Moving is hard enough as it is, and for many first-time homebuyers, it's normal to feel both excited and overwhelmed. The truth is, there's a long list of important things you need to keep up with as you prepare for life in your new house. If you're planning to move soon as a first-time homebuyer, don't worry. We have put together some valuable tips to help make this transition as easy and stress-free as possible.
1. Give Yourself Enough Time to Move
One of the biggest mistakes many first-time homebuyers make is not giving themselves enough time to properly plan the whole moving process. It's normal to feel a little overexcited about settling into your dream home, but you also need ample time to prepare and ensure the moving process will be as streamlined as possible. We suggest making a moving checklist that includes everything that you need to do, from packing and finding a moving company to securing all the necessary documents and telling your friends and family that you're moving. Also, allow time to prepare yourself emotionally. That way, when it's time to move, nothing is left to chance!
2. Start Planning Early
When planning to move, staying organized will make things easy for you from the get-go. Start by making a to-do list of all the items that need to be taken care of a couple of days or weeks leading up to the move. Include all the essential moving day tasks, such as packing up your car and transferring personal and financial information to your new address. If you're moving out of state, remember to update your driver's license and inform your insurance provider. Ensure that you update all your important accounts, memberships, utilities, bank information, credit cards, health insurance, etc. Sometimes people miss these crucial steps and end up missing on important payments or running into issues with automatic deduction payments.
3. Transfer Utilities
It’s a good idea to keep the necessary services turned on at your current location until you are moved out, but be sure you let your utility companies know your move out date so there is no confusion over the final bill. In addition to transferring electric and gas services to your new address, go ahead and arrange for internet services as well. If you're unsure about the providers in your new area, check online or ask your local real estate agent which companies are the most reliable.
4. Keep Important Documents Handy
Keep all your essential documents handy. You can organize and keep copies of all the necessary paperwork as soft copies on your cell phone to ensure easy access just in case you need to access something during an important phone call with your mortgage broker or title company. You should also have a copy of the closing statement from your new home purchase, any important contacts, and important account login information.
5. Remember to Change Your Address
You'll want to ensure that all your mail gets delivered to your new home. So, head over to the USPS website and update your address. You can also visit your local post office to submit the request in person.
6. Take Photos of Valuable Items
Take photos of valuables like your TV, computer, and appliances. You can use these as a visual inventory to ensure nothing gets lost or damaged during the move. Plus, if anything does get damaged, having proof of their original condition will help with your insurance claim.
7. Consider Hiring Professional Movers
Hiring professional movers can help minimize the stress that comes with moving and make your transition to your new home a lot easier. Professional movers know exactly how to pack everything in your house so that nothing gets broken or damaged, and when you arrive at your new place, they unpack everything in record time, saving you hours that you can spend on the more important stuff. On the downside, professional moving services can be costly, but it's always worth it if you want to avoid the stress and hassle of doing it yourself.
8. Schedule Home Improvements and Repairs
Do any necessary maintenance or upgrades before moving in if you have the time and budget. You can estimate the costs of these repairs or home improvements and determine if they are worth making right now or if it’s okay to wait. If none of the repairs are essential, you may be better off putting that money toward your home's mortgage or saving it for a rainy day.
9. Consider Custom Storage Solutions
One way to make sure you have enough room for all of your household items is to invest in custom storage solutions. If you have a lot of family heirlooms or other items that require extra room, consider the benefits of hiring someone to design a custom storage solution for those items. These solutions are a great way to gain additional storage and keep your space neat without the need for house extensions or major remodels.
10. Research Local Businesses
If you haven’t already done so, look up local businesses in your new neighborhood. What are their hours? Which ones are closest? Which ones will you need the most? Do they have great reviews online? Researching the local businesses in your new area is an excellent way to acclimate to your new surroundings, and that can help you settle in quickly. With all the available online resources, finding information on local businesses is easy and it will save you time later on when you need to use them. A good start point is our Beyond Boston magazine, which includes lists of local schools, health care facilities, and places to dine and shop.
There are plenty of things you need to take into account when moving as a first-time homebuyer. However, the key to a less stressful moving process lies in planning early to avoid getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of this big life change.
Should you be in the market looking for a home in the Greater Boston area, contact Barrett Sotheby's International Realty. We offer unparalleled access to countless homes for sale in Greater Boston.
