Buying your first home is an exciting process. But once the papers are all signed and you’ve moved all your stuff in, the excitement wears off, and you have to get used to living in a new space. Sometimes, it takes a while for the new house to feel like home, and decorating takes time. So, what can you do in the first few weeks of homeownership to help you feel more at home? Here are a few unconventional tips we want to share.
- Change your locks. You never know how many copies of your house’s keys are out there from previous owners. Always change the locks to protect yourself once you have ownership in place. This will help your home be more secure, and you’ll feel safer in it.
- Calculate your potential home value. Many new homeowners take a while to settle into their new homes because they’re overwhelmed by the significant financial commitment they’ve just made. It’s important to remember that your home isn’t just a place to live but an investment in your future. Understanding this can help ease the stress and remind you that your purchase is a long-term financial asset.
- Learn to care for your home. Taking on the responsibility of homeownership is more challenging than you may think. Learning how to handle small repairs or routine tasks will help you feel more capable and reduce your reliance on outside help. Maintaining your home gives you confidence, especially when something inevitably breaks down.
- Protect your homeownership documents. You’ll be handed a lot of paperwork when you buy a home. Make sure to store these important documents securely—both physically and digitally. Whether it’s your mortgage paperwork, home insurance, or property deeds, keeping everything organized and backed up ensures you can easily access them when needed. Organizing everything and putting it away will also help you feel more settled!
- Relax. When does a house become a home? We like to think it happens with the first nap or lazy day at home. Learning to enjoy yourself in your new space can take time, especially if the mess and clutter of moving triggers you. But once everything is put away, slow down and enjoy your new house, and soon it will feel like home.
Everyone finds their own rhythm. Take things one step at a time and recognize that it takes time to feel comfortable in a new space and take on the new responsibility of being a homeowner. These tips can help you balance both the physical and financial responsibilities you’ve taken on as a homeowner. Be patient, and soon enough, your new house will feel like home!
