How much space is too much space?

[forgotten_aria]

I've always hoped to move out of this house into something newer, better laid out and larger. I've begun looking, though we still have no clue what we could sell this house for, so it's all still a lot of window shopping.

One of the hits in my search is 3,920 sq. ft. of living space. I think this is too much. That rooms would just collect clutter and our heating would be more of an issue (it also has two kitchens, which I don't really want any more.) But I was wondering what other people thought. The way the pictures show it, they have kind of a party area with a bar and pool table. (This house is still extremely tempting, since it's with in walking distance of a lake which I believe has swimming!!!)

On one hand, I collect a lot of stuff and would love a library, music room, craft room and shop, but on the other hand, Greg and I tend to spend most of our time in one or two rooms. Part of wanting to upgrade is to reduce our heating costs and get rid of some of the problems of owning house which has a lot of maintence issues.

Anyone have any sage advice. Part of the problem is I don't have a good feel for square footage. We were recently shocked to learn we'd been lied to when we bought this house. They had told us ~1,800 sq. ft. when we're actually ~1,500.

On the other hand, I'm trying to decide if 1,900 sq. ft. would be enough for us. We really hope that this will be our one and only move, as long as Greg's work stays in the area, so we want to plan for a house that will suit us for a long time (but with still no plans of kids.)

Comments

[sauergeek.livejournal.com]

As someone who grew up as part of a family of 5 in a house that was about 1,000 sq.ft. (plus a full basement), 1,900 sq.ft. should be plenty for the two of you :)

That said, I live by myself in a condo with 1,100 sq.ft. It's about the right size.

If you're specifically looking to cut heating costs, make sure that anyplace you're considering has zoned heat, or can be easily converted to zoned heat. Being able to turn the heat down in an unused area of the house can make a big difference.

3,920 sq.ft. will be enormous, and generate ludicrous amounts of kipple. Also remember: moving is a great time to dekipple.

[forgotten-aria.livejournal.com]

My understanding about space is that if you like to go out a lot, you need less space, because your entertainment is out side, your gym is out side, your hobbies are outside. Greg and I like to stay in and I have a lot of hobbies.

And yes, I collect a lot of cruft (or kipple) which I know to be a problem. I'm trying to sell my instruments, but I'm horrible at selling things. I should work harder at that, but even that won't mean that I still won't have anywhere to build taiko stands that's actually a very good space at doing so or that the weight machine, which greg uses every day, sits in our living room.