Have you finally decided to retire from apartment living and move into your first home? This transition can be as exciting as it is stressful, and you likely have a long checklist for making your move a success.
Before you make the trek from one residence to another, there are a few things that may not be on your moving checklist that you’ll want to prioritize. By following these tips, you’ll get moved into your new home with minimal frustration, and feel better prepared for your future as a homeowner.
Organize Your Belongings
Before you pack everything into a moving truck, organize your belongings into an assortment of bins and boxes that you can easily move from your apartment to your new house. This will serve two purposes.
First, putting your possessions in a dedicated place will prevent them from getting lost. If you try just throwing everything haphazardly into your car or a moving truck, they may get misplaced or forgotten. Organizing your things in a container will keep them in one place and take some of the pressure off of potentially losing anything in the move.
The second benefit of organizing your belongings is it can help make setting up your home easier. Instead of rifling through unmarked bags and boxes, thoughtfully organize things by the room they will go in. Put toiletries and towels in a container marked “bathroom,” put cutlery and cookware in a container marked ‘kitchen,” and once you’re moved in, you’ll know exactly what goes where. You’ll be spending enough time decorating and getting other things situated, so save time and make your move-in a little easier.
Invest in Landscaping Equipment
Now that you won’t be living in an apartment, you’ll have to take care of your own landscaping. To prepare yourself for these new responsibilities, it’s wise to invest in landscaping equipment before you’re moved into your home. A lawnmower is a must for most homeowners, and other helpful equipment includes hedge trimmers, a wheelbarrow, and a weed wacker.
Buy a Tool Kit
Similar to how you’ll now have to take care of your landscaping on your own; you’ll also be responsible for any issues that arise in your home. If you don’t own one already, purchase a tool kit to handle any repairs you may need to make throughout the house. Some essentials for every tool kit include a cordless drill, hammer, socket wrench, and a set of screwdrivers.
Ask for Help From a Friend or Family Member
If you’re particularly stressed by moving from your apartment to a new home, don’t be afraid to ask for help from trusted friends or family. Whether you need another set of hands for moving furniture or know someone who owns a truck and can help you avoid paying for a moving truck, even the slightest bit of help can make a big difference.
Jenn Walker is a freelance writer, blogger, dog enthusiast, and avid beach goer operating out of Southern New Jersey. She writes for Modular Homes Affordably Priced, a builder of two-story modular homes in New Jersey.
