Moving into a new place can be full of excitement, anxiety, and emotional breakdowns; however, this melting pot of emotions is completely expected and understandable. The actual physical process of moving can be a pain in your back and the stress of the day can often times be too much to handle. But once you’re settled in, it will be smooth sailing from there, right? Maybe.
The first year living in a new home will likely bring challenges and obstacles that you thought you were prepared for but turns out you were not. While we cannot completely avoid these hurdles, there are ways to prepare yourself for the roller coaster of your first year in a new place.
Don’t worry when a small (or big) piece of the house spontaneously decides to stop working; it is inevitable that something is bound to break. The ability to bounce back and resolve the issue will save you more time than wallowing over the broken amenity. Not everything is going to be smooth and in pristine condition but mental preparedness will help return your house to its fully functioning self.
Keys for Success
Save, Save, Save.
Make sure there is a enough dough to go around. Some experts suggest saving six months to nine months worth of income for your side fund; it is important to know how much you’re going to need and stick to that plan. A new mortgage causes financial changes and being prepared with that fund of hard-earned saved money will pay off in the long run.
Map it Out.
Figure out where everything is located. A new home brings on a learning curve, because obviously you do not know the territory immediately. In case of an emergency, you want to know how to turn utilities on and off, where to locate emergency supplies, etc. Even if there is no emergency, knowing where the light switch is can help you shave seconds off your morning rush out the door.
Find a Fixer.
If there is a handyman living in your household, then the fixer is found. Make sure your in-house handyman knows how to handle the possible malfunctions efficiently, and keep the number of a professional around just in case. Finding a handyman can help immensely for any small to large job that can come your way. Figuring out who they are before the actual malfunction occurs will maximize your time efficiency in order to take care of the new home’s kinks.
Prepare for the Pile
Junk mail will flood your home months after moving it. While a lot of it will be random junk mail, a few token letters and local coupons are sure to make an appearance. Refinancing offers are also likely to slip in if your home gains equity in the first year and rates dip.
Befriend the Neighbors
New friendships flourish in this new setting; from small trips to the mailbox and plant watering, neighbors will likely be curious as to who you are and want to say hello. If you have kids, inviting the neighborhood kids over to the house will open up opportunities to get to know the parents and help your kids acclimate better.
While these may seem like insignificant pieces of moving and adjusting to a new home, these little considerations will add up and help ensure a healthy, happy home. It may appear daunting and frustrating at times, but once all is said and done, all the blood, sweat, and tears of the first year will be worth the happiness of a lifetime.