One of the most common things I hear from homeowners is this:

“We think we might move someday, but not right now. So we don’t know if it’s worth updating anything.”

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

When a move feels possible but not immediate, it is easy to get stuck in limbo. You do not want to pour money into your home if it will not matter later, but you also do not want to live in a space that feels outdated, uncomfortable, or no longer fits your life.

Here is the good news. You do not have to choose between loving your home now and being smart about the future. The key is knowing what is worth updating for your daily life and what can wait.

This is how I help clients think through it.

Start With This Question

Before looking at projects or budgets, ask yourself one simple question:

Does this update improve how we live here right now?

If the answer is yes, it is usually worth considering. If the update is only about resale value and you are not planning to move soon, it often creates more stress than benefit.

Let’s break it down.

Updates That Are Usually Worth It

These are improvements that tend to make everyday life easier, more comfortable, and more peaceful. Even if you move years from now, you will have enjoyed them in the meantime.

1. Paint

Fresh paint is one of the most impactful and affordable updates you can make.

• It instantly brightens a space • It makes a home feel cleaner and more cared for • It can change the mood of a room without construction

Stick with colors you love and that feel calming. You do not need to chase trends if you are living there.

2. Lighting

Lighting affects how your home feels more than most people realize.

• Swap outdated fixtures • Add lamps or softer lighting options • Replace harsh bulbs with warmer tones

Good lighting improves daily routines and makes spaces feel more welcoming.

3. Small Kitchen and Bathroom Refreshes

You do not need a full remodel to make these rooms more functional.

Consider: • New cabinet hardware • Updated faucets • A new mirror or light fixture • Fresh caulk or grout

These small changes can make spaces feel refreshed without major expense.

4. Storage and Organization Solutions

If your home feels chaotic, it often has less to do with size and more to do with storage.

• Closet organization systems • Pantry shelving • Entryway hooks or drop zones

These updates support daily life, especially for busy families.

5. Comfort and Maintenance Items

This is the category people skip most often, but it matters.

• HVAC servicing • Insulation improvements • Draft sealing • Updating worn flooring in high traffic areas

These upgrades protect your home and improve comfort, even if they are not flashy.

Updates That Are Usually Okay to Ignore for Now

These projects often cost the most and matter the least if you are not selling soon.

1. Full Renovations for Resale Only

Large scale kitchen or bathroom remodels are rarely necessary unless you are staying put and want to enjoy it.

If your space functions well and feels good enough, it is okay to wait. Renovations driven by “we might sell someday” often create unnecessary pressure.

2. Trend Driven Design Choices

Highly specific trends can date a home quickly.

If you love something and it brings you joy, that is different. But do not update purely because something is popular online right now.

3. Over Improving for Your Neighborhood

This is a common concern.

If you are not planning to sell soon, you do not need to worry about whether your updates match the top of the market in your area. Focus on livability, not comparison.

4. Cosmetic Fixes That Do Not Affect Daily Life

If something does not bother you day to day, it can likely wait.

You do not need to fix every minor imperfection just because it exists.

A Gentle Reminder

Your home is not just a future asset. It is where your life is happening right now.

If an update brings you more peace, function, or comfort, it has value even if you never get a dollar back at resale.

And if you are unsure whether a project makes sense based on your long term plans, that is a conversation worth having.

I often help clients talk through updates long before they decide to move. There is no pressure and no timeline required.

If you are feeling stuck between staying and going, I am always happy to help you think it through and run numbers. Fill out the form here, and I’ll personally reach out with a link to schedule a time that works best for you. 

Sometimes the best next step is not moving at all. It is simply making your current home work better for the season you are in.