The Home Search Survivor Kit

Looking for a new home means spending a lot of time visiting houses and apartments that are for sale. And in order to prepare for a day of house hunting with your agent, you should make sure you’re comfortable and in a good frame of mind.

Being tired or hungry while visiting and looking at houses can lead you to lose focus. Worse, you may even decide to end your day of tours early and miss out on discovering your dream home.

With that in mind, here’s how you can prepare for a long day of house hunting.

Get a good night’s rest. Sleep is an important part of staying healthy in general but before a busy day, be sure to get in some extra snooze time. Eat dinner early the night before and get to bed about a half-hour to an hour earlier than usual. Reading is a great activity prior to sleeping, but avoid watching TV or spending time on your phone.

Eat a hearty breakfast. Get your day off to a good start with a bowl of oatmeal or some eggs with avocado toast. Yogurt, fruits, granola and multigrain bread also do an excellent job of filling you up and giving you a boost of energy. And, of course, your morning coffee will help.

Dress for success. You want to look presentable, but that doesn’t mean men have to don a jacket and tie and women have to wear fancy dresses. Wear comfortable clothing that suits the weather. With fall on the way, bring a sweater or jacket so that you can dress in layers. And, most importantly, wear comfortable shoes.

Bring snacks. You’re likely to get hungry now and then as you explore homes. Pack a few snacks, and make sure they’re the kind that can curb your appetite: granola bars, trail mixes, cereal bars, and fruits and veggies are excellent choices. If you want to bring candy, make it something that has nuts. Also be sure to bring bottled water, especially if the weather is on the warm side.

Following these tips will prepare you for a long and hopefully productive day of looking at houses.