Moving Into Your First Home: A First-Time Buyer Guide

Buying your first home is a big deal, and the move that follows is where a lot of first-time buyers get caught off guard. You've spent weeks on offers, inspections, and paperwork, and then you have to turn it into an actual move, often on a date that isn't entirely in your hands. This guide covers the stretch between closing and your first night in the house, so the logistics don't take away from the excitement.

Know That Your Date May Move

Closing dates shift more often than most people expect, and your move date follows them. Try not to lock in anything that can't be changed until you're close to closing, and tell the people helping you that the plan is flexible. If your lease ends before the house is ready, or the keys come after your move-out date, our guide to the gap between move-out and move-in covers how to bridge it.

Plan Around the Keys, Not the Calendar

You don't own the house in practice until the keys are in your hand, so build your plan around that moment. Ask your agent when you can expect to get in, and whether a final walkthrough is scheduled before closing. If you can, do the walkthrough with a measuring tape and a camera, so you already know how your furniture will fit before move day.

Use the Empty House to Your Advantage

If you can get into the house even a day or two before you move in, use that time. An empty house is the easiest time to deep clean, touch up paint, and deal with anything that would be a hassle once the furniture is there. Check that the doors and windows lock, find the main water shutoff and the breaker panel, and test the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. We're not inspectors, so for anything that looks wrong, ask your agent or a licensed professional.

Set Up the Essentials Before the Truck Arrives

Schedule your utilities to start on the day you get the keys, and confirm internet installation in advance, since appointments can book up. Change your address with the post office, your bank, and any subscriptions. Pick up a few things you'll need right away, such as light bulbs, trash bags, cleaning supplies, and a basic toolkit. Nothing is more frustrating than discovering on the first night that you have no way to hang a shower curtain.

Budget for the Things Nobody Warns You About

First-time buyers often underestimate the small costs that come with a move, like new locks, window coverings, a lawn mower, and a few trips to the hardware store. Our guide to the hidden costs of moving in Indianapolis walks through the ones that tend to show up on the final bill. It's worth building a little cushion into the plan so none of it comes as a surprise.

Pack Smart for a Home With More Space

Many first-time buyers are moving from an apartment into a house with more room, which changes how you pack. Label totes by the room they're going to in the new place, not the room they came from, so helpers know where to carry each one. Keep the heavy items in smaller totes, and keep a first-night tote with bedding, toiletries, medications, and chargers where you can reach it. If you're not sure how many totes to rent, size up. Having a few extra is easier than running short.

Don't Try to Furnish Everything at Once

A bigger home can make your old furniture look small, and it's tempting to fill every room right away. Live in the space for a few weeks first, since it will tell you what you actually need. Start with beds, a place to sit, and a working kitchen, then add the rest over time as your budget and your taste catch up.

Make the First Night Count

On move day, our moving day checklist keeps the details covered. Once the totes are inside, resist the urge to unpack everything. Make the beds, order dinner, and take a minute to enjoy being a homeowner. Our first week in your new home guide walks through what to tackle next, one step at a time.

What If You're Moving From Out of Town?

Delivery and pickup stay local, but the totes can travel with you. If you're relocating from another city to buy here, they can ride along in the car and come back empty for pickup in our service area.