People move for a variety of reasons; new jobs, changes in circumstances, or a desire to be closer to family are just some of the reasons we suddenly find ourselves in the search for a new home. While looking for our new home, sometimes it can be hard to not compare it to our old. Some of those comparisons are positive (more closet space, bigger bedroom), but some of them can be negative. If you are having difficulty breaking away from your old home during the search for the new, here are some tips to help you fall in love with your new home.
While Looking for a Home
- Have a list: Take a few minutes to create a must have list while home shopping. Use that list to decide if the house meets your criteria instead of constantly comparing it to your current home.
- Explore the neighborhood: Many times it’s not just the house that we fall in love with, it is also the neighborhood. Spend some time exploring potential neighborhoods to see what they have to offer
- Don’t get distracted: Remember things like paint color or flooring are easy to change. If you really like the layout of a house, then don’t let a couple of coats of paint scare you away.
Once you Have Moved into Your New Home
- Pack and Unpack with a Purpose: Nothing is more stress inducing than seeing that huge stack of boxes lining every wall in your new home. Help make unpacking easier by clearly labeling boxes by contents and room they belong in and packing the things you’ll need first (cleaning supplies, sheets, plates) last in the moving truck so they are the first out. Focus on unpacking the room that you will be in the most first.
- Unpack a box of personal items to put out: Yes you might plan on painting or getting a new piece of furniture, but setting out some family pictures, a favorite blanket, or chair can help your new space be more familiar.
- Prioritize Fixes: Aside from any functional repairs you may have to take on, a broken faucet, a new door, or a new appliance, try to tackle the home improvement projects that bother you the most first. For example, if you are not really into that dark red wall in the dining room, start painting in there. Even if they are just small changes, a lot of small changes will add up to a big improvement in how you see your new home.
- Remember it takes time: Buying or selling a home is a huge project and sometimes we all can get caught up in the excitement and unplanned surprises involved with moving. Give yourself some time in your new home once things start to settle down to truly appreciate all of its fantastic features and to develop your new routine.
Are you ready to fall in love with a new home? Start by searching for homes for sale in Orange, Culpeper, or Spotsylvania. See something that you would like to learn more about? Feel free to contact me at 540-360-5166 to get your questions answered.