6 Common Moving Mistakes: Avoid These First-Time Homebuyer Pitfalls

Interior designers understand the temptation to make your new space feel complete immediately. However, resist the urge to rush out and buy a bunch of furniture right away.

Don't feel pressured to purchase furniture simply because it's on sale. As Julia Rose Schweyer, founder of Julia Rose Interiors, explains, people often waste money on discounted items they don't truly love.

"Instead, have a clear vision of the size, scale, and style you want for your dream space," Schweyer advises. "Wait for something that perfectly matches your requirements—that's when you'll get the best deal overall."

Even if you plan to repurpose as much furniture from your previous home as possible, don't assume that everything will fit seamlessly into your new space.

"Moving into a larger space might mean needing furniture that's appropriately sized for your layout," Schweyer says. "Trying to force mismatched pieces together will never work."

Measure your rooms before moving in to avoid unnecessary renovations later, as Seth Ballard, co-founder of Ballard & Mensua Architecture, suggests.

While your new home's walls might need a fresh coat of paint, don't rush into it. Jeanne Barber, founder of Camden Grace Interiors, advises taking your time.

"People often limit their aesthetic by choosing a paint color too early," she says. "Move in, live there for a while, and make decor selections before painting. The wait will be worth it."

Before filling your home with furniture and boxes, give it a thorough cleaning. Vanessa Terra Bossart, owner of Green Terra Cleaning, emphasizes the importance of this step.

"Dust, allergens, and even hidden mold can linger in areas like vents, under appliances, or behind furniture," Bossart warns.

Don't forget to clean kitchen cabinets and appliances as well. Run a cleaning cycle in the dishwasher and wipe down refrigerator shelves to maintain overall cleanliness and hygiene.

When moving into a new home, you'll want to stock up on essentials like cleaning products, kitchen staples, and more. However, you don't need as many cleaning items as you might think.

"Just buy multi-purpose cleaning products, preferably concentrated," suggests Steve Evans, owner of Memphis Maids. "You can dilute them as needed."

Three to five products should be sufficient for your home.