FIRST HOME - any good advice?

[strawberryblue]

Hello,

We are moving into our first home - with two young kids.

Any pearls of wisdom things we should do not do? Buy?

Thank you!

Yes!

If they do anything which bothers you, or you do anything which bothers them, it is SO much easier if you already know each other, even just slightly. If their music is too loud at 2am, and you don't know them, you'll be imagining the confrontation you might have to have. It builds up into a scary prospect and maybe you don't go knock on the door at all. Or you get worked up into a state of hostility thinking they are thoughtless unpleasant people.

But if you've already had a conversation, you know their names, and you've said a few friendly things, it doesn't have to be such a big deal. You will expect them to be reasonable. You'll shrug and think, well, they probably didn't realise how loud it was but of course they'll turn the music down when I ask.

Likewise, you may be able to prevent neighbours from getting unreasonably cross with you if they've already decided you are a decent human being BEFORE they hear your exuberant toddler racketing around at 5:30am.

If you put down new floors do the plinths immediately (if applicable). You may think that it's just a little job that you'll do later but you won't. Nobody does. We all sell the house with the plinths still in packaging in the garage.

Organise your DC first - their rooms, toys, unpacking etc. If they are happy it makes all the difference. Change locks too ASAP. You never know who is holding onto spare keys.