Congratulations! You’ve just purchased your first home. After months of house hunting, mortgage applications, and negotiations, you’re finally a homeowner. But now comes a challenge many first-time buyers underestimate: the actual move.
Moving into your first home is fundamentally different from moving between rentals. According to the National Association of Realtors, 68% of first-time homebuyers report feeling overwhelmed by the moving process after closing.
Orlando’s median home price of $380,000-$420,000 makes it attractive for first-time buyers. But whether you’re moving from an apartment across town or relocating from another state, understanding what’s different about moving into your own home prevents costly mistakes.
What’s Different About Moving as a Homeowner
You’re Responsible for Everything
The Rental Reality: When something broke in your apartment, you called the landlord. Not your problem.
The Homeowner Reality: Every repair, every maintenance issue, every problem is now your responsibility and your expense.
Budget Impact: The average homeowner spends $2,000-$4,000 annually on maintenance and repairs. In your first year, expect the higher end.
Timing Is More Complex
Closing dates can shift with just days’ notice. You might close earlier or later than expected, disrupting your entire moving plan.
Statistics: 23% of home closings are delayed, with an average delay of 10 days. Always have a backup plan.
What’s Included Isn’t Always Clear
Rentals Typically Include: Refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, microwave, sometimes washer/dryer.
Home Sales Might Include: Maybe the appliances (depends on negotiation), maybe window treatments, possibly nothing except what’s built-in.
Critical: Review your purchase contract’s “included fixtures” section carefully. Don’t assume anything stays unless documented.
You Need More Stuff
First-Time Homeowner Essentials:
- Lawn mower: $200-$500
- Garden hose and tools: $30-$100
- Ladder: $100-$300
- Basic tools: $100-$300
- Smoke/CO detectors: $50-$150
- Fire extinguisher: $30-$60
Total Initial Investment: $500-$1,500 in items you never needed as a renter.
Your Move-In Budget Is Much Larger
Immediate Costs Beyond the Move:
- Moving company: $800-$2,000
- Utility deposits: $200-$500
- Initial home supplies: $500-$1,500
- Immediate repairs: $500-$2,000
- New locks (essential): $100-$300
- Deep cleaning: $200-$400
Total First Month: $2,300-$6,700 beyond your down payment and closing costs.
Coordinating Your Move with Closing
Understanding Closing Timing
The Challenge: Your closing might happen at 10am or 4pm. You can’t take possession until closing is complete, all documents are signed, and funds transfer.
Best Strategies:
Option 1: Move the Day After Closing Safest approach. You’re guaranteed to have keys. Less stressful.
Option 2: Weekend After Closing Good compromise if you can stay with friends/family between lease end and move-in.
Professional Recommendation: 78% of real estate agents recommend moving at least one day after closing to avoid complications.
The Overlap Strategy
Ideal Scenario: Maintain 1-2 weeks overlap between your lease end and home closing. Extra rent costs $1,000-$1,500 but provides enormous flexibility.
Overlap Benefits:
- Clean new home thoroughly before moving in
- Make repairs without furniture in the way
- No panic if closing delays
- Time to change locks
Cost vs. Value: Worth it for stress reduction and flexibility.
What to Do Between Closing and Moving In
First 24 Hours After Closing
Change the Locks: Immediately. Previous owners, their relatives, contractors, real estate agents—all may have had keys.
Cost: $100-$300 for rekeying all exterior locks.
Deep Clean: Clean before moving furniture in. It’s exponentially easier with empty rooms.
Professional: $200-$400 for whole-house deep clean (worth it after exhausting closing process).
Check Everything:
- Run all faucets and check for leaks
- Test all appliances
- Check HVAC system
- Test all light switches
- Verify all included items are actually there
- Document issues with photos
Pre-Move Improvements
Do Before Furniture Arrives:
Painting: Empty rooms are easy to paint.
Flooring: Replace carpet or refinish floors now.
Light Fixtures: Replace dated fixtures before unpacking.
Window Treatments: Install for privacy if house lacks them.
Safety Updates: Replace smoke detector batteries, install CO detectors.
Understanding What You Own vs. What You Need
What’s Included in Your Home Sale
Always Included (Built-In): Cabinets, built-in appliances, ceiling fans, light fixtures, garage door openers.
Sometimes Included (Negotiable): Refrigerator, washer/dryer, window treatments, outdoor furniture.
Rarely Included: Freestanding furniture, decorative items, TV mounts.
Check Your Contract: Look for the “Fixtures and Personal Property” section. Everything included should be listed explicitly.
