Moving into a new home is nothing short of an adventure. A new house means new beginnings. As you enter it you see a blank slate full of endless possibilities. In fact, that is one of the things you are excited about the most.
However, as the initial excitement wears off, and as you stare at the ever-growing mound of unpacked items as well as other tasks you have been putting off (such as scheduling movers), you may begin to dread the transition.
Not to worry! The following sections take you through some of the best money-saving, time-efficient tips as well as techniques that reduce your stress and allow you to enjoy the new beginning.
1. Save Space and Money with Intelligent Packing
Packing can be as simple or as complicated as you make it. When done right, it is an art, and it gets you to save a lot of time, space, and moving costs.
What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made when packing in the past? While mistakes differ from one person to another, one of the most common ones include packing everything. Before you even begin moving items around, declutter ruthlessly. Consider selling off, donating, or recycling items you no longer use.
A good rule of thumb is that if you haven’t used it in a year it doesn’t need to make the trip. The fewer the items the fewer the moving expenses, especially if you are paying by weight or truck space.
When packing, opt for vacuum-seal bags for your clothes and soft items. This will slash the volume by up to 75%. You don’t even need to invest in a lot of boxes. Simply make use of your laundry boxes and suitcases. Don’t forget to label everything!
2. Welcome to Moving Day
Have you thought about hiring professional movers? Make sure you get multiple quotes and ask them to break down the pricing just so you’re sure they aren’t sneaking in fuel, stair, or long-carry fees.
In case you are renting a truck, you can easily utilize apps like GasBuddy to find the cheapest fuel nearby. You can save even more cost by renting moving blankets and dollies from professional moving companies to prevent costly furniture damage.
Of course, the timing matters a lot. Moving in the middle of the month or week can be up to 30% cheaper than peak weekends or month-end dates.
3. Setting Up Utilities and the Address
Avoid late fees as well as lost mail by setting up utilities as well as your personal address early. Nothing puts a damper on the mood quite like a non-existent Wi-Fi, electricity, or water. Make sure these things are settled before you move in.
Set up a change of address with USPS, and update your info with the bank, any subscriptions, as well as online retailers. If you are expecting any mail delays, you can use a virtual mailbox service (Anytime Mailbox).
4. Smart Home Security: Added Layers of Protection
A new home means new concerns regarding security. Burglars often target families that have recently moved in since they know setting up security can take time.
Begin by changing the keys on all the locks. You can also upgrade to smart security with Wi-Fi enabled doorbell cameras, RFID locks, as well as motion sensor lights. Many insurance companies can also offer you discounts for security systems so check if you qualify.
5. How to Unpack and Make Use of the Space
After buying a house and moving into it, people often find themselves drowning in boxes for months. Don’t want that to happen to you? Unpack with a strategy in mind. Start with all the essential items (kitchen, bathroom, bedroom) and designate a “must-unpack” zone that only has all your top priority boxes. Deal with one room per day to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Storage boxes are a great way to save space and keep things looking tidy from day one. Utilize vertical space as much as you can (tension rods under sinks create extra shelving).
For your closets, opt for slimmer velvet hangers to maximize the space. Use the space under the bed too for storage, and push all your seasonal clothes under there, out of sight.
6. Decorating at a Budget
A new home is only going to feel like yours when you breathe your personality into it. However, decorating costs can climb fast.
That’s totally alright. Simply replace all that expensive art you were planning to purchase with printed high-quality free artwork from sites like UnSplash and invest in beautiful frames. Alternatively, you can also look into local thrift stores or eBay and Craigslist for “moving sale” listings where you can come across steep discounts.
As for the paint job, we suggest you go for neutral colors that will boost the value of your home. Peel and stick wallpaper or decals are also a great choice for renters.
Pro Tip: Lighting makes a huge difference. It can bring a dull room to life. Swap out harsh ceiling lights for warmer LED bulbs or smart lighting for a sophisticated look. Don’t forget to add a few houseplants to the mix!
7. Blending in the Neighborhood
You add your unique personality to a house in order to make it a home. Similarly, your neighbors add life to your locality. Get to know them and introduce yourself to them early. They can be a great source of recommendations for whenever you need a professional to get a job done. They can also get you a list of the best takeout spots in town (trust us, you’re going to need those at the start)!
Join local Facebook groups or NextDoor to stay up to date on events, road closures, and community news. Apps like Meetup can connect you with people who share your interests and websites like Higher Hire can get you in touch with various companies willing to hire in the area.
Key Takeaways
Moving is much more than just relocating from one place to another. It provides you a much-needed opportunity to reset. Start afresh and reinvent your space and lifestyle. By planning ahead, using smart money-saving hacks, and settling in with the neighbors, you’ll surely have your new home feeling comfortable in no time!