Congratulations! You have achieved a major goal and purchased a home. Now what? Apartment living was fun, but it’s time to start the next chapter, but what exactly does that entail? It can seem overwhelming at first, but if you follow guidelines, you will enjoy your new home sans anxiety.
Pre-Move Projects
Before move-in day, take the time to inventory anything that needs to be fixed or changed aesthetically. This is also a great time to estimate upcoming home improvements such as a new roof. Some items to consider:
- Do the floors need to be refinished?
- Do you need to work on home security issues?
- Do the walls need to be painted?
- Are there any rooms that need new carpet?
- How many locks will you need to change? (Don’t forget the extra keys!)
Preparing your humble abode before the moving truck arrives is key to a smooth transition. It is much easier to paint without clutter. During this process, you can start to imagine the type of furniture that would be appropriate for your taste. A home will be more spacious than your apartment. Therefore your current decor may not be accommodating.
Get Acquainted With Your House
In an apartment, it takes all of 5 minutes to understand how things work. You are now responsible for your home’s heating and electrical sources, so it is a good idea to understand how it all works. Make sure you have the answers to these questions:
- Is your stove gas or electric?
- Do you have central heating and cooling?
- Where is the electrical box?
- Are smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in working order?
- How do you turn off the main water valve?
Familiarizing yourself with this information can save time in a crisis. There is no such thing as calling your landlord, so you need to be prepared.
Save, Save, Save!
You may have come accustom to having small or large repairs taken care of by your landlord. Your savings account may not have been one of your top priorities. Welcome to home ownership!
Experts say that you should expect to pay 10 to 20 percent of the price of your home each year. This would cover mortgage payments, insurance, taxes, utility bills, and home repairs. Remember to consider any major home repairs that you may need shortly when determining your targeted savings amount.
Insurance & Investments
Your new home is an investment so treat it as such. If you install a central air conditioning system, save the documents. Anything that will increase the value of your home needs to be documented. If the item needs repair, you will have the information handy. Protect your home and ensure that all of your valuables are covered. Carefully review your insurance policy. If you are unsure about your coverage, contact your provider.
Throughout the process, enjoy each step and recognize your efforts. If you do your due diligence, moving from your apartment to a house can be an easy transition. You can also make the move from an apartment to a house smoother by hiring a local apartment moving company. For cheap rates on residential movers, check out Cheap Movers San Diego (www.cheapmoverssandiego.com).