Moving into your first home is an exciting milestone filled with new opportunities, responsibilities, and emotions. Whether you’re stepping into a cozy apartment or a spacious house, the experience marks the beginning of a fresh chapter in your life. It’s a chance to create a space that reflects your personality, build new routines, and enjoy the freedom of independence.
At the same time, it comes with challenges like budgeting, furnishing, and navigating home maintenance. Being prepared and staying organized can make the transition smoother and more enjoyable. From finding the right local movers in Asheville to hanging your favorite photos, every moment contributes to the story of your new beginning.
This guide will help you make the most of your first home experience.
Preparing for Your First Home: A Complete Guide
1. Create a Moving Timeline
Start by mapping out a realistic timeline. Consider your move-in date, the time needed to pack, and when to notify landlords or utility providers. A good moving plan will give you enough space to organize tasks without rushing at the last minute.
2. Set a Budget
Moving can come with hidden costs. Set a clear budget that includes:
Moving services or truck rental
Packing supplies
Cleaning costs
Initial utility deposits
First groceries and household items
Be honest about what you can afford so you’re not caught off guard financially.
3. Sort and Declutter
Before you start packing, go through your belongings and get rid of what you don’t need. Donate, sell, or recycle unused items. The fewer things you have to move, the easier (and cheaper) it will be.
4. Collect Packing Supplies
Stock up on sturdy boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, markers, and labels. Consider asking local stores for free boxes or using plastic bins you can reuse later. Label all boxes clearly with contents and the room they belong to.
5. Plan Your Furniture Layout
Measure your new space and decide where your furniture will go. This can help you determine what fits and what might need to be replaced or left behind. Apps and online room planners can be great tools here.
6. Update Your Address
Change your address with:
USPS
Banks and credit cards
Insurance providers
Subscriptions and online services
Friends and family
This ensures you won’t miss important mail during the transition.
7. Set Up Utilities and Internet
Contact service providers for electricity, gas, water, trash, and internet ahead of time. Schedule connections for the day before or the day of your move-in to ensure everything is up and running when you arrive.
8. Deep Clean the New Place
If possible, visit your new home before moving day to give it a good clean. Wipe down surfaces, sanitize bathrooms and kitchens, and clean the floors. Starting fresh in a clean space will help you settle in faster and more comfortably.
9. Pack an Essentials Box
Set aside a box of things you’ll need right away:
Toiletries
A few changes of clothes
Bedding
Towels
Chargers
Basic kitchen items
This will save you from digging through boxes on your first night.
10. Confirm Moving Day Details
Whether you’ve hired movers or recruited friends and family, confirm the details a few days before the move. Make sure everyone knows the time, address, parking situation, and expected tasks. Don’t forget to keep snacks and drinks on hand to stay energized.
11. Take Inventory
Keep a checklist of your items to make sure everything arrives at your new place safely. It’s especially helpful for tracking valuables or essentials and for reporting any damage to movers or insurers.
12. Celebrate and Settle In
Once you’re in, take a moment to celebrate your achievement! Unpack gradually, starting with the most essential rooms like the kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom. Take your time decorating and personalizing the space to truly make it feel like home.
Challenges in Moving to Your First Home
Moving into your first home is exciting, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. Being aware of these can help you prepare better and reduce stress.
1. Budgeting and Unexpected Costs
From deposits and moving trucks to cleaning supplies and furniture, expenses add up quickly. Many first-time movers underestimate the total cost.
2. Time Management
Balancing work, packing, and move coordination can be overwhelming. Without a clear timeline, things can fall behind schedule fast.
3. Emotional Stress
Leaving a familiar space and stepping into independence can bring anxiety, especially if you’re doing it alone or far from home.
4. Logistics and Planning
Coordinating movers, utility setups, and address changes requires careful planning; mistakes can lead to delays or confusion.
5. Furnishing and Setup
Starting with little to no furniture means a long to-buy list. It can take time to make the space feel livable and personal.
