the meantime, keep all the best “small home” habits so you feel relaxed, not intimidated, in your larger home.
For more tips about preparing for your move-or adjusting to it after the big day-visit our Bekins blog again soon.
