From setting up utilities to changing your address, there’s a lot you need to do when you move. Here’s a new home checklist to help you stay organized.
Finally! The day that you have been waiting for is here. Moving into a new home is one of the most exciting experiences of our lives.
This is where you’ll create a home and possibly grow your family. Before that happens, though, you have one more step, which is settling in. There are several more things you need to get done, which include unpacking, getting your utilities up and running, and more.
It’s hard to keep up with all the things that need to get done, which is why we have put together this new home checklist for you. We’ve included some of the most essential things you need to do immediately so you can settle in as soon as possible. Most of these tasks are not necessarily time-sensitive, but it’s best to get them done right away instead of waiting to figure it out later on.
1. Inspect the Delivery Boxes
There is a lot more to moving than just packing and unpacking. Once you get to your new home, you need to inspect the delivery boxes as the delivery crew carries them inside. This is to check that everything on your inventory checklist has arrived safely.
If anything is missing, this is the best time to notify your moving crew to affirm whether some things were left behind or in the truck. You could also check for any damages or mishandling and contact the moving company. If you hired a reliable and professional moving crew, however, you won’t have to deal with this.
2. Get the Utilