Is your home bursting at the seams? Are you constantly rearranging furniture to create more space?
At The Halyard Group, we’ve seen countless families grappling with the challenges of outgrowing their homes. It’s a common issue that often creeps up on homeowners, leaving them feeling cramped and frustrated.
In this post, we’ll explore five telltale signs that indicate it’s time to consider upsizing your living space.
1. The Storage Space Squeeze
Storage woes often signal that a home no longer fits its occupants’ lifestyle. A study by the National Association of Home Builders shows that 28 per cent of homeowners who partially updated their cabinets added more storage. This desire manifests in overflowing closets, packed garages, and a constant struggle to find places for new purchases. Even the most ingenious storage solutions (like under-bed containers or over-door organizers) eventually prove inadequate.
The Self Storage Association reports that the industry includes information on over 68,000 operating storage facilities and construction sites, with detailed pricing available for many units. The average price for a storage unit ranges between $35-100 per month. This extra expense and inconvenience point to a deeper issue: a home’s inability to contain its occupants’ lives. Families who struggle with storage often experience relief and renewed enjoyment in their daily lives after moving to a more spacious home. A larger living space not only provides the physical room needed but also offers mental clarity that comes with a clutter-free environment. As storage issues persist, families might consider these signs that it’s time to explore larger living options:
- Difficulty finding space for everyday items
- Regular purges that don’t seem to create lasting space
- Constant reorganization of closets and drawers
- Inability to park cars in the garage due to overflow storage
2. The Battle for Shared Spaces
Family members who compete for shared spaces signal a home that no longer fits. A National Association of Home Builders survey reveals 64.7% of single-family homes started in 2023 feature two full bathrooms, underscoring the need for personal space. Mornings turn into logistical nightmares as family members queue for bathroom access, causing stress and tardiness.
The struggle extends beyond bathrooms. With remote work and online learning increasing, finding quiet areas for work or study becomes a challenge. According to Statistics Canada, approximately 39% of Canadian jobs could, in principle, be performed from home as of 2019, underscoring the growing need for dedicated home workspaces in modern households. Common areas like living rooms and kitchens often become battlegrounds, with family members competing for space to relax, entertain, or pursue hobbies. This constant negotiation of space can strain relationships and reduce the enjoyment of home life. As shared spaces become increasingly scarce, families might want to consider these signs that indicate it’s time to explore larger living options:
- Difficulty scheduling bathroom use
- Limited quiet areas for work or study
- Frequent conflicts over common areas
3. Lifestyle Evolution Demands More Space
Families’ space requirements change as they grow and evolve. The 2021 Census of Population states that 83.9% of employed Canadians commuted to work by car, truck, or van, highlighting the continued reliance on personal vehicles for commuting in Canada.This shift creates an urgent need for dedicated home offices, as many families struggle to create quiet, professional spaces in their existing homes. The rise of home fitness, marked by a 40% YoY growth in the global at-home fitness equipment market in 2020, reaching $9.5B (according to NPD Group), further strains available space. Families often resort to pushing furniture aside for yoga mats or squeezing treadmills into bedrooms, which compromises both living areas and workout effectiveness.
Home entertaining has also experienced a resurgence, with many Canadians enjoying both planned and spontaneous gatherings. However, many find their current homes inadequate for hosting, lacking open floor plans or suitable outdoor spaces for gatherings. This mismatch between lifestyle aspirations and home capabilities often results in frustration and a sense of limitation. As families’ needs outgrow their current living spaces, they might notice these signs:
- Difficulty creating a professional work environment at home
- Lack of space for exercise equipment or home gym setup
- Inadequate areas for entertaining guests comfortably
These challenges often prompt families to consider upsizing to a home that not only meets their current needs but also provides room for future growth and lifestyle changes. For those not ready to move, exploring storage solutions can help tackle home storage challenges and meet the evolving needs of a growing family.
4. Family Growth Demands More Space
As families expand, the need for additional living space becomes increasingly apparent. According to the National Association of Realtors, this year, the share of Gen Z buyers and sellers aged 18 to 25 made up just three per cent of buyers and two per cent of sellers. This trend stands out in households with growing children, where shared bedrooms and limited play areas can lead to friction and reduced quality of life.
The lack of dedicated family activity areas can also strain relationships and limit bonding opportunities. Insufficient room for these interactions often results in families feeling disconnected or resorting to screen time as a default activity. Families who upsize to homes with dedicated play areas and family rooms often report increased satisfaction and stronger family bonds. Many express relief at having space for game nights, movie watching, and other shared activities without feeling cramped or having to rearrange furniture constantly.
When families notice these signs of outgrowing their current home, it’s time to consider the next step. The following chapter will explore how outdoor space constraints can further indicate the need for a larger living environment.
5. Outdoor Space Limitations Hinder Family Life
The outdoor area of a home significantly impacts family well-being and lifestyle satisfaction. Families often long for more room when their current yard feels cramped or non-existent. This desire for outdoor space extends beyond aesthetics; it’s about functionality and quality of life. Limited outdoor areas restrict activities like gardening, pet care, and outdoor entertaining, which many families deem essential.
Parking issues also indicate the need for a larger property. According to Statistics Canada, the average Canadian household owns approximately 1.4 vehicles, highlighting the need for adequate parking—especially for families juggling multiple schedules and commuting needs. Families who struggle with street parking or constantly shuffle cars in a cramped driveway may find that a home with a larger lot and expanded parking options reduces daily stress. A move to a home with ample outdoor space can transform family life, providing room for children to play, pets to roam, and adults to relax and entertain. These spaces can enhance family bonds and improve overall social well-being. The right outdoor area becomes an extension of your living space, offering endless possibilities for family activities and memory-making. As we explore these outdoor space limitations, it becomes clear that the next step for many families involves finding a home that not only meets their indoor needs but also provides the outdoor freedom they crave.
Final Thoughts
Outgrowing your home happens naturally as families evolve. The signs include storage struggles, shared space conflicts, lifestyle changes, family growth, and outdoor limitations. These indicators point to the need for a larger living space that supports your family’s well-being and future aspirations.
A larger home reduces stress from decluttering, improves family dynamics, and accommodates lifestyle changes seamlessly. It provides room for your family to grow (both individually and together), fostering a sense of comfort and belonging essential for a happy home life.
At The Halyard Group, we specialize in guiding families through the upsizing process in neighbourhoods across the Greater Toronto Area. Our team offers personalized support to help you maximize the value of your current home while finding a new space that aligns with your evolving needs. If you’re ready to take the next step, contact our team to ensure a smooth transition to a home that fits your family’s future.
