Welcome to your new home! In case house hunting, saving for a down payment and finding an affordable mortgage has not been stressful enough, you now get to endure the mess and cost of physically moving. It does not have to be too disruptive or expensive, however. Follow these tips to make your move manageable.
- Make all of your cosmetic repairs before you move in. You do not want to be painting the baby’s room after you already arranged the crib and hung the curtains. If you plan to change or improve any paint, flooring or appliances, schedule that work before you move.
- Hire movers. With the unemployment rate still high, you can probably find some good movers without taking out another loan. You have enough going on without having to worry about loading up a U-Haul, and you can get multiple quotes from professional movers in your area by searching online. Save money by offering the work to friends or contacts you know who are looking for odd jobs. Be prepared to negotiate. Tell potential movers what you have budgeted, and refuse to pay any more.
- Get the kids excited and willing to help. Parents Magazine suggests involving the kids from the beginning. Let them decide how to arrange their rooms, and give them the task of unpacking their own toys, clothes and books.
- Speaking of the kids, make sure you have them ready for their new school. Check out the school district in your new home by typing in your city and state on Movoto’s School Search page.
- Stock the fridge. Unpacking will be a lot more comfortable if you have easy snacks to grab, prepared meals for break time and plenty of drinks. Save money by grocery shopping in bulk before you start moving. Don’t forget to clip coupons!
- Turn on the utilities. Schedule your electricity, water and gas to turn on a few days before you plan to move in. This will give you a buffer zone in case there is a delay or a problem you need to manage.
- Figure out what says “home” to you. Maybe it’s a favorite painting or a specific knick knack or your plushest comforter on the bed. Whatever little luxury is closest to your heart, unpack it and set it up first. That anchor will calm your nerves and keep you going through the process of settling in.
