The following contribution is from another author.
There are a lot of processes you’ll go through when buying a new home, but what about after you’ve moved? The stress and excitement that comes with the build-up will soon start to fade, and now you can start thinking about making your house a home. So where should you get started?
Here are 9 things you should do after you move into your new home.
1. Unpack as soon as possible
Packing and unpacking are two of the worst tasks that come with moving. While you might want to leave things be for a period, it’s better to just bite the bullet and start unpacking. The sooner you start, the sooner your house will start to feel more like a home. Remember to recycle your boxes and other packaging once you’ve unpacked!
2. Get your bills and utilities in order
Moving into a new home will bring different costs than you could be used to from a previous home. You’ll want to consider budgeting a bit extra than your estimations at the beginning while things settle down. Find the best electricity rates for your area and choose the best provider for your needs.
3. Start fixing obvious problems
Despite the previous owners’ best efforts, it’s likely that your home will present some obvious problems that will need fixing when you move in. From needing to repaint some walls to fixing broken hinges, etc., it’s good to start tackling quick fixes as soon as you can. Left too long, smaller problems can become bigger ones and become much more expensive and time-consuming to fix. Make a list and start fixing those smaller problems before you get too settled in the house.
4. Make plans for future renovations
As well as tackling short-term issues, you also need to work out your plans for the future. You’ll want to make your house your own and make it your dream home. Start figuring out which renovations you’d like to make, what they’re likely to cost and when and how you’re going to do them. Some things will help protect the longevity of your home, like bringing in a roofing company to refresh your roof. Meanwhile others, such as adding an extension or creating an open plan space, will add value to your home and help you increase your available space.
5. Start a cleaning checklist
It’s lovely to walk into a fresh new home and have everything clean and organized. But that feeling won’t last if you don’t stay on top of things. Let your new home be a chance for new habits by starting a cleaning schedule and sticking to it. It can be easy to keep your home clean when you set yourself some daily tasks than having to save it all for the weekend. Get the whole family involved and delegate tasks to make sure your house always stays clean and sparkling.
6. Get eco-friendly from the off
Becoming a more eco-friendly household should be a priority for everyone, and it’s something you can start from the second you move into your new home. Every room in the home can be more eco-friendly if you make the effort to do it. From recycling all of your household waste where possible, to installing solar panels, you’ll be surprised at how much of a difference your efforts can make. Making your home greener will also benefit your household bills, helping you save money that can be better spent on your home.
7. Meet your neighbors
Want to enjoy a better community by moving home? Get out and meet your neighbors. Even if you weren’t friendly or familiar with your previous neighbors, you can turn over a new leaf in your new neighborhood. There are a lot of different ways you can get to know your neighbors. You could start by knocking the doors and introducing yourself, or hosting a welcome party/barbecue as a way to get to know everyone. It’s always a good idea to get to know your neighbors. You could make some incredible new friends as well as have some people around you that you can turn to if you need some help.
8. Make it secure
A new home might not seem like an easy target for thieves, but you never know who might have been watching those moving trucks come and go. It’s important that you work on getting your home as secure as possible. Some people prefer to change their locks after getting a new home, just in case someone still has the key. You should make sure you have an alarm system in place, or go modern with a video doorbell system. Get your home insurance in place and don’t take any chances with leaving your windows and doors unlocked at night or while you’re out of the house.
9. Start thinking about your finances
Moving house is an expensive process, so it’s likely you’ll be pretty broke after the move is over. The cost of saving for your new home, removal costs, buying new furniture, etc. are all things that will have hit your savings and probably affect your finances in the short-term for a while. Now that things are starting to return to some form of normality, you can start thinking about saving once again. There are ways you can save money every day to help you build the pot back up ready for a rainy day, home improvements and your future plans. Start becoming more active savers to help you prepare for any unexpected costs that might come with your new home.
It can be overwhelming thinking about everything you need to do when you first move into a home, but breaking it down can help you manage it and find your feet. There are so many exciting things to look forward to in your new place, so enjoy every minute of making your new house a home.
