10 things you should know before moving into a new home
Moving into a new home can be an exciting experience, but it also comes with its fair share of stress and nervousness. There are so many things to consider , from your next-door neighbors to the property taxes , that it’s easy to get overwhelmed before you even unpack your first box! Fortunately, there are some things you can do before you move in to make the transition go more smoothly, such as gathering this list of 10 things you should know before moving into a new home.
1) Location
The location of your house can have a significant impact on your day-to-day living costs, since it affects how far you need to commute for work, shopping and other life necessities. That’s why it’s important to take specific location factors into account when looking for a new place to live. With that in mind, consider these 10 points as you look for that perfect rental property
2) Appliances
Depending on where you’re moving, appliances might be provided. This can significantly reduce your move-in costs. If not, these items should definitely be in your list of must haves and shouldn’t be more than 10 percent of your total budget. However, if they aren’t already provided, factor them in as an added cost to your move-in expenses. Here are some other tips for working appliances into your budget
3) Technology
The trickiest part of setting up a new place is often getting all your technology to talk to each other. Depending on how many items you have, setting them up can be expensive or difficult and time-consuming. This can often lead to people leaving behind items or using low-quality replacements (and skipping warranties) so they don’t have to deal with anything that’s not working perfectly out of the box. Use Google Voice to text from any phone. It will save you money and make it easier for friends and family to reach you. Keep in mind, though, that some carriers may charge for texts sent through Google Voice, check with your carrier before signing up. If you plan on having roommates, keep in mind that sharing an Internet connection means sharing an IP address.
4) Space planning
When designing your space, make sure to leave enough room for your furniture. Plan ahead of time where you’ll put your couch, dining table and bedroom furniture. If possible, visit local showrooms or take a tour of similar homes in person to get a better idea of how much space you need for each piece. Finally, make sure that there is ample room between furniture and walls – don’t forget about doorways and storage units!
5) Landscaping
More than just about curb appeal, landscaping provides a number of environmental benefits. Selecting native plants that are well-suited to your local climate can significantly reduce water consumption and prevent erosion from rainstorms and hurricanes. Properly maintained trees and shrubs also provide natural habitat for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Before you sign on that dotted line, be sure to make sure that your new abode has plenty of room for outdoor recreation too! You might be surprised at how much time you spend outside after all.
6) Decorating your space
So, now that you’ve chosen where to live, how are you going to decorate your space? Take some time to browse websites like Houzz and Pinterest for ideas on how people have decorated their spaces in similar houses. Then, let your imagination run wild! When decorating your space, remember that most pieces will be around for years, so it is better to buy one quality piece than several cheaper ones.
7) Room design ideas
One of your first choices to make is what style of room to decorate. Before rushing out and buying everything, think about how you will be using it—in other words, determine your priorities. Your bedroom should be both functional and pleasing to look at; after all, it’s your sanctuary from everyday life, so try to set up a space that makes you feel rested and relaxed when you wake up in the morning.
8) Designing on a budget
Homes come in all shapes and sizes, but if your wallet is thin, you may have to consider limiting your construction options. With that in mind, it’s essential to create a plan for designating funds. Start by breaking down what each room will be used for, to do or eat in, work in, sleep or shower in—and then determine how much money you can afford to spend on each one. This will allow you to make informed decisions while keeping costs low.
9) Furniture buying tips
When it comes to buying furniture, bigger is better. When it comes to shopping for furniture, bigger is better. But when it comes to paying for that furniture, bigger may be more trouble than it’s worth. To help make smart choices about big-ticket items and avoid buyer’s remorse down the road, here are a few key points to consider:1. Don’t buy too much at once. One of the biggest mistakes people make when furnishing their homes is buying too much at once, says Ron Hazelton, host of The Furniture Show with Ron Hazelton on PBS stations nationwide. This often leads to buyers having to return or exchange many of their purchases because they bought pieces that didn’t match or fit in their homes well.
10) A way forward
Before you move, there are some key questions to ask yourself. It’s important to assess your lifestyle and figure out exactly what you need from your new space. If location is your biggest priority, for example, are other factors less important? Are you going to furnish it right away or wait until after renovations? Are there any specific must-haves when it comes to design or layout? Write these down on paper and compare them with every house that catches your eye.
