Real Estate Matters
By Elisa Jo Eagan
If you thought that moving into your 900-square-foot apartment was tough, moving into your first home can be a real challenge. It is an exciting time; however, sometimes it is hard to make the transition into your first home, knowing what items should be replaced and what needs to be purchased to fill a larger space.
Keep these moving tips for first-time homebuyers in mind for a smooth transition:
Do not be afraid to ask for help
Chances are, as a first-time buyer, you don’t have an overabundance of items to pack up. Unless you have been renting for over a decade, it is best to think minimally when moving into a home for the first time. However, the prospect of packing up (especially if it is just you) can feel pretty intimidating. Consider hiring professionals if it becomes too overwhelming. There are plenty of reasonable businesses out there, plus you may be able to secure a deal if your possessions fall under a certain space limit.
Map it out
Whether you consider yourself a planner or not, moving is one thing that you can’t do on the fly and hope for the best – you need to plan. You can start by taking a picture of each room in your current space to remember how you have items organized. You won’t be able to replicate every area in your new home (nor would you likely want to), but this can help you keep track of what fits together and where. It is also a good idea to look at the floor plan of your new home and to map out where the biggest items will go so you know exactly where to put them on move-in day.
Start with the biggest projects
You can’t fit a square peg into a round hole, and the same goes for the moving process. If you fill every room with all of your smaller items before moving the big stuff, you will end up running out of space quickly. Sofas, lounge chairs, large appliances, and the like should be moved first before the rest of the decorating process begins. You will have plenty of time to add the finishing touch. Get the most important items down first.
Give yourself time
Think you can move in one day? Think again. The thought of spending weeks of your life in limbo between your old space and your new space sounds pretty miserable compared to trying to cram weeks’ worth of moving into 24 hours. If you feel rushed, you are bound to make mistakes or forget something essential. Taking your time is a much more realistic approach to having a successful transition.
Also, feel free to reach out and ask about how you may qualify for up to $17,000 in New Jersey State First-Time Homebuyer Assistance to purchase your new home.
It’s September, with the children back to school and the scent of pumpkin spice in the air. Be safe and enjoy.
For More Real Estate Questions, Information and Advice Contact Elisa Jo Eagan “The Real Estate Godmother” (609)703-0432 and Remember…”There’s No Place Like Owning Your Own Home!”
