In 2021, approximately 27 million people moved to different homes in the United States. A large portion of these Americans are moving into their first house.
However, many of these first-time homeowners do not understand what needs to be done beforehand. This then leaves them feeling confused and unsettled by their decision.
A helpful guide on what to consider before moving can help your transition go smoothly.
Continue reading to learn how to handle moving into a new house!
1. Set a Budget
Many people don’t realize how expensive it can be when moving to a new home. These home buyers consequently run out of money and rack up debt. Therefore, it’s important to set up a realistic budget before deciding to buy a new house.
Start by creating a list of the major expenses you’re anticipating. Doing so will give you a baseline that will give you the minimum amount you’ll need to spend. Then you can begin adding other necessary expenses as you go.
You don’t need to add every expense right away. Some expenses can wait until you have more money to add to your budget. Some mandatory costs may include:
- Hiring a realtor
- Repairs to your new home
- Down payment for mortgage
- Moving expenses
- Closing costs
- Inspection fees
Don’t forget to save room in your budget for any unexpected costs. This will keep you from overspending should there be any issues.
2. Hire a Realtor
Finding a new home to move into can be difficult on your own. You may even lose out on lower prices or homes without the proper knowledge. That’s why many people decide to hire a realtor to take care of the difficult work altogether.
Hiring a realtor is one of the best moving tips because these agents will lessen your stress throughout the process. They will start by learning about your needs and finding homes that match.
Once they find a home, they will begin negotiations with the current owner. These negotiations will help you get the best price. After an agreement has been made, the realtor will handle all of the paperwork and begin the purchasing process.
Many realtors will take their cut out of the closing costs, meaning you won’t have to pay upfront. You can even add these fees to the mortgage plan if that better suits your financial decision.
3. Hire Movers
Another great moving tip is to hire movers to help transport your belongings to your new home. Doing so will help you save time and energy. However, you’ll need to find a reputable company that you can trust to keep your belongings safe along the way.
Start by looking for local movers in your area that have good reviews online. Avoid any companies with mostly bad reviews to avoid any issues.
You should contact them to see if they have any availability for your move date. Don’t forget to ask them about their pricing and procedures as well.
Once you make your final decision, talk with them about your situation and how you’d like your things handled. They will come up with a plan to get you moved efficiently.
Don’t forget to pack your belongings as soon as possible. Waiting until the last minute may cause you to miss your moving date.
4. Get an Inspection
Once you’ve found a home you’d like to purchase, you’ll need to ensure it is safe to live in. The best way to figure this out is to hire an inspector so that they can check each area of the home.
These inspectors are highly trained and will conduct multiple tests throughout the house. They will test for things like:
- Mold
- Mildew
- Carbon monoxide leaks
- Structural integrity
- Water leaks
You may want to choose another option if the home receives a poor inspection. However, the seller may offer to fix any issues at no additional cost. You will need to get another inspection once the buyer fixes these issues to ensure everything is done correctly.
5. Set Up Utilities
Before you move into your new house, you’ll need to set up utilities so that it is a livable space. These utilities include electricity, water, gas, etc.
Some companies will allow you to transfer addresses if you have an account already set up. You’ll need to reach out to utility companies if you do not have any previous accounts.
Each utility may have a service plan to help you save money. Therefore, it may be smart to research which companies have the best options for your needs.
You can get price quotes from each company so you know what the average costs are in your area. For example, go to Blue Raven Solar to estimate your savings.
6. Deep Clean
Before moving all of your furniture and belongings into your new house, it may be a good idea to deep clean. A deep clean will ensure no germs or bacteria are infecting any areas. It will also make cleaning easier since there will be nothing in the home to move or clean around.
You can deep clean the home yourself or hire professional cleaners. A professional will clean each area efficiently with the proper supplies.
This may be a better option for those wanting to save time during their move. You can also hire a cleaning crew to deep clean your home while you are away. Doing so will allow them to fully focus on their job.
As previously mentioned, you’ll need to check each company’s ratings to ensure you hire a trustworthy company. This is extremely important since they will be alone in your home.
7. Make Repairs and Upgrades
Some sellers market their homes as “fixer-uppers,” which allows buyers to purchase at a lower price. These homes may need minor or major repairs. Regardless, you’ll need to fix these issues before moving in.
Start by tackling the largest repairs first. Doing so will help you move in quicker. You can then handle smaller repairs at a later time.
You may also want to make upgrades to your home before moving in. Some popular upgrades include appliances, windows, flooring, etc. These upgrades can be done quickly while there is no one living in the area.
8. Change Your Address
Another important tip to remember before making the final move is to change your address. This is essential so that your name is no longer associated with your former home.
You’ll need to change your address on all important documentation, bills, and insurance. Most importantly, you’ll need to change your address with the post office. Doing so will keep any of your mail from being delivered to your previous address.
It’s a good idea to do this a week or two before your final move. This will allow you to receive any mail that is in the delivery process.
9. Change Locks and Install a Security System
Changing the locks on your new house is an essential safety precaution. This gives you the peace of mind that no one else has any copies of your key. You’ll be able to keep track of how many keys you have and who is allowed to have copies.
Be sure to change the locks on all doors, including any locks to gates and garages. You may also want to change any internal locks for extra protection.
You should also consider installing a security system for added protection. A security system will protect you from intruders, emergencies, or vandalism.
Some of the best security systems include cameras and alarms. These cameras will help you identify people, while the alarms can help deter unwanted visitors.
10. Meet Your Neighbors
Meeting your neighbors is a great way to introduce yourself to the area. Most likely, these will be people you interact with often. Meeting them will start this new relationship and allow you to get to know each other.
You can stop by to introduce yourself or offer for them to come over at a later date. Having them over will allow you to learn more about each other.
It’s also a good idea to meet your neighbors so that they can give you any information about the area. They may be able to offer insight into places to visit or avoid.
Tips for Moving Into a New House
Many people are often unsure of what to do before moving into a new house. Hopefully, this guide will help prepare you for every obstacle.
Don’t forget to always set up utilities so that you’re able to move in quickly. You should also check all equipment in your new home to ensure your safety.
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