Are you Moving from an apartment to a house? First of all, congratulations! There is nothing quite like having a little more space to breathe without hearing your neighbors at 3 a.m., dealing with heavy footsteps above you while trying to nap, or being the one the neighbors complain to because your kids are running through the house. It’s time for a break! Your home, your space!
But also, your yard, your bills, and your responsibility. Unless you scored a fantastic deal with all bills included, landscaping services, and an on-call handyman, chances are, you will have much more to do in a home than in an apartment. If you are renting, your landlord will still be responsible for major repairs and issues with the house, but the small stuff? That’s on you! And if you’re purchasing your home, you’ll need to start making friends with people in the trades asap!
Moving from an Apartment to a House: Helpful Tips & Tools
Regardless of whether you are renting or purchasing, here are some helpful tips and tools to get you started in your new suburban life:
- Appliances: Most apartments come furnished with the major appliances. But most homes do not, even if you are renting. The upside? Communal laundry is now a thing of the past! If you need appliances, look in online marketplaces for good deals. A friend may be able to store your new appliances in a garage if you run across a deal too good to pass up before moving day.
- Yard Equipment: Do you have grass on your property? You’ll need a mower, weed eater, and blower, or a contract with a lawn company to maintain your yard. If you are in an HOA-managed area, check with the association to see what the lawn maintenance requirements are to avoid getting fined. Do you have a landscaped area with flowers, shrubs, or herbs? Grab gardening gloves and hand gardening tools to keep the weeds out. And don’t forget the water hose!
- Handy Tools: Apartment complexes usually have a repair tech on-site to handle issues quickly. But in a house, that’s your new title. Look through your tool bag and make sure you have all the basics. Phillips head screwdrivers are pretty standard, but older homes may still have screws that require a flathead, so it’s a good idea to have both, just in case.
- Maintenance Schedule: Did you know you are supposed to water the home’s foundation in Texas? Our summers are very hot and dry. Dry soil can’t support your house’s foundation like it should, and that can cause structural problems. When you see cracks in the surface soil and dirt around the foundation, that’s a good time to water. You can reduce the need to water the foundation as often by planting shrubs and landscaping close to the house. This helps the soil retain moisture more efficiently.
Moving from an apartment to a house is an exciting change. Embrace the extra space, privacy, and solitude, and explore your new freedom. With some preparation and forethought, you’ll settle into suburban life in no time. Welcome to your new home!
AB Moving & Storage is a top-rated moving company serving Austin, San Antonio, and the surrounding areas. For help with your upcoming move and transition from apartment life to the Austin suburbs, call us or request a free quote online today.
