If you are moving from an apartment to a house, especially if you are buying your first house, there are a lot of things you can do to prepare ahead of time so that you can be ready for the transition. When you own your own home, not only are there more things you are responsible for, but you are naturally inclined to invest more into that property. Owning your own home is an awesome privilege, and we are here to help you with a few tips for making that transition as easy as possible.
Aesthetic Renovations
There are a handful of changes you might find yourself wanting to make to your new home, which is totally normal. Everybody’s taste is different, and it is super rare that the previous owners had everything the exact way you would like it. While some renovations can be extensive and quite expensive, there are a handful of low cost changes that a lot of people choose to initially make when they purchase a home. These renovations like painting the interior and/or exterior, changing the cabinets, and replacing the floors are best done prior to moving in if your time frame can allow for it. These aesthetic renovations really make your new house feel like your perfect home, but doing these before moving in all of your furniture and belongings will help the process go by much quicker and much simpler!
Changing the Locks
The biggest difference between apartment living and home ownership is that you are responsible for all the changes, the fun ones and the completely necessary ones. One thing that is easy to overlook is changing the locks as soon as you close and get the keys to move in. You must consider the fact that the previous owners might have given spare keys to friends, neighbors, or even repair persons. Luckily, the cost for your own safety and peace of mind is really affordable, so you can easily have your local locksmith scheduled for the day you get your keys.
Have an Emergency Fund
Another note on the difference between apartment and home ownership, you may want to have some cash set aside for those repairs that are now your responsibility. Home ownership is such an awesome step in life, but it can cause a little bit of stress if the right steps are not taken in preparation. Those little repairs that pop up like having to replace an appliance or fix a leak can come out of nowhere, so having a little rainy day fund ready to go can help reduce the stress of those situations.
Get to Know the Neighborhood
One of the best parts about moving into a home is the sense of permanence that it adds to your life, and investing into your new neighborhood will be a huge part of helping you feel at home. Get to know the people living around you by hosting a block party or even by baking cookies for the folks next door to you, and be intentional about seeking out the local shops and restaurants in your area. This will help you really get to know your town and the people in it!
