You’ve woken up from the first night at your new home. You step into your kitchen and gleefully soak in the view of your beautiful backyard from the kitchen sink window. You turn around to approach the coffee pot. You are looking forward to this first cup of coffee so much, only to realize you haven’t even unpacked your coffee maker! Then you also realize there is no hot water to wash your dishes or take that well-deserved shower!
You must ensure that when moving into a new home, the necessities are taken care of promptly! It takes planning and discipline, but if you put it all off then those first few days in your new home will be a nightmare!
We’re going to run through 3 key points that are crucial for your comfort and safety. Let’s jump right in!
Do a Walkthrough
If you are able, walk through your new home while it’s empty before moving in. This can be helpful because it allows you to envision and plan your belongings in the space and how they will fit. Make you bring a tape measure too, so you have an even more accurate idea of where your furniture will go.
When you are walking through, be sure to check on any agreed-upon repairs, appliances, or belongings that were supposed to be left or removed, and the working order of outlets and lights. If you come across any problems, you should raise them as soon as possible to the appropriate party.
Transfer Utilities
When you move out of your home, you’ll have the gas, electric, and water shut off to prevent any mishaps or accidents while the home is vacant. But before you close escrow, be sure to transfer all of these utilities to your new home so there is ample time for them to be up and running.
If utilities aren’t already set to be turned on, it could very well take companies a few weeks to come out. Make sure to call utility companies before moving day so you know you will have all utilities up and running before you move into your new home. Here’s some perspective: think about how miserable it would be in the heat moving in and out without the air conditioning running!
Change Over Locks
You never know for sure if the keys you are handed over to you by the seller are the only set of keys they own. If you want the utmost security and peace of mind, make it a priority on day one to install new locks on each exterior door.
Home security can mean different things to different people, but some other further steps you could take besides changing the locks are installing motion detectors or cameras, a smart doorbell, or a full home security system.
The Bottom Line
Make a checklist for yourself when moving to avoid excess stress and potential chaos! These were just 3 essential actions to take, but of course, there are many more, such as updating your mailing address, setting up garbage pickup, setting up autopay for new mortgage payments and the list can go on.
The new checklist can make you feel like you’ll never relax and be able to enjoy your new space, but in no time all of your duties will be checked off! Now it’s time to make your new house feel like home!