Moving Into an Empty House in Sims 3: Your Comprehensive Guide
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So, you’re ready to start fresh in Sims 3 and want to move your Sim family into a pristine, empty house? It’s a rite of passage for every Simmer! Here’s the direct answer:
To move into an empty house in The Sims 3, you essentially have two primary methods:
- Via the Phone or Computer: Use your Sim’s phone or computer to access the “Real Estate and Travel Services” option. From there, select “Move.” You’ll then be presented with a map of available properties, including empty lots and houses. Choose the empty house you desire, ensure you have enough Simoleons to cover the cost (or use the “freerealestate” cheat!), and confirm the move.
- Through Edit Town: Go to Edit Town (found in the game menu). From there, you can drag your household from the household bin onto an empty lot. This is a very direct way to get your sims settled.
Let’s delve deeper into each method and explore everything you need to know about finding and claiming your dream (empty) home.
Detailed Steps for Moving Into an Empty House
Method 1: Using the Phone or Computer
This is the more common and immersive way to move your Sims.
- Select Your Sim: Make sure you’re controlling the Sim you want to move with (the active household).
- Access the Phone or Computer: Click on the Sim’s phone (usually in their inventory) or a computer in the household.
- Navigate to Real Estate: Choose the “Real Estate and Travel Services” option. It’s often found under the “Services” category.
- Select “Move”: Choose the “Move” option. This will bring up a map of the neighborhood.
- Browse Available Properties: The map will display all available lots and houses, distinguishing between occupied residences and empty ones. Empty lots will be clearly marked.
- Choose Your Empty House: Click on the empty house you want to move into. The game will display the lot’s details, including its size and cost.
- Affordability Check: Ensure your household has enough Simoleons to afford the property. If not, you might need to sell some possessions or use the aforementioned “freerealestate” cheat (more on that later!).
- Confirm the Move: If you can afford it, click the “Move” button. Your Sims will pack their bags (virtually, of course) and relocate to their new home.
Method 2: Using Edit Town
This method provides more direct control over the placement of households in the world.
- Enter Edit Town Mode: In the game menu (usually found by pressing the Esc key), select “Edit Town.”
- Find Your Household: In Edit Town, locate the family you wish to move.
- Locate Your Household Bin: Find your household in the household bin.
- Choose your lot: Drag your household onto the lot.
- Confirm Placement: Confirm your choice.
Essential Considerations Before You Move
- Budget: Always check your household funds before moving. Moving to a larger or more expensive lot can significantly impact your finances. Consider the cost of bills and future renovations.
- Lot Size: Think about the needs of your Sim family. Do you need a large yard for gardening or pets? Will you want space to build a pool or a separate garage? Choose a lot size that accommodates your current and future plans.
- Location: Consider the neighborhood. Do you want to be close to work, school, or specific amenities? Explore the map to find a location that suits your Sims’ lifestyle.
- House Style (if applicable): Even if the house is empty, the external structure might be pre-built. Ensure the architectural style aligns with your Sims’ preferences.
- Cheat Codes: Don’t be afraid to use cheat codes strategically, especially if you’re aiming for a specific house that’s just out of reach financially.
Unleashing the Power of Cheats
The “freerealestate” cheat is a lifesaver when moving your Sims into their dream home. Here’s how to use it:
- Open the Cheat Console: Press Ctrl + Shift + C (or Command + Shift + C on a Mac).
- Enter TestingCheats Enabled: Type “testingcheatsenabled true” and press Enter. This activates general cheat functionality. In some versions, you need to use “testingcheats true“.
- Enter the FreeRealEstate Cheat: Type “freerealestate” and press Enter.
- Move for Free: Now, you can move into any house, regardless of its price.
Another useful cheat is “familyfunds [household name] [amount]“. This allows you to set the exact amount of Simoleons for a given family. For example, “familyfunds Smith 100000” would give the Smith family 100,000 Simoleons.
FAQs: Moving in Sims 3 – Everything You Need to Know
Here are some frequently asked questions to help you navigate the intricacies of moving in The Sims 3:
FAQ 1: Can I move into an occupied house in Sims 3?
Yes, you can, but it requires merging households. The easiest way is to first move your Sim out of their house (using the phone or computer). Then, go to Edit Town and place your Sim from the Sim Bin into the household you want them to join. This effectively merges your Sim into the existing household.
FAQ 2: What happens to my furniture when I move?
When you move, all your furniture and belongings are automatically packed up and transported to your new home. You don’t need to worry about individually moving items.
FAQ 3: Can I move to a different town in Sims 3?
Yes, you can move to a different town! When you select the “Move” option on the phone or computer, you’ll be given the choice to move within your current town or to a new one. This requires the World Adventures expansion pack.
FAQ 4: Is there a limit to how many times I can move my Sims?
No, there’s no limit! Your Sims can move as often as they like, provided they have the funds or use the “freerealestate” cheat.
FAQ 5: What happens to the Sims who lived in the house before if I evict them?
When you evict Sims, they become “homeless” in the game world. They’re not deleted, but they no longer reside in a residential lot. They’ll still appear as NPCs in the neighborhood.
FAQ 6: Can I buy a second house in Sims 3 and move between them?
Yes! Use your phone or computer to purchase a second residence through “Real Estate“. You can then move your family back and forth between properties.
FAQ 7: How do I move in with a Sim I’m dating but who lives in another household?
Increase your relationship with the Sim until the “Ask to Move In” option appears in the interaction menu. Accepting this offer will move them into your household (or you into theirs). Marriage is another way to easily move in together.
FAQ 8: What if I can’t afford any of the houses, even empty ones?
Use the “freerealestate” cheat! Alternatively, have your Sim focus on their career to earn more Simoleons or sell unwanted items from their inventory.
FAQ 9: Can I build my own house on an empty lot?
Absolutely! That’s one of the great things about moving into an empty lot. You can design and build your dream home from scratch.
FAQ 10: Where do I find the ‘Real Estate’ option on the phone or computer?
On the phone, it’s usually under the “Services” category. On the computer, it will often be called “Real Estate and Travel Services“. If it’s not visible, try leveling up your sims skills with the computer.
FAQ 11: What happens if I move to a new town with a pet?
Your pets will move with you to the new town. Ensure you have enough space and resources in your new home to accommodate them.
FAQ 12: Can I move only some of my Sims out of the household?
Yes. When you select the “Move” option, you’ll be given a screen to select which Sims you want to move with you. Leave any Sims you want to stay behind unchecked.
FAQ 13: What happens to my relationships with other Sims when I move to a new town?
Your existing relationships will be preserved, but you’ll need to rebuild them as you encounter those Sims in the new town. You will also make new friends, enemies and lovers.
FAQ 14: Can I move a ghost Sim into a house?
Yes, you can move ghost Sims into a house just like any other Sim.
FAQ 15: Is there a way to see which lots are empty without going through the move process?
While there’s no dedicated “empty lot” filter, you can easily identify them on the map by their lack of occupancy. They’ll appear as vacant properties without a family name associated with them. You can also check GamesLearningSociety.org for tips and tricks!
Conclusion
Moving into an empty house in Sims 3 is a fundamental step in shaping your Sims’ lives. Whether you prefer a pre-built home or a blank canvas to create your dream residence, understanding the moving process and utilizing cheats when necessary will ensure a smooth and enjoyable transition for your Sims. Happy Simming! Remember to also explore resources such as the Games Learning Society for further insights into the educational aspects of gaming.