Making moving in manageable
Properly preparing for Day 1 in your new home will pay dividends
Moving from an apartment into your first home can be stressful. But proper planning can make the transition much smoother.
“When moving from a smaller property like a one-bedroom apartment to a larger home, worry about the necessities first and all other items last,” says Elysia Casaday, part of the Casaday Allison Group of Wydler Brothers Real Estate in Chevy Chase, Md. “Focus on the areas you’ll be living in the most. Once you’re in your new home, you’ll be able to analyze what’s needed, where and in what size.”
Some items you may need right away are extra lamps for dark rooms, says Mary Roberge, a real estate agent with McEnearney Associates in Leesburg, Va.
“Don’t forget shower curtains for each bath, with rings and rods, and the all-important bath mat so no one slips and falls,” Roberge says. “The additional toiletry essentials like shampoos and towels for each bath are often overlooked, but are very comforting to have early on.”
People tend to forget some of the basics, says Katharine Delo Gregg, a real estate agent with McEnearney Associates in Washington, D.C.
“Some things don’t cross your mind until you wake up in the morning after your first night’s sleep in your new home, like coffee and milk,” she says.
Another basic first-time buyers often forget is something to cover their windows.
“Window treatments can be a surprise cost for many buyers, especially since custom blinds can be pricey,” says Steven Centrella, a real estate agent with Redfin. “But there are many different options available at a variety of price points … If you can’t get blinds up before you move in, some stickup blinds from the hardware store can be helpful.”
While many sellers will clean a property before settlement, it’s often a cursory wipe down.
“You may want it a little cleaner before you start moving everything in, which takes time that some buyers don’t budget for,” Centrella says.
Even if the previous owners left the home clean or you’re the first person to live in a new place, Gregg suggests having a broom easily accessible on moving day.
“Your floors are going to be filthy after a day of movers hauling furniture in and out of your front door,” she says.
Brittany Allison, also part of the Casaday Allison Group, says a few of the necessities to make you feel at home on your first day include toiletries, toilet paper, paper towels, towels and linens.
“You’ll need furniture for your master bedroom and other bedrooms, depending on the size of your family, plus some living room furniture, maybe even just a couch before you start putting the room together,” Allison says. “You need a place to eat, so even just bar stools for your island or breakfast bar are fine to start. Don’t forget to set up your cable and Internet so you’re connected on the first day.”
If you’re moving into a new unit, there are some extra steps you can take before your move that will have long-lasting impact.
“Upgrade to devices that add efficiency to your home and save you money in the long term,” says Timur Loynab, a vice-president of McWilliams Ballard in D.C. “Consider programmable thermostats … and look into renewable sources of energy for power, such as solar panels and solar battery packs.”
Charilyn Wells Cowan, an associate broker with McEnearney Associates in McLean, Va., suggests thinking about which features are “infrastructure” and which are decorative. Cowan recommends home buyers spend money before they move in on things like woodwork, cabinets and wiring for sound and security because those items are harder to add or change later.
Loynab suggests waiting on some decisions until you’ve settled in and see how you use the space.
“Test paint swatches on your walls first and sit with the colour for a day or two before committing to a colour for all of your home’s walls,” he says.
Centrella suggests spacing out your purchases and letting yourself acclimate to the space before buying furniture.
“Don’t buy new furniture until you’ve got in and made sure your measurements are correct,” Centrella says. “You never want to order that expensive new living or dining room set and then not have it fit in the space.”
While paper towels and cleaning supplies are necessities, Roberge suggests other items to have handy on moving day.
“Not always an essential, but a wonderful feel-good item to have at the move-in are cheese and crackers or other snacks, along with the owner’s preferred beverages, for not only a possible special first night in the new home but also for any visitors and friends who may stop by,” she says.
Centrella suggests having disposable plates, cups and napkins for a takeout meal on your first night so you don’t have to worry about finding the box with the dishes and silverware.
“If you’ve got kids, make sure you have something to keep them busy and out of the way if they’re too young to help with the move,” says Centrella.
Roberge says if you don’t have your TV or Internet connected, it’s a nice idea to download a movie or two onto a laptop so your family can have a little downtime.