Buying a house is an exciting process that’s riddled with stress and self-doubt. You may find yourself questioning every decision you make along the way, from the house itself to the paint color on the walls. No worries – everyone goes through this. It’s a natural part of any life milestone. Check out these stress management tips for new homeowners to help calm your nerves.
Don’t Start Too Many Projects
You want your house to be perfect the moment you move in. That’s simply not going to happen. Try not to get caught up in too many projects. Make a list of necessities, and then make a separate list of ‘wants.’ Focus on the necessary projects before moving to the others. Complete one project before starting a new one. As you check items off your list, you will feel the stress melting away.
Plan Your Move Well in Advance
The sooner you can start packing, the better. Here are some quick tips to follow:
- Get rid of items you do not want to bring to the new house.
- Pack according to the layout of the new house (guest bathroom, office, master closet, etc.).
- Label all your boxes in detail.
- Contact the utility companies to find out deposit amounts.
- Schedule service transitions around the time you move.
- If possible, take small loads every time you go to your new house.
Make sure your moving schedule aligns with your closing date and the terms of your current house (when your lease ends, when your parents need you out of the house, etc.). If you need to extend your lease for a month or two, make those arrangements with your landlord.
Appreciate the Emptiness – It’s Room for Growth
Your home may not look the way you want it to at first. The furniture you have now probably won’t match your new space exactly. Don’t be concerned with filling every room right away. This type of growth takes time. Appreciate the opportunities that lie ahead, and trust that they will happen when they’re meant to.
Be Conscious of the Finances
When you’re a homeowner, expenses add up fast. Pay close attention to how much you’re spending. A few $50 trips to the hardware store may not seem like much, but they will turn into hundreds or even thousands of dollars over time. The less you spend, the less stress you’ll have.
Avoid the “Might as Well” Mentality
“If we’re replacing the trim, we might as well replace the doors too.” “If I’m getting new living room furniture, I might as well get a new dining table too.” Pretty soon, you’ve might-as-welled your way into significantly more debt that you’re prepared to repay. Be honest about what you can afford and how much time you have available. Some tasks will just have to wait.
Keep Other Big Changes to a Minimum
Buying a house is a lot for your brain to handle. Try to keep other changes to a minimum. Don’t buy a new car or get a new pet until you’ve settled in for a little while. This is particularly true about life changes that require a financial commitment. You’ll want to keep your finances as flexible as possible to cover unexpected costs in your home.
Lean on Your Support System
This is a big step in your life. Having a positive support system will help you feel calm, confident, and ready to conquer this transition. Don’t be afraid to ask a few favors. Get your parents to watch your children while you unpack for a day. Have your best friend over for a packing party. Talk to your therapist about the stress you’re dealing with, and find coping strategies to overcome that stress. You will get through this!
