4 Ways to Make Your Life Easier As a Homeowner 

Homeownership is a dream come true, but it also comes with significant responsibilities. It is important to learn how to manage your home well so you can save money on utility bills and stay safe. 

Buy a ring binder and keep insurance papers, repair receipts and any other paperwork related to your house in it. It will make it much easier if you ever need to access these documents. 

1. Get Organized 

Getting organized is the first step to living a less stressful life. When things aren’t put away after use, it’s all too easy for clutter to take over. Rather than focusing on the pie-in-the-sky goal of tackling that overflowing junk drawer or cleaning out the pantry, homeowners should work to develop regular routines that keep these spaces in order. 

This could mean setting aside time to tidy up every morning or evening, or making it a rule to put away the book you’re reading on the couch before going to bed. It’s also worth considering implementing organization products like hooks for coats, shelving in the mudroom to store sports gear or bins in the kitchen for everyday cooking utensils. 

Finally, remember that the most effective strategy to organize your home is always to clear the clutter before you begin. This will save you time, space and money when it comes to purchasing storage containers and other organizational items. 

2. Hire an Accountant 

There’s a lot to learn as you make the transition from renter to homeowner. You may not know how to fix a plumbing leak or unclog a drain, repair a fridge, but you can start by asking your neighbors for recommendations on local contractors for these types of problems. There are a lot of websites online such as https://www.cinchhomeservices.com/faq-library/-/faq/samsung-freezer-not-freezing that have a lot of resources to assist you. 

You’ll also need to hire an accountant to help you file your taxes. Homeownership changes many people’s tax situations, and it’s important to get it right the first time. A good accountant can help you maximize your deductions and reduce your overall tax liability. 

You may also want to consider hiring an accountant to help you budget for maintenance and other costs associated with homeownership. This will prevent you from spending more than you can afford, which can quash your new-homeowner enthusiasm quickly. Hiring a professional can also help you avoid costly mistakes and penalties down the road. A good accountant can usually offer a flat fee or a percentage-based fee. 

3. Set Aside an Emergency Fund

The best way to give yourself peace of mind is to establish an emergency savings account. This can help cover unexpected costs, such as a major home repair or loss of income. It’s a good idea to have at least enough to cover three months of expenses. Make sure to put the money in an account that allows you to access it quickly without incurring any fees or taxes. A money market account is a great choice, as it offers rates similar to savings accounts but has some checking features. 

It’s a good idea to set an attainable monthly savings goal, such as $25, and work toward it consistently. That can help you build a habit and reach your target goal faster. It may also be helpful to save any windfalls, such as employment bonuses or tax refunds, into the emergency fund. You can use our savings planning tool to calculate how long it would take you to reach your goal based on the amount you save each month. 

4. Don’t Wait to Make Repairs 

When you were a renter, your landlord was likely to address any problems you had. But now that you own your home, any maintenance or repairs fall on your shoulders. And it’s important to make sure these issues are handled as soon as you notice them. If you leave them unattended, what starts as a minor problem could quickly become more expensive. 

To avoid this, create a homeowner’s to-do list. Include things that are part of your regular maintenance schedule, such as changing filters or cleaning the gutters; projects you want to tackle soon, like fixing a drafty window or adding a patio door; and larger updates you’d like to make eventually. Keep the list in a binder with other documents related to your home, such as repair receipts and insurance papers. This will help you stay on top of your maintenance tasks and find information easily if you need it later. And don’t forget to budget for those unexpected fixes!