What should first-time homeowners know about moving? There were more than five million home sales in the United States in 2020, according to the National Association of Realtors. If you just joined the millions of Americans who've recently become homeowners, take a look at what you need to know about your move, hiring a moving company, and other issues related to this major life transition. 

What Type of Mover Should You Hire?

Movers don't all provide the same services. Before you start to research contractors, answer these questions:

• Is your move local, state-to-state, or across the country? As the name implies, local movers specialize in moving households locally (or in the immediate area). If your new home is in the same town or city, you will need this type of contractor. 

• Do you need a full service mover? Again, it's all in the name. Full service companies provide the packing materials, pack your box, and transport everything from your old rental to your newly purchased property.

• Do you have delicate items to move? Artwork, antiques, large instruments (such as a piano or a harp), and other similar items require a specialized contractor who knows how to handle delicate belongings.

If you're not sure which type of mover you need, make a list of everything you need to bring to your new home and how you want to transport it. This can help you to choose services and find the just-right contractor for your first new-home move.

What Should You Bring With You?

The answer to this question depends on a few factors. These include issues that relate to what you already have, what you need in your new home, decor, use, overall size/room numbers, and your household members. Before you start to pack everything in your rental, ask yourself:

• Will you use the item in your new home? Declutter prior to moving. Anything that you won't use or aren't likely to move should stay behind. You can also sell, donate, or recycle unused items.

• What furniture will you buy specifically for your new home? Whether your rental came furnished or you want to upgrade your new home, you may need to buy new sets of furniture. There's no reason to add on to your moving budget just to transport old items you won't use in your new home.

• What is your moving budget? If your recent home purchase left you with a smaller moving budget, decrease the price with a smaller (or lighter) move. Ask friends or family members to take some of your belongings for now. This gives you the option to use these picks later—while you still manage to decrease the moving budget.

After you choose the items to bring with you, it's time to take the next step and pack. Label every container and cover larger pieces with moving quilts or blankets. These easy-to-follow tips can help you to organize your move and protect your new home's walls from accidental scratches or dents.