Moving Tips for First-Time Homebuyers

So, you’ve just bought your first home—congratulations! Owning a home is an exciting milestone, and you're not alone. According to a recent CoreLogic study, first home buyers made up 26% of New Zealand property purchases in the first quarter of 2024. And it’s a good time to buy, MPA magazine reports the median price for first homes has dropped to $695,000 in early 2024, down from $699,000 in 2023 and $715,500 in 2022.

As you embark on this new chapter, moving into your own place can feel both exciting and a little overwhelming. Whether you're coming from a rental or flatting situation, these tips will help make the process smoother, less stressful, and, hopefully, a little more enjoyable. Let's get started!

Start with Decluttering

Before you even think about packing, take a step back and assess what you really need. Moving is the perfect opportunity to shed the clutter of your flatting days and start fresh. There’s no need to bring every old piece of furniture or appliance into your new home.

Go room by room and decide what stays and what goes. Donate, sell, or recycle items you no longer use or need. Decluttering not only makes packing more manageable but also gives you more room to enjoy your new space without unnecessary baggage. Plus, with fewer things to move, you'll save on moving costs.

Create a Moving Budget

It's easy to overlook how quickly moving expenses can add up. For first-time homebuyers, managing costs is key, so having a detailed moving budget is a great way to avoid unpleasant surprises. Start by considering the cost of hiring professional movers, renting a truck, or enlisting the help of friends and family. Don’t forget to factor in packing supplies, utility transfers, and potential cleaning costs for your old place.

One financial decision you’ll need to make is whether to choose a moving company that charges a fixed price or an hourly rate. In my experience, hourly rates often work out better, especially when you’re organized and ready to go. Fixed prices tend to include a premium to cover unexpected delays, which can result in a higher cost overall.

Decide if you Want to Hire a Truck or Get Movers

One of the first decisions you’ll need to make is whether to hire professional movers or rent a truck and do it yourself. Each option has its pros and cons.

Hiring Movers makes an already for stressful process a lot easier. On the other hand, renting a truck and moving yourself is more budget-friendly, but it does require more effort and careful planning. It really comes down to your budget or if you have a lot of heavy furniture or valuable items.

Buy Quality Packing Supplies

Packing is an essential part of the moving process, and the quality of your supplies can make or break your experience. While it might be tempting to save money by picking up free or cheap boxes, this can backfire. Cheap boxes, especially those with thin cardboard, can easily collapse when stacked or carried, causing damage to your belongings. I’ve seen it happen too many times to count.

Label Your Boxes Clearly

This might sound simple, but labeling your boxes can save you a ton of frustration when it’s time to unpack. Make sure to clearly mark the contents and the room each box belongs to. This way, both you and your movers will know exactly where everything should go when you arrive at your new home. It’ll make the unpacking process much easier and quicker.

If you can, try to include a brief description of what's inside each box, especially for items you might need right away. Nothing’s worse than spending your first night in your new place searching through a mountain of boxes for your toothbrush!

Update Your Address with Important Contacts

Moving to a new home means updating your address with all the relevant people and services. Make sure you notify your utility providers (electricity, water, internet), banks, insurance companies, and New Zealand Post to set up mail redirection. It’s also a good idea to update your address with your doctor, dentist, and any subscription services you use.

Make Sure to Update Your Address With:

Electricity and Gas Provider – Arrange for transfer or disconnection at your old address and connection at your new one.

Water Supplier – Notify them about your move to update billing details.

Internet and Phone Provider – Ensure your services are transferred or disconnected.

New Zealand Post – Set up mail redirection to ensure you don’t miss any important correspondence.

Inland Revenue (IRD) – Update your address with the tax department.

Your Bank – Notify your bank to update your address for statements and correspondence.

Council Rates Department – Notify your local council of your change of address to ensure accurate rates billing.

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It might seem like a hassle, but updating your address early can save you from missing important bills or correspondence after the move.

Use a Room-by-Room Packing Strategy

When it comes to packing, a room-by-room strategy is the way to go. I always advise finishing one room before starting another. It helps keep things organized and prevents the chaos of half-packed boxes scattered across your home. This method also makes it easier to unpack once you arrive.

Start with the rooms you use the least, like guest bedrooms or storage areas, and leave the most essential spaces, like the kitchen and bathroom, for last. This ensures you still have access to everything you need while you’re packing.

Pack an Essentials Bag for Moving Day

Moving day can be chaotic, so make sure you pack a bag with all the essentials you’ll need. This should include toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, phone chargers, and anything else you might need during your first few days. Having these items easily accessible will make settling in much more comfortable.

Give Yourself Time to Settle In

Once you’ve moved, give yourself time to get settled. Unpacking can take longer than you expect, so don’t feel pressured to have everything perfect right away. Start with the most important rooms, like the kitchen and bedroom, and take it from there. Moving into your first home is exciting—take a moment to enjoy it!

Moving into your first home is a big step, and with the right preparation, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. From decluttering to gathering quality packing supplies and using a room-by-room strategy, these tips will help you navigate the process with ease. Remember to take your time, stay organized, and enjoy this exciting new chapter. Soon enough, you’ll be fully settled and enjoying the comfort of your very own space!

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