You've just bought your first home. The down payment has been made and the papers signed. The boxes are packed, the truck is loaded and good-byes are said. With nervous excitement you are on your way to your new home. Finally, you have arrived, begin unpacking and suddenly realize that you can't change a light bulb because you don't have one!

Thus begins the first of many unexpected expenses of owning your first home. It may sound ridiculous, but there are many little things that people don't think of when they are moving into a new home and how daunting it can be to have to extra expenses that you didn't count on.

For example, lets say, a newly married couple who moves from their two bedroom apartment in New York City to a four bedroom house on Long Island. They didn't think to bring a mop and broom because their apartment was carpeted and the new house has hardwood or tile floors. Sounds silly doesn't it? But those small items, if you don't already have them, can add up quickly.

The purchases are small and are easily made over time, but if you need several items at once it can be an expense that you didn't include in your initial moving costs.

It's a good idea, if a person can handle the stress of adding one more thing to their list of things to remember when moving, is to get the things before hand or set aside some money for these unexpected expenses that may arise after you get to your new home.

Some good things to remember are:
- Having to change the locks on all your doors including garage and exterior basement doors as you don't know who may have a key.
- Possibly having to paint interior walls, as you may realize that after the former owners have moved out, they don't look as nice as they did when you first looked at the house.
- Making sure that you have basic tools such as a hammer, pliers and a screwdriver.
- Having extra utility bills such as garbage pick up or water. This is a must to remember for former renters as such things were usually included in the rent.
- Extra cleaning supplies like garbage bags and paper towels. Extra light bulbs, batteries, flashlight and a first aid kit is always good to have. Put all these things into one box so that you don't end up searching the multitude of other boxes that you brought with you.

There is always a million little things to do when first moving into house when you are in the process of making it your own. There are things that just can't be done the minute you move into your new home. Another good idea, and this should be a priority, it to set up a Repair Fund. Setting aside one to three percent of the price of the home is recommended by some home manuals. Say you are concerned about energy efficiency and would like to put in a new water heater, but don't have the funding right away. Wrapping the heater with an insulated blanket is inexpensive and a good temporary way to start being efficient. Having the repair fund avoids the hassle of having to come up with the extra money.

Remembering or trying to remember all the little costs of moving in can make the first time home buying experience less stressful for the new home owner. Make your list and check it twice!