Becoming a first-time homeowner can be an exciting new step in your life, but it can also be an overwhelming one. Upgrading from renting an apartment to owning a home can bring about exciting changes, such as more living space, more storage, and the ability to make changes to your home whenever you like. To make the adjustment from apartment living to homeownership smooth, here is a list of tips to consider before you move into your new home.

1. Start Saving for a Rainy Day

One of the biggest adjustments for first-time homeowners is taking on the responsibility of maintenance and repairs. Rather than being able to call a landlord or an apartment complex’s maintenance team, you’ll be responsible for fixing anything that goes wrong in your home. Inevitably, something will go wrong at some point, so it’s best to go ahead and account for these costs by starting a savings account specifically for this purpose.

2. Become Well Acquainted with Your New Home

Take the time to get to know your home. It might seem obvious, but you don’t want to put this off or neglect to do this. Labeling your home’s circuit breaker, being able to turn on and off the main water valve, and memorizing your home’s layout could make a huge difference if an emergency arises, especially in the first couple months after move in. Change the locks on all the exterior doors of your home. Make spare keys and hide them in places that would be helpful if you ever were locked out.

3. Decide Projects to Complete Prior To Move-In

Make a list of projects that would be more convenient to complete before you move into your new home. This might be redoing floors, repainting, replacing appliances, any major remodeling, or adding any outdoor fencing for children or pets. It may be worth hiring a professional to complete these projects if you want to expediate your moving process.

4. Create A Vision Board

Transitioning from an apartment to a house can often times mean buying new furniture to fill all of the new space you now have. Creating an interior design for your home is important, but it can also be challenging to find furniture and decorating pieces. Creating a vision board of your home’s overarching design theme for reference can help you buy pieces that will help your home have a cohesive appearance, rather than a pieced together décor. Also, remember to purchase window coverings, such as blinds. Often apartments come equipped with window coverings where new homes do not.

5. Plan for Your Outdoor Space

A new home can bring more outdoor space to utilize. Often when moving into their first house, homeowners spend an enormous amount of time on interior design and neglect their outdoor space. Make a general plan for your outdoor space, even if finishing the space isn’t a priority when you first move in. Great uses for outdoor spaces can be sitting areas, areas for entertainment, dining spaces, a garden, or maybe even a pool. By making a plan, you can start saving money for these projects.

6. You Will Need a Tool Kit

Invest in a quality tool kit. Do it and you will be thankful in the long run. Referring back to the first point on this list, things will go wrong with your home at some point. A one-time purchase of a tool kit can save you money in the long run, because it allows you to make minor repairs yourself rather than always calling a professional.

7. Keep an Eye on Your Energy Consumption

A tricky adjustment from apartment living to home living is energy consumption. In most cases, your energy bill from living in an apartment will be less than a home, simply because you’re heating and cooling a smaller space. You’re also likely to have less electronics using power in a smaller apartment than a house. Be mindful of your energy consumption once you move into your house to avoid a shocking power bill.

8. Meet Your Neighbors

Knock on your new neighbors’ doors and introduce yourself. Not only is it a nice thing to do, but it can also help you get familiarized with your neighborhood. Think of your neighbors as not only keeping watch of their house, but also keeping an eye on yours too. If your neighbors know the faces that belong to your household, it could make all the difference if they notice a stranger or an unrecognizable car around your home when you’re not there. If you feel comfortable enough after meeting your neighbors, exchange contact information.

Homeownership is a thrilling investment in your future. As with any change, there will be an adjustment period as you learn the ins-and-outs of being a homeowner. Hopefully, these helpful tips will make your transition from apartment to home as seamless as possible.

About the Author: 

Hayden Stewart is a contributing writer and media specialist for the Allied Van Lines Moving Blog. He regularly produces content for a variety of lifestyle and home blogs, based around the transitional obstacles that come with moving, settling into a new home, and more.