Congratulations - you’ve scrimped and saved and are now the proud owner of your first-ever home! Moving into a new home for the first time can be an overwhelming experience, particularly if you’ve never lived alone before. Nonetheless, settling into your first home should be a period filled with joy and excitement, so here are some last-minute tips to help make the experience as pleasant as possible.
Declutter Your Belongings
Decluttering your belongings and getting rid of things you no longer want or need is an excellent first step in moving house. If you’re about to move into your first home, chances are you haven’t yet accumulated a large number of possessions. However, the less you have, the easier it will be to move in. Furthermore, moving can be expensive, so the less you have to worry about, the more money you may be able to save.
Enlist Help
Moving house is invariably laborious, and attempting to do it alone can be exhausting, even dangerous. Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends and family members to help you with the task of moving; they can provide invaluable support, making the entire process more efficient and less overwhelming. As payment for any individuals who agree to help, offer to take them out for a meal or buy them a bottle of their favourite beverage - even a thank you card would suffice.
Consider A Moving Service
If you can spare the expense, hiring a professional moving service could be a wise decision. The convenience and expertise of professional movers can make all the difference, saving you valuable time and alleviating the stress of moving. Even with the assistance of family and friends, safely moving large, heavy objects like sofas and bookcases can be challenging, requiring careful consideration to avoid any potential damage. Hiring a moving service will enable you to focus on other important aspects of your move, knowing that your furniture is in capable hands.
Second-Hand Finds
Filling your first home with furniture and decoration can be an expensive endeavour, as high-quality homeware is seldom cheap. However, filling your home with second-hand finds is an excellent way to add personality and functionality when confined to a modest budget. You can save a surprising amount of money by taking advantage of second-hand retailers, such as vintage furniture emporiums, charity shops and online platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace.
Invest In Quality
When possible, investing in quality is crucial. Quality furniture items, such as hardwood dining tables and TV stands, add a palpable sense of luxury to any home and, when maintained properly, will last for decades. As such, investing in quality may actually save you money in the long run. Additionally, premium design features not only elevate the value of your property, but they will further enhance the appeal of your home to prospective buyers when the time comes to sell.
Label Your Boxes
When preparing for a move, one of the most important tasks is to label your boxes. This seemingly insignificant step can save you a great deal of time, making the unpacking process efficient and stress-free. Whether it's kitchen utensils, books, or electronics, an accurately labelled box will be your guiding light amidst the chaos of moving, ensuring a smoother transition to your new space. Additionally, it is advisable to label your boxes containing breakables as “fragile”, particularly if you intend to hire a professional moving service.
Create A Survival Kit
A moving survival kit is a clearly labelled box or bag full of important items, such as your toothbrush, clean clothes, eating utensils and first-aid. In other words, anything you might need for your first night in your new home, saving you from having to rifle through masses of boxes to find your essentials. A new home survival kit will make the moving process much easier and less stressful, so don’t be tempted to skip this step. Here are some more examples of items to include.
Keep Calm
As we’ve established, moving house can be stressful. However, by staying calm and prioritising self-care, you can make the entire process much more manageable and even enjoyable. Moving can be a physically demanding task, so by allowing yourself regular breaks, you can recharge and maintain focus throughout the day. Embrace the experience and demonstrate patience with yourself as well as anybody lending a hand.