First-Time Homeowner Shopping List
Immediate Needs:
Outdoor/Maintenance:
- Lawn mower (Orlando lawns grow year-round): $200-$500
- Yard tools: $50-$100
- Garden hose: $30-$60
Safety:
- Fire extinguisher: $30-$60
- Smoke/CO detectors: $60-$180
- First aid kit: $20-$40
Tools:
- Basic tool set: $50-$150
- Ladder: $100-$300
Cleaning:
- Vacuum: $100-$400
- Cleaning supplies: $50-$100
Total Initial Investment: $800-$2,500
Budget Tip: Don’t buy everything immediately. Prioritize safety and essential maintenance items.
Orlando-Specific Homeowner Considerations
Lawn Care in Orlando
Year-Round Growing Season: Orlando lawns grow 12 months a year. You’ll mow every 1-2 weeks year-round.
Options:
- DIY: $200-$500 for mower, 1-2 hours weekly
- Lawn service: $80-$150 per month
Hurricane Preparedness
Essential for Your First Hurricane Season (June-November):
- Know if your home has hurricane shutters
- Emergency supplies (water, food, batteries)
- Understand your evacuation zone
- Insurance includes separate wind/hurricane coverage ($1,500-$3,500 annually)
HOA Rules
Many Orlando Neighborhoods Have HOAs: Understand rules before moving day.
Common Restrictions:
- Moving truck parking (may require reservations)
- Moving hours restrictions
- Get copy of all rules before moving
Homestead Exemption
Save $500-$1,000 Annually on Property Taxes:
- Make the home your primary residence by January 1
- Apply by March 1 to receive exemption for that tax year
- Apply at Orange County Property Appraiser’s office
Moving Day
Pre-Move Walkthrough
Day Before Moving: Visit your new home and plan furniture placement. Measure doorways to ensure large furniture fits.
Moving Day Priorities
Be Present: Direct movers on furniture placement.
Check Everything: Inspect furniture for damage as it’s unloaded.
Protect Your Floors: Request movers use floor protection.
First Night Essentials
Set Up Immediately:
- Beds
- Bathroom essentials
- Basic kitchen items
- Phone chargers
First Week Tasks
Critical Updates:
- Confirm all utilities working
- Update driver’s license (Florida requires within 30 days)
- Update vehicle registration (within 10-30 days)
- Change address with post office, banks, insurance, employer
- Meet neighbors
- Locate water main shut-off and electrical panel
- Apply for homestead exemption
Common First-Time Homeowner Moving Mistakes
Mistake #1: Underestimating Total Costs Budget 20-30% more than your initial estimate.
Mistake #2: Not Changing Locks 33% of first-time homeowners skip this critical security step.
Mistake #3: Skipping Pre-Move Cleaning Cleaning an empty house takes 2 hours. Cleaning around furniture takes 2 days.
Mistake #4: Moving Before Closing Never schedule movers before confirmed keys in hand.
Mistake #5: Buying Everything at Once Pace purchases to spread costs.
Mistake #6: Ignoring HOA Rules Can result in fines before you’ve even settled in.
Your First-Time Homebuyer Moving Checklist
4-6 Weeks Before Closing:
- Research moving companies
- Begin decluttering
- Plan improvements
2-4 Weeks Before Closing:
- Book moving company
- Order locks/locksmith
- Schedule cleaning service
- Arrange utilities transfer
Closing Day:
- Attend closing
- Get keys
- Change locks immediately
- Do walkthrough
Day After Closing:
- Deep clean
- Make urgent repairs
- Install safety devices
Moving Day:
- Be present at both locations
- Direct furniture placement
- Check for damage
- Set up essentials
First Week:
- Unpack systematically
- Update address everywhere
- Meet neighbors
- Apply for homestead exemption
Orlando Express Movers for First-Time Homeowners
At Orlando Express Movers, we’ve helped thousands of first-time homeowners navigate their moves. We understand the unique challenges you’re facing.
Our Services:
Flexible Scheduling: Closing dates change. We work with you to adjust schedules.
Patient Guidance: This is your first home move. We answer questions and guide you through the process.
Careful Handling: We protect your new home’s floors, walls, and doorways.
Transparent Pricing: Clear quotes with no surprises.
Orlando Expertise: We know local neighborhoods, HOA requirements, and Orlando-specific considerations.
Welcome Home
Moving into your first home is exciting and overwhelming. With proper planning, realistic budgeting, and the right support, your transition to homeownership can be smooth and successful.
Contact Orlando Express Movers today for a free quote on your first-time homeowner move. Let us know you’re a first-time buyer, and we’ll create a plan that addresses your specific needs.
Call us to discuss your move into your first home. Congratulations on this exciting milestone!