House hunting is an adventure—a thrilling mix of possibilities, decisions, and the occasional “Wait, why is there a bathtub in the kitchen?” moment. But before you dive headfirst into open houses and listing alerts, there’s one thing you need (and, trust me, you’ll want to do this too): Create your housing wants vs. needs list.
This simple yet powerful tool will help you cut through the noise, avoid emotional decision-making (no one needs a home with a built-in margarita bar, but we all want one), and zero in on homes that actually fit your life.
Ready to get started? Let’s break it down.
Wants vs. Needs: What’s the Difference?
Think of this like packing for vacation. Your needs are the essentials—passport, clothes, phone charger. Your wants? That extra pair of shoes you might wear once or the fancy travel pillow that looks comfy but takes up half your carry-on.
When it comes to buying a home, needs are non-negotiable. They’re the things that determine whether a house actually works for your lifestyle—like the right number of bedrooms, a safe neighbourhood, or a reasonable commute.
Wants, on the other hand, are the wish list items—the things that would be nice to have but aren’t deal-breakers. Think heated floors, a walk-in pantry, or a backyard big enough for a full-fledged pickleball court.
Why Defining Your Wants and Needs Matters
Making this list isn’t just busywork—it’s a game-changer when house hunting. Here’s why:
Saves You Time – You won’t waste hours touring homes that don’t check your must-have boxes.
Prevents Emotional Buying – That charming century home might have a dreamy porch, but if it doesn’t have the space you need, you won’t regret saying no later.
Helps Your Realtor Help You – Your agent can zero in on homes that actually fit your lifestyle instead of playing a guessing game.
Gives You Confidence to Act Fast – When the right home comes along, you’ll know it—and be ready to make a move.
Speaking of moves, once you find the one, you’ll want to check out our Moving Checklist to stay organized. Because the only thing worse than losing your socks in a move is losing your sanity.
Common Home Needs (A.K.A. the Non-Negotiables)
These will vary from person to person, but here are some of the most common:
- Enough bedrooms and bathrooms for your household
- Location (proximity to work, schools, transit, or family)
- Price range that fits your budget
- Safe, desirable neighbourhood
- Home layout that works for your lifestyle
- Storage space (because somehow, stuff just… accumulates)
- Structural integrity (no one needs surprise foundation issues)
Common Home Wants (A.K.A. the “Would Be Nice” List)
Wants are where things get fun—these are the features that make a home feel like yours:
- A chef’s kitchen with an island big enough to host Thanksgiving
- Walk-in closets (the dream!)
- Fireplace for cozy nights
- Smart home features
- A massive backyard for entertaining (or just to let the dog run wild)
- Finished basement or extra flex space
- Garage (bonus points if it’s heated)
To make this process even easier, we’ve created a Wants vs. Needs Checklist you can download and fill out as you go. Because who doesn’t love a good checklist?
When to Compromise (And When to Hold Firm)
Spoiler alert: No home is 100% perfect. Even if you build from scratch, there’s always something you’ll have to compromise on (unless your budget is unlimited—if that’s the case, congrats!).
So how do you decide when to bend and when to stand firm? Ask yourself:
Can this be changed later? A small kitchen can be renovated. Location? Not so much.
Will this impact my daily life? A long commute might seem fine at first—until you’re stuck in traffic every day.
Is it a deal-breaker or just a nice-to-have? Be honest about what really matters versus what’s just icing on the cake.
And if you do find the perfect home but need help moving, our friends at Bedwell Moving Systems offer exclusive rates (including 90 days of complimentary climate-controlled storage) when you use the code KIMALLDREAD. Want to compare options? Baker Home Solutions also offers special pricing with the same code. Because moving is hard enough without juggling logistics.
Getting Help with Packing, Cleaning, and Decluttering
Let’s be real—moving isn’t just about finding the right house. It’s about packing up your entire life (why do I own so many coffee mugs?!).
That’s where Simply Organized Services comes in. Whether you need help decluttering, packing, or deep cleaning before move-in day, they’ve got you covered—and with 10% off per hour when you use code KIMALLDREAD, you can save while keeping your sanity.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Home?
Building your housing wants vs. needs list isn’t just helpful—it’s essential to finding a home that actually works for you. So grab a pen, download the checklist, and start mapping out what your dream home looks like.
And when you’re ready to start house hunting? We’re here to help you find the one.
Until next time,
Kim