Thinking of Upsizing? Here’s How to Start Planning

Life has a funny way of growing and shifting—sometimes faster than we expect. Maybe your family is expanding, you're working from home more often, or you’re simply craving more space and comfort. Whatever the reason, if you’re starting to think about upsizing your home, here’s how to turn that thought into a solid plan.

1. Identify Your "Why"

Before you dive into listings or start packing boxes, take a moment to get clear on why you want to upsize. Are you looking for:

• More bedrooms for a growing family?

• A home office or dedicated creative space?

• A bigger backyard or more outdoor space?

• A more functional layout or modern amenities?

Knowing your motivation helps guide your priorities and makes decision-making easier throughout the process.

2. Take Inventory of What You Have (and What You Need)

Make a list of what’s working in your current home—and what’s not. This gives you a baseline for what your next home must include versus what’s simply nice to have. Think in terms of space, layout, functionality, storage, and even location.

3. Crunch the Numbers

Upsizing usually means a higher mortgage, taxes, and utility costs, so it's crucial to understand your budget early. Consider:

• Getting pre-approved for a new mortgage

• Understanding how much equity you have in your current home

• Factoring in moving costs, closing costs, and potential renovation expenses

A trusted lender can help you make sense of the numbers—and your agent (that’s where I come in!) can help you understand what your current home is worth in today’s market.

4. Explore the Market

Even if you're not ready to buy tomorrow, start browsing listings in your desired areas. This helps you get a feel for what’s out there in your price range. Pay attention to things like square footage, school districts, commute times, and neighborhood amenities.

5. Decide What to Do with Your Current Home

Will you sell your current home before buying the next? Rent it out? Consider the timing, financial implications, and your comfort level with carrying two mortgages, if necessary. Your real estate agent can help you weigh the pros and cons of each approach.

6. Assemble Your Team

Upsizing is a big move (literally and figuratively), so surround yourself with people who can help:

• A real estate agent you trust

• A knowledgeable lender

• A moving company, contractor, or designer, depending on your needs

The right support team makes the process smoother and way less overwhelming.

7. Give Yourself Time

Planning to upsize doesn’t mean you have to rush. Taking the time to get organized, educate yourself, and prepare financially makes for a far more confident and enjoyable experience.

Thinking about making a move in the next 6–12 months?


Let’s chat. Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or just dreaming, I’m here to help you make a move that truly fits your life.