6. Maintenance Responsibility
Unlike renting, homeownership or solo living means you’re responsible for repairs and upkeep, something many new movers overlook.
Carey Moving & Storage: Trusted Asheville Movers
Carey Moving & Storage stands out as one of the most trusted long-distance movers in Asheville, offering reliable and professional relocation services tailored to your needs. With over 100 years of experience and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Carey ensures every move is smooth, efficient, and stress-free.
Whether you’re moving across state lines or across the country, our expert team handles everything from packing and loading to safe transportation and delivery. As a fully licensed and insured mover, Carey provides peace of mind in every mile. If you’re planning a big move and need dependable movers in Asheville, Carey Moving & Storage is the name you can count on for exceptional service and a seamless moving experience from start to finish.
Moving Into Your First Home? Let Us Handle the Heavy Lifting!
When it comes to reliable and professional service, Carey Moving & Storage stands above other Asheville moving companies. Whether you’re relocating to your first home, upgrading to a larger space, or moving across state lines, our experienced team is here to make your move seamless and stress-free. We handle every detail with care, from packing and loading to transportation and delivery, so you can focus on settling into your new home. With over 100 years of trusted service and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Carey is the smart choice for your next move.
Don’t leave your big day to chance! Contact us today and experience it because we’re one of the leading moving companies in Asheville. Get your free quote and plan your move with confidence!
You have been wonderful to work with. I was told you would be in contact with me during the move and you definitely kept the promise. It’s nice to know people meet and exceed expectations. Paul and I are happy with our experience and will definitely use you in the future should we move again.Thank you!
Melissa and Paul
Compliments to Everyone!I am very satisfied with driver Barney and Al. My compliments to everyone
Elizabeth
We are settled in, and have time to consider how easily the move was from Vonore, TN to Lansing, MI.The move not nearly as hectic as we thought it would be, this is in part due to the excellent performance by your people, namely Justin Schott the group leader. Justin had a handle on the entire move. Justin’s concerns were that the items be handled carefully and that they be placed where the client wanted them. Tim and Xavier are fine gentlemen, they too had the same concerns as Justin. Cody and Joe did their best to pack our goods so as to have little damage.The named are a credit to the Carey Moving Company. We are happy that we named you folks to do our transfer, thank you.
Frank and Mary Thomas
Pat-As mentioned we have not fully unpacked yet so hopefully all things are here. Other than that confirmation, the fellows who moved us were extremely courteous and mannerly. Much appreciated. They were very careful about not scratching the walls. They were also careful to ask where items should be placed. They arrived on time for delivery.
Renee
I would like the manager of the Arden office to know that the staff that handled our move into your storage facility was superb. Kim explained everything very clearly up front and there were no nasty surprises thereafter. Brian bossed the packing day and the loading day with ease and grace and I cannot tell you how relieved I was to know I was in good hands. The others, Lori, Doug, Tom, and Bob were also very good at what they do. Thank you. I look forward to delivery as soon as we find a place. Thank you.
Karen Coler, Hendersonville, NC
I received my shipment on Sunday Feb 23rd. All items were in perfect shape. It was a great experience working with your company. Patrick was very helpful and knowledgeable. Being that I was in South Carolina for a very short time, he succeeded in getting everything set up in a timely manner to be packed and put on the truck. The packers were very nice and efficient and obviously packed items very well. The driver was thoughtful and called me several times to assure me that my items were on the way. He was friendly and efficient when he dropped off the boxes. You were very kind and helpful every time I called with a question and quickly handled all the paperwork.Please pass on our thanks and appreciation to all the people involved in the transport of our items.
Leslie Stoecker
Hi again!I need to tell you that I am very pleased with the move. All is great!The gentlemen, Barnie and Allen were absolutely terrific. Very pleasant,careful, patient and hard working.I will recommend Allied for sure!Thanks, LoriHendersonville, NC to Westwood, MAMary Daniels
