The process of moving into a new house may be overwhelming. To be honest, we frequently overlook the importance of the things you do once you move into a new house because we think that the simple task of packing and unpacking is all that stands in the way of a smooth transition. When you become a homeowner, you’ll need to get to know your house, find out how it works, and prioritize the improvements you want to take on.
There is no denying that you have a lot going on in your life at the moment. Here are the top 10 things you must do before moving into a new house, in case it helps you organize your to-do list. The majority of these processes aren’t time-consuming, but they do demand some work on your part to complete them. After you’ve learned everything you need to, make a game plan. When the dust settles, you’ll be able to sit back, relax, and toast your new home.
Taking a tour of the property is the first step.
There is no better time than when your new home is absolutely vacant to do a thorough tour. Now is a good time to have a look around before you start unpacking and setting up your furniture (and even better, before you start emptying the moving truck if you can). You should make sure, among other things:
- The prior owner completed all required and agreed-upon repairs.
- All of the items that were supposed to be included in the sale are in the home.
- All of the outlets, switches, and fixtures are fully functional.
Call your realtor immediately if you discover a problem with the sale contract (for example, the previous owner took the washer and dryer with them while they were meant to leave them behind). You’re now responsible for any concerns that weren’t addressed in your contract, but it’s helpful to know what they are.
- Pet- and child-proof (if Necessary)
In order to ensure the safety of your small ones (or even your furry four-legged kids) while you’re still setting up your new house, you’ll need to undertake some preliminary child proofing. Creating a kid-free zone for abandoned packing items and inspecting all windows to ensure they are securely closed and clear of long dangling cables from the blinds are just a few of the childproofing ideas we provide in our moving day guide. Keep any potentially harmful items (such as box cutters, cleaning tools, and glassware) out of the reach of children.
What’s Happening and Where?
Moving into a new house can be a time-consuming and stressful experience, so it’s best to have a plan of action in place before you get started. This is especially true for heavy and bulky things, such as furniture. Assuming that you already know which items belong where, take a few moments to envision how you want your space organized. It is possible to make modifications later on, but having a broad framework in place will make this effort much simpler.
- Verify That All of Your Utilities Are Working Correctly.
If you had your utilities set up before moving into your new home, now is the time to check sure they are operating correctly. Moving day is a great time to make sure that all of your utilities are working properly. Make a call to your neighborhood waste management facility to confirm that your new residence is also set up for rubbish pickup..
Fuse Box and Water Valve may be found in this step.
It’s a good idea not to search for the fuse box or water valve when you actually need them. Because of this, it’s best to know where they are in advance so that you can get there quickly if you lose power or need to turn off the water for any reason. In general, your fuse box can be found in your basement, garage, or storage room, whereas your home’s water valve can usually be found around the perimeter of your house.
- Perform a thorough cleaning
When you’ve just moved into a new house, the last thing on your mind is cleaning it from top to bottom. However, now is the greatest moment to do it. The good news is that we’ve put together a guide on how to thoroughly clean a new home. Calling in professional cleaners if you don’t have the time or interest to do it yourself (and we don’t blame you) is an option. Starting your new life in a clean house is well worth the effort, regardless of how much it costs in terms of time or money.
Repairs Should Be Put First
Unless you’re moving into a brand-new house with no past occupants, you’ll almost certainly have some repair jobs ahead of you. Although the house inspection should have given you a good notion of what these are, it never hurts to go around on your own to get a sense of what needs to be done and what’s most important. It’s not necessary to start working on these repairs right away (after all, you’ll have plenty of time to do so once you’ve settled in), but a list of what needs to be done and in what order you intend to do it will help you put your repair needs into perspective and give you a better footing for when it’s time to get the ball rolling.”
Your locks should be changed at least once every year.
Changing the locks on your new house is always a smart idea. Anyone might have a key, even if you don’t care about the prior owner. It’s best to be safe than sorry in this case, so call a locksmith or, if you’re confident, replace the locks on the door yourself. Do a complete rekey of your home’s locks, including the ones on the interior and exterior doors and windows. For a few dollars, you may have a lot more security than you bargained for.
Changing your address is the ninth step.
The post office may already be aware of your new address, but if you haven’t done so, now is the time to do so. Be careful to advise your friends and relatives, subscription services, your bank, any loan providers you have, and anybody else who sends you regular mail or invoices of your new location as well. The entire list of people who need to be notified may be seen here. For a new driver’s license and updated car registration, contact your state’s department of motor vehicles once you relocate to a new state.
Ten. Get to Know Your Neighbors a Little Better.
Right after you move in, it’s a lot less uncomfortable to meet your neighbors. You may also use the opportunity to meet your neighbors to learn more about your new area and receive suggestions for local businesses (like this locksmith) in case you ever need them. Don’t go door-to-door, but do introduce yourself to a new neighbor the first time you see them. A smile and a pat on the back can go a long way.
It’s normal to feel overwhelmed when moving into a new place, but following the 10 steps outlined above may help make the process a little less daunting. As a result, don’t be hesitant to seek assistance from a friend or member of your family as well as a professional service provider. There are a lot of things that need to be taken care of before your new house can really become your home.