Whether you’re building a home, buying one, or simply moving houses, you’re going to be making a lot of decisions, one of the biggest ones being choosing the size and layout of your new place. Generally speaking, you should be looking for a space that fits your family’s needs while also being beautiful and functional. It also needs to align with your future plans so that you don’t outgrow it or otherwise regret your choice.

There are a lot of things to consider, and while it can seem daunting, it’s important that you don’t settle. To help you out, we’re listing a couple of tips to ensure that the decision-making process goes a lot smoother.

Consider the size of your family

How big of a space you’ll need will largely depend on the number of family members it needs to accommodate. This decision can be tricky to make. Unless you’ve decided that your current family size will stay that way, you will need to plan for the future and choose your new home size and layout accordingly.

For instance, if you’re planning on expanding your family or welcoming a senior member at some point, you’ll need a home that’ll grow with you. Your safest bet would be to get the one with a flexible size and layout. That way, you’ll always be able to make upgrades, whether we’re talking about a granny flat or an extra garage. Plus, you won’t have to watch your family outgrow the home you’ve come to love in just a few years.

Take into account the size of your current home

Your current home is another great indicator of the home size and layout you should be looking for. Take a closer look at the current space you reside in and identify the features that make it unsuitable. Is it the lack of space? Is it too much extra space? Perhaps it’s the storage space or an outdoor leisure area that your current home lacks.

Whatever the reason you’re getting a new home, the truth is that the real estate market can be quite confusing. This is especially true if you’re a first-time home buyer. According to Phoenix real estate experts, having the right realtor on your side is crucial in the homebuying process. They can help you comb through hundreds, if not thousands, of different properties, layouts, and amenities. This will make the search for your new home much easier, ensuring that you get exactly what you’re looking for.

Think about your lifestyle

Another important thing you’ll need to factor in when house-hunting is your lifestyle. Someone who travels a lot will have very different needs from someone who loves staying in or works from home. Similarly, a person who enjoys gardening may choose a smaller home with a large backyard over a larger home with a swimming pool that may be more fitting for someone who entertains often.

Consider your needs and lifestyle, and see which features are essential for your day-to-day living. A large home with an open floor plan may be a great choice for a family with younger children, but if you’ve got young adults and teenagers, you might want to look for a layout with separate bedrooms.

Pay special attention to bathrooms and bedrooms

How many members there are in your family will also dictate the number of bathrooms and bedrooms you’ll need. For families with young kids, extra bedrooms can come in quite handy. They can serve as playrooms that you can later convert into study spaces or home offices. Plus, they’ll accommodate grandparents and other guests when they visit.

As for the bathrooms, an ideal situation is where there is one bathroom per two bedrooms. Extra bathrooms are excellent for guest use when you’re entertaining, and they’ll make getting ready in the morning go fuss-free.

Consider the storage options and outdoor space

Finally, you’ll need to consider the amount of space your new home offers for storage and outdoor living. Families with both young and older kids have a bunch of stuff, and they need to keep somewhere. Plus, they also want areas where they can relax and unwind, invite their friends over, and enjoy a nice meal.

Built-in storage along with storage rooms (mudrooms, pantries, etc.) and nifty storage solutions can all help minimize the family’s clutter. Similarly, spacious outdoor areas provide the family with enough space to organize gatherings or enjoy family activities, whether that means hosting a barbecue party, playing sports, or having a backyard family movie night.

Wrapping up

Choosing a perfect size and layout for a contemporary family home is no easy feat. With so many options to choose from, things can get pretty overwhelming. That is why it’s so important to take your time to evaluate the features your new home has to have and to really consider your true needs, which can be quite different from your wants. Once you get your priorities straight, you should have no trouble finding a home you’ll love for years to come.