You Need a Larger Playroom
Is It Time to Upsize? Here is how Growing Families Know When They Need More Space.
There's something magical about watching your children grow, from their first uncertain steps to their confident, chaotic sprints through the hallways.
When you first brought your little one home, the space you had might have seemed more than ample. Your living room was a castle, and the backyard a vast kingdom. Yet, as the years fly by, that once spacious home begins to feel more like a cozy cottage—charming but decidedly cramped.
As your child hits milestones, such as turning five and starting school, you might notice they need more room to explore, play, and simply be a kid. This can be a clear signal that it’s time to consider upsizing your home.
Here’s how to recognize when your family might need a bigger space and how to take those next steps.
Recognizing the Signs
It starts subtly—maybe with toys spilling out of bins, closets stuffed beyond capacity, or family gatherings that feel a bit too close for comfort. Then, there are more obvious signs:
Your kids are literally bouncing off the walls: Kids need space to burn off energy, especially during bad weather when backyard play is off-limits.
Bedrooms are doubling as playrooms and study space: As children grow, their need for personal and functional space increases. They'll need room not just for sleeping, but for studying and playing too.
Your outdoor space isn’t cutting it anymore: Perhaps that tiny patio isn’t enough for summer barbecues or your child’s active playtime.
The Benefits of Upsizing
Upsizing isn’t just about getting more square footage; it’s about enhancing the quality of life for your family. Here are a few benefits:
More room for everyone: This is the obvious benefit. More space means more room for your children to play, for you to entertain, and for everyone to have a bit of personal space.
Better organization: With more room comes the opportunity to better organize your home. Each item can have a place, which reduces clutter and the stress that comes with it.
Opportunities to grow your family: If you’re planning on having more children, upsizing now can prepare you for the future, making transitions smoother for everyone involved.
Taking the Next Steps
If you've recognized any of the signs above in your own home, it might be time to start looking for a new place. Here are a few steps to consider:
1. Evaluate your budget: Before you start looking, understand how much more house you can afford. This might include getting pre-approved for a mortgage.
2. List what you need: More than just additional square footage, consider what features will benefit your family the most. Do you need a larger kitchen, more bathrooms, a playroom, or a bigger yard?
3. Consult a real estate expert: A professional can help you find a home that meets your new needs and can guide you through the process of selling your current home, if necessary.
Upsizing your home is a big step, but it can also be a joyful journey towards creating a more comfortable and functional environment for your growing family. So why wait? Start exploring the possibilities and prepare to turn a new house into a loving, spacious home for your loved ones.
Organizations Making a Difference Some of my favorite nonprofits doing incredible work right here in our backyard: 914Cares , Westchester Land Trust , Hope's Door , The Pantry , Community Center NW, and the Suzanne Grant Foundation . Each one addresses critical needs, from food insecurity and domestic violence support to land conservation and community programming. How We Give Back Together After every sale, I make a donation in my client's name to an organization of their choice. It's a simple gesture that creates real impact. But more importantly, it introduces people to the vital work happening in their new community. When you learn about your neighbors' needs and the organizations serving them, you don't just move to a place—you become part of it. This Holiday Season: Let's Hit the Give Back Program Hard The holidays are the perfect time to amplify our impact. Whether you're buying, selling, or simply wanting to make a difference, let's support these organizations together. A percentage of my profits goes directly back into the community, and I'm challenging myself—and you—to give even more this season. Keep Showing Up Giving back isn't a one-time event. It's about consistently showing up for your community, learning what's happening in your own backyard, and helping your neighbors assimilate and thrive. When we all contribute, even in small ways, we create stronger, more connected neighborhoods. Ready to make a difference? Reach out to learn more about the give back program, or pick your favorite local organization and support them today.
The holiday season is magical, but let's be honest—crafting with kids can sometimes feel more stressful than festive. Between the glue spills, the scissors mishaps, and the inevitable meltdowns, holiday activities don't always go as planned.
As a real estate agent who's helped dozens of New York City families relocate to upstate properties over the past few years, I've witnessed a transformation that goes far beyond real estate transactions.