We’ve hit our sixth month anniversary in our New Hampshire house which is crazy to think about! There’s not a day where I don’t think about how lucky we were with our timing and the way things fell into place. We’ve settled into our new community, started new jobs, and made a lot of changes. We’re three room renovations in and we’re not stopping there! The last six months have been one wild ride and today I’d like to share with you some of the things I’ve learned.
Homes require a lot of work.
Holy moly, have we done some work. It’s like everyday there’s something new! Whether it’s a small fix or a major project, you have to be willing to put in the time (unless you have the money to buy a 100% perfect house which, who really does.)
Also, I never realized that there is quite the distinction between indoor and outdoor work. Granted, we have 11 acres to play with. I can’t tell you the number of trees we’ve cut down- and trees are SO MUCH WORK!
Ryan and I had a conversation lately because he is “go go go” (I’m talking the most impressive work ethic I’ve ever seen) and I am more of a “come home after a long day at work and chilllllll out” kind of person. Unfortunately, I’m learning that most days, with a house, a “go go go” attitude is required. It’s fun though, when you’re doing it together.
The area you move to is almost as important as the house you buy.
I can’t stress this enough. We got very lucky with the area we moved into. There’s a lake down the road where we can swim and kayak. There’s a trail across the street where we can bike, run, or hike. We’re close to the highway with pretty much a straight shot to both our families. It’s a small town but we’re ten minutes from any big box store you could need. Location, location, location. It matters!
I remember back to when we had our showing, Ryan and I went early to see the area and the towns around ours. We knew we had found the right place as we drove through little town centers and down winding forrest roads. It was exactly what we were looking for and we’ve had so much fun showing our new hometown off to friends and family since then.
In reality- you can change a house. You really don’t have much say in what’s going on around you unless you do your research ahead of time. This, I would highly suggest.
You can learn anything on YouTube.
Do you know how to install a transfer switch for a generator? Neither do I, and neither did Ryan, until he watched a YouTube video and did it. Who knew!
I can’t tell you how many YouTube videos we’ve relied on for various house projects. I watched one so I could learn how to properly cut trim with paint. We watched one so we could finally get hot showers in our bathroom. We even watched one on all the different types of ways you can chainsaw a notch into a tree. Anything you want to know is out there with a helpful video attached. Dishwasher kicking to “clean” before cycling through? Someone’s had the same experience and made a video on how to fix it.
YouTube is gold in this household.
Facebook Marketplace is your best friend.
We buy, we sell, and we love a great deal. There have been many a Facebook Marketplace transition in our home the past six months. People want to get rid of stuff and people want to take the stuff you want to get rid off! Talk about a great deal!
While it does take some patience and a lot of quick action, Facebook Marketplace is a great option if you’re moving into a new home and you don’t want to break your budget.
Little changes make a big difference
I’m talking lights. I’m talking light switch covers. I’m talking spray painting a new coat on your radiator covers and adding new $8 blinds from Walmart. Little changes make a big difference. While not everyone will notice the little things, they’ll notice the room as a whole and when everything comes together, the result is seamless.
You don’t have to come in and gut the whole house the first six months you have it. Working slowly, little by little, will create significant improvements and you will feel so accomplished in the end. Trust me, I’ve been there. Actually, I’m there currently.