Moving to Florida from colder regions often leads to the assumption that you need the same size home you had before. But here’s the reality: living in Florida offers a different lifestyle, and that includes how much house you really need.
I’ve helped many families make the transition to Florida living. If you’re coming from large homes in places like New York, Chicago, or Philadelphia, you might think you need the same square footage or a basement for extra storage. But trust me, when you’re moving to Florida, things change.
Understanding Florida Living
In Florida, life is largely outdoors, especially in places like St. Augustine where the weather allows you to enjoy outdoor living for much of the year. Covered lanais, screened porches, and pools often become the heart of your home.
Take, for instance, a family I helped move from New Jersey. They thought they needed a 3,200 sq ft home with a bonus room for their kids. But after months of searching, we found a home with just a small flex space between their children’s rooms—and it turned out to be the perfect fit. The kids spend most of their time outside, enjoying the pool and screened lanai, which truly made the home feel much larger than they originally thought.
Why Outdoor Space Matters
When you’re buying a house in St. Augustine, Florida, or anywhere in Northeast Florida, prioritize outdoor living spaces. You’ll likely find yourself spending more time outdoors than indoors. This shift could open up your home search to more options and reduce the pressure to find a large, indoor-focused home.
In Northeast Florida, outdoor living can last 8 months of the year! The time you spend outside will become a major part of your lifestyle, so it’s worth considering properties with outdoor patios, screened lanais, or pool areas.
Rethinking Storage
Another common concern is storage. Many people moving from up north, where basements are common, worry about losing that extra space. However, Florida homes don’t come with basements, and that’s okay! Moving is the perfect time to declutter and focus on what’s truly essential. Consider homes with three-car garages for extra storage space, and remember—you won’t need those bulky winter clothes much down here!
Guest Space: How Much Do You Really Need?
Clients often think they need extra guest rooms or bonus rooms for visiting family. While this sounds practical, in reality, many find that guests don’t visit as often as expected. One family I worked with was set on having a large home with guest rooms, but over time, they realized those spaces weren’t being used. They eventually transformed the bonus room into a luxurious owner’s suite that better suited their daily lives.
Ask yourself: Do you want your home to be about you, or about the guests you rarely have?
Don’t Let Old Furniture Dictate Your New Florida Home
One final tip—don’t let your old furniture limit your options. I’ve seen families pass up their dream home because they worried their oversized dining table or furniture wouldn’t fit. The truth is, that Florida’s outdoor lifestyle often makes formal dining rooms unnecessary. With patios and outdoor spaces, you’ll find yourself enjoying meals outside more frequently.
Embrace the Florida Lifestyle
The takeaway? Moving to Florida means adjusting to a new lifestyle. Outdoor living becomes a major part of life here, and the space you need inside your home might be less than you think.
If you’re considering relocating to Florida, contact us! Whether you’re moving to St. Augustine or another beautiful part of Northeast Florida, We can help you find a home that fits your new Florida lifestyle—not just your square footage.
Give us a call, email, or text today, and let’s get started on finding your perfect Florida home.