Moving in to a new house is a wonderful adventure especially when coming from an apartment environment. New homeowners suddenly have tons of space compared to their rental unit, and the chance to paint and decorate to fit personal tastes and styles makes the move even more exciting. For many first time home buyers cash is short, which means they take all of the old stuff to the new house. But for some the opportunity is available to purchase new furniture and other things, leaving them with their old furniture and self-storage contents to be disposed of.
If you’re in this position the first thing we’d recommend is that you don’t dispose of anything before you move, unless it’s obviously trash. Seeing your new home from the perspective of actually moving in is far different than the mental images you created during the walk-through with your real-estate agent. As old as your sofa may be, you might not be able to find a new one right away that fits your new space and is affordable. Better to hang on to the hold one for a while than be without a couch completely.
Once you are moved in and settled you’ll have a good idea what you want to keep and what you’ll replace. Avoid the temptation of saving things you’ll probably never use as a means of filling up your new found extra space. The longer you hold on to these objects the more difficult it becomes to part with them later on. Try to also avoid the temptation to be overly frugal for the mere sake of frugality.
Part of the adventure of moving from an apartment to your own home is the freedom to make it what you want. You may never get this opportunity again so take full advantage it. Set a budget ahead of time, but then don’t be afraid to spend the money you’ve set aside for things that will make your home a wonderful place.
You might want to replace that old dining room set you were given when you first got married. That’s great. Find another young couple just getting started and bless them with it, then go out and purchase a set you’ll enjoy dining at for years to come. The same goes for all the mis-matched place settings and silverware in your kitchen, the hand-me-down linens, the recycled coffee and end tables, and so on. Find others who can use the things you plan to replace; they will be more appreciative than you know.
When you’re all done there might still be a few old things you haven’t found a home for. That’s OK. The Salvation Army, Goodwill, and other charitable organizations are happy to take donations of items in good condition. Just be sure if an item is trash, it makes it to the trash can. Even charitable organizations have standards.
Enjoy your new home and all that goes with it. Hopefully you’ll be as happy there as you were in the apartment, if not more so.
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