When purchasing a home, size is one of the most important aspects to consider. Too much space can be a major burden and a large expense, while not enough space can make it challenging to grow or build a family. However, determining how much space you actually need isn't always straightforward. Your needs evolve as you move through different stages of life, so you'll need to evaluate both your current living situation and your future plans.

If you're planning to buy a home, here are some helpful tips from our real estate agents to help you decide what size home is right for you:

1. Start By Thinking About Your Current Living Space
   If your current home or apartment isn't meeting your needs, use this perspective to help inform your decision on what you need going forward. If the space is too big to manage, then it might make sense to downsize. If you're currently cramped and running out of space, then you may want to choose a larger home.
   
   
2. Add 600 Square Feet For Each Person
   Having around 500 to 600 square feet of living space for each person in the home is generally a good rule of thumb. This will help ensure each person has adequate room for their belongings and nobody is living on top of each other.
   
   
3. Consider The Size Of Your Furniture
   Unless you're planning to invest in new furniture, you want to ensure your existing furnishings can fit nicely into your new space. If your furniture is too large, it can make rooms appear cramped and small. If it's too small, it can make your home feel a bit empty. If you're planning to purchase one of these Cleveland homes for sale, measure your existing furniture and compare it to the property's dimensions to ensure it fits nicely in each room.
   
   
4. Think About Your Storage Needs
   When thinking about how much space you need, it can be helpful to differentiate between living space and storage space. If you have a significant amount of belongings or perhaps a hobby or business that requires additional storage space, you may want to look for homes that have a large basement or garage or plenty of closet space.
   
   
5. Plan For The Future
   No one can predict the future, but aligning your future plans with your current home-buying decision is always a wise move. If you're planning to get married, start a family, or retire in the next 5 to 10 years, it likely makes sense to buy a home that you can grow into as opposed to moving again a few years down the road.

If you need help deciding on the right home size for your family, contact us today.