6 steps to your first home – the ultimate guide

Moving into your first home is an exciting milestone. It’s the moment when you fully enjoy your independence and finally have a place that’s all yours. This step not only brings joy and excitement, but also a lot of questions: How do I find the right apartment? What do I need to consider when financing? How do I organize my move? In this article, I’ll give you a mixture of practical tips and personal recommendations to help you make the transition to your first home as stress-free as possible.

1. set a budget: The basis for your apartment search

Before you start looking for an apartment, it is important to set a clear budget. The monthly rent is not the only cost factor – there are many other expenses that you will incur.

In addition to the deposit, which is usually three months’ rent, the most important aspects include ancillary costs such as heating, water and waste collection. Running costs such as electricity, internet and insurance should also not be underestimated. If you have not yet lived in your own apartment, you may underestimate the high costs for electricity and water – especially in older apartments, which often have higher heating costs.

Tip: Create a detailed Excel spreadsheet or use an app to calculate all fixed and variable expenses. This will give you an accurate picture of how much you can afford each month without getting into financial difficulties. You can find a comprehensive overview of possible costs and potential savings here: Costs of your first home – Budenheld.

2. find the perfect apartment – with our support

House hunting can be both exciting and challenging. Where do you want to live? What location is important to you – near work or university? Maybe you want to be close to friends or your favorite café? The choice is vast, but as a real estate agency, we can help you find the perfect apartment for your needs.

What you should bear in mind:

• Location: Is a quiet location or proximity to urban facilities more important to you? Think about which factors are really important to you, such as access to public transportation, supermarkets or leisure facilities.
• Size: Do you need a small 1-room apartment or rather a larger apartment, perhaps for a shared flat or as a couple?
• Condition of the apartment: Would you like to move into a newly renovated apartment or are you willing to put some work into an apartment in need of renovation? We’ll help you make the right choice depending on what you prefer and what you can afford.

Our years of experience and market knowledge guarantee that we can find you the best offers for your desired criteria. We accompany you from the first exposé to the signed rental agreement so that you can concentrate on the essentials: your new home! You can use this link to conveniently place a search request with us: Stuttgart real estate contact form. Simply let us know your wishes and requirements and we will help you find your dream property!

3. planning the move: how to make it stress-free

Moving is the first practical step after finding a new home. Many people underestimate how much organization and planning is required to ensure a smooth transition. Moving doesn’t have to be stressful – with the right preparation, it can almost be a joy!

Steps to perfect relocation planning:

• Organize moving helpers: Think ahead of time about who will help you with the move. Are you offering your friends pizza and drinks or are you hiring a removal company?
• Boxes and packing materials: Get enough moving boxes and pack your things well so that nothing is damaged.
• Furniture and household items: Remember to transport not only large furniture, but also all the small items you need – from crockery to cleaning products.

Tip: Make a list of things that you need immediately in your new home (e.g. bed, fridge, towels) and things that can be bought or assembled later (decorations, additional furniture).

4. the first days in the new apartment: settling in made easy

The move is over and you’ve stowed your things in your new apartment. Now it’s time to settle in. The first few days are exciting, but also a bit challenging, as you have to adapt to your new surroundings and your new everyday life.

Important things you should do:

• Change your address: Register with the residents’ registration office and inform banks, insurance companies and your employer of your new address.
• Furnish the important things: Furnish the rooms you use the most first – such as the bedroom and living room. You may want to gradually add your own personal touch to your new home.
• Get to know your neighbors: A small greeting or a nice “hello” to your neighbors always leaves a positive first impression.

Tip: Take your time to furnish your home bit by bit. You don’t have to have everything perfect straight away – it’s important that you gradually feel comfortable in your new home.

5. mastering everyday life: how to keep everything organized

After the excitement of moving in, it’s important to get well organized in your new home in order to cope with everyday life. Household management is now your sole responsibility – and you will soon notice how routine these tasks become.

What you should do:

• Household management: Draw up a cleaning plan and think about how best to organize your shopping and laundry.
• Bills and payments: Remember to make regular payments such as rent and service charges on time. An automatic transfer mandate helps you to keep track.
• Save energy: Use energy-saving light bulbs, make sure you switch off appliances when you’re not using them and heat efficiently to save money.

Tip: An emergency fund for unexpected expenses such as repairs or additional payments is a good way to be on the safe side financially.

6. design your home: Your personal retreat

Your first home is more than just a place to sleep – it becomes your personal retreat. This is where you can express yourself and let your personality flow into the design.

Furnishing and decorating tips:

• Design walls: Posters, pictures or shelves give rooms that certain something.
• Plants: They not only create a pleasant atmosphere, but also improve the indoor climate.
• Lighting: You can create a cozy atmosphere with different lamps and light sources.

Tip: Look around for inexpensive furniture in second-hand stores – you can often find real treasures here that will make your home even more individual.

Conclusion: The beginning of a new chapter

Your first home is a big step towards independence and you will grow with every challenge. There’s a lot to plan, organize and design, but the reward is your very own personal retreat. Enjoy this exciting process and don’t be afraid to make mistakes – it’s all about creating your space where you feel comfortable.

If you’re looking for your first apartment, we’ll be happy to help you find just the right home for you!