Did you know most Americans find moving way more stressful than even divorce? Prevent some of the moving stress by planning ahead. If you bought a new home and need to swap services, we can help.
In this guide, we’ll go over what you should do right away when you move into your new home.
Want to learn more? Keep reading.
1. Don’t Forget to Change the Locks
Sometimes, old owners might have given keys to their friends. You want to make sure you call a locksmith after moving in so you can get the locks changed right away.
A locksmith will install a deadbolt, too, if your door doesn’t have one. Consider changing all the locks at once, so you only have to use one key.
Make sure you get a couple of spare keys made as well. Consider hiring a key somewhere on your property. You could also give a spare key to someone you trust.
2. Prep Your Pets
For some pets, a big move can be a terrifying and overwhelming experience. As you move items into your new house, make sure you secure your pets in a safe place.
You should put your pet’s food, bed, blanket, and treats in a separate room. The room should be far away from noisy movers. Check on your pets during the move.
You want your pets to ease into your new home.
3. Power up Your Fridge
Did the old owner leave the fridge behind? Some people will unplug a fridge before they leave their home.
You want to make sure the appliances are working, so go around and power them up. Check that the ice dispenser in the fridge still works.
4. Update Your Mailing Address
You can update your mailing address online through the post offices hours. Not all your mail will get forwarded. Change your address with your bank, credit card lenders, and other institutions.
You’ll also want to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles and update your address. Your license should also reflect your new address, along with your vehicle registration.
5. Consider a Home Security System
A security system can provide new homeowners with a sense of safety. Call a security company to activate your system if the house already has the equipment.
You can get a system installed that allows you to set the alarm when you’re inside the house. Think of a secure security code.
6. Set Up Utilities and Internet
Try to connect your utilities like gas, electricity, and water before moving. You’ll have the essentials you need.
Find out from a local service provider how early you can schedule these things. You’ll also want to figure out what residence verification you need to present.
If you want to get cable like Nu Life TV, find out what you need to do in advance. Call about setting up the internet.
You don’t want to delay getting the internet set up once you move into your new home. You’ll need internet for your phones, tablets, and computers. Some security systems will also need internet connections.
You can ask the technician to come a day or two before moving into your house or the day you move in to set it up.
7. Celebrate With Takeout
On your moving day, consider ordering from a favorite restaurant. You can order enough food for your friends and family who helped you. Don’t try and be ambitious and cook on moving day.
Get takeout from a local restaurant. Make sure you pick up a couple of cases of bottled water and different beverages.
8. Where Will You Sleep?
Consider setting up everyone’s bedroom from top to bottom first. This way, you and your family can go to bed and feel like you have a little oasis in the chaos.
It tends to take a couple of days or weeks to settle everything and unpack items.
9. Consider Meeting Your Neighbors
If you notice your new neighbors outside, consider walking over and introducing yourself. Make an effort to remember their names. You want to make a good impression.
10. Inspect the Carbon Monoxide and Smoke Detectors
Walk around and check the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home. You could replace the units, or you might only have to add new batteries.
The smoke detectors should be in a hallway near your bedroom. Fires tend to start from a laundry room or kitchen. Place some smoke detectors in those rooms as well.
If your house is multi-level, make sure there’s one smoke detector on every floor.
Check and change batteries in these detectors twice a year. You’ll want to add this maintenance task to your calendar, so you don’t forget.
11. Tackle Some Repair Jobs
Were there any issues brought to light after the home inspection? Take the time to start minor repairs the seller didn’t fix.
You can make a list of the different things that need to get done. Address the more important items like resealing any windows or doors.
Make sure you keep up with maintenance tasks throughout the year.
Now You Know What to Do After Moving Into Your New Home
We hope this guide on what to do after moving into your new home was helpful. Change your address, set up the internet, check the smoke detectors and meet the neighbors.
Are you looking for more homeowner tips? Check out our resources on home and real estate.
