Get to know your new neighborhood
If you’re moving to a new neighborhood, it’s a great idea to visit as soon as possible. Walk around, talk with neighbors and get a feel for what your day-to-day life might be like. You should look for things like:
- Proximity to shops and restaurants
- Safety—how safe does it feel?
- The condition of houses in the neighborhood (are they up-to-date or falling apart?)
- Your ability to walk safely from place to place without worrying about being attacked by rabid dogs or spray painted by graffiti artists (you can see why this might be important if you live in an urban area)
Make a list of all the things you need to do
After you make the big move, it’s time to get your new life in order. The first thing you’ll want to do is create a checklist of all the things that need to be done before moving day. This can include cleaning out your old home, getting rid of unwanted items, and packing things up for delivery.
You’ll also want to research the area where you will be living, whether it’s a new city or just somewhere across town. It’s helpful if this is an area where there are things like parks or community centers nearby so that kids have something fun to do when they’re not in school during the day (and also so parents can have fun too!).
Next on our list is getting to know some of your neighbors! If possible, introduce yourself now rather than waiting until after moving day so everyone feels more comfortable around each other instead of being awkward with each other because they don’t know each other yet 🙂 Last but certainly not least; organize! Get those boxes unpacked and organized so everything has its place and isn’t just cluttering up every room with piles everywhere
Change your address
Once you’ve purchased a home, it’s time to update your address with the United States Postal Service (USPS) and other companies. To change your address with the USPS, head to your local post office or send in a change-of-address form online. You’ll also want to make sure that any organizations that may need to send mail or packages know about your new address. This includes magazines and subscription services like Netflix, Hulu, Apple Music—the list goes on!
Shop around for better insurance plans.
- Shopping around for different insurance companies can help you find the right plan. You may be able to cut costs by choosing a higher deductible.
- Insurance companies offer discounts for safety features, like smoke alarms and fire extinguishers in the home.
- If you have a car, get a multi-policy discount by combining your auto and home policies with one company. This will save you money on both types of coverage. Multi-policy discounts typically range from 5% to 10%.
- Make sure you have enough coverage to rebuild your home if it’s destroyed by fire or other damage—what’s called replacement cost insurance—and keep copies of all your policies in case there’s ever an emergency (or if someone tries to scam you).
Get familiar with your home’s systems. Some homeowners will walk you through their homes and explain the various functions, but if they don’t, ask as many questions as you want.
As you get to know your home, it’s important to learn about the various systems that keep it running smoothly. You may have a homeowner who’s happy to walk you through the house and explain everything, but if not, ask as many questions as needed. Even if they’re brief, these conversations will help you feel more comfortable with your new home and allow you to make any adjustments necessary.
Checking that all systems are working properly can also be done during this inspection. Here are some things to check:
- Water heater
- Water pressure
- Appliances (refrigerators, stoves)
You will be prepared to dive right in and make your new house a home
You’re probably feeling a little overwhelmed. While it’s exciting to be in your new home, you may also feel a bit daunted by the prospect of making it your own. The good news is that we have some great tips and tricks for you!
There are some things that you should do immediately after buying a house in Florida. Many people skip these steps and then wonder why their new homes don’t feel like home yet. The following tips will help you get started on the right foot (or paw) and set yourself up for success when it comes to making this home yours:
- Make a list of what needs fixing or replacing
- Decide which improvements make sense financially or aesthetically
- Prioritize those improvements based on their importance