How to adjust to a new home
RE/MAX shares tips for adjusting after moving into a new house.
Moving to a new home can be exciting. However, it can be overwhelming to adjust to new routines. To make the transition easier, homeowners should take the time to familiarise themselves with their new surroundings and be intentional about turning the house into a home.
Adrian Goslett, the regional director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, explains that buying a home is more than just a financial investment – it is an emotional purchase too.
“It can take time to adjust to a new property and to make it your own. It is common to experience buyer’s regret after signing the offer to purchase or moving in. But, if you have purchased wisely, this feeling will fade once you have adjusted to the new home,” Goslett reassured buyers.
To make this transition process easier for buyers, RE/MAX of Southern Africa shares tips on how to adjust after moving into a new home:
• Explore the surroundings
After the move, explore the new neighbourhood, visit the nearby parks and shops and get comfortable with the surroundings. Use the ‘near me’ function on Google Maps to learn more about what the area offers. Getting plugged into the community will help make it feel like home far quicker – your neighbours could have great suggestions for the best local hangouts and stores.
• Helping children cope
To help young children cope with the move, parents can ensure that much of their old routine stays the same, such as mealtimes, bedtimes, and other regular activities. On moving in, set up the children’s bedroom first to make the home feel more familiar and safe. The sooner the children make new friends in the area, the easier it is to adjust. Enrol children in a local playgroup or neighbourhood sports club to help them make new friends.
• Adjust to the new expenses
It will take time to adjust to the new expenses that come with moving to a new home – especially for those who previously rented and are new to homeownership. It is advisable to set up an ongoing maintenance fund to cover any emergency expenses that crop up with property ownership (for example, if the geyser bursts or the roof starts leaking). Draw up a new budget for all the new expenses, which could include a higher bond repayment, new insurance costs, and a new internet account. Remember to update your physical address on existing accounts, subscriptions, and statements.
• Redecorate
Another way to make a property feel like home is to redecorate so that the home suits your style. Sellers often depersonalise a home when they put it up for sale, so buyers have a blank slate to work with when they move in. While it’s advisable to keep permanent features (such as walls and floors) neutral, buyers can add their style through the furniture and décor they choose to add.
“Moving to a new home can be a big undertaking, which is why it is advisable to find a property where you can live happily for many years. It is also important to remember that real estate is a long-term investment strategy. It takes time for a home to appreciate enough value for homeowners to make good returns.
“If you are curious about how your property is appreciating in value over time, keep in touch with a local real estate professional who can keep you updated on home values in the area and other market trends that could affect you,” Goslett concludes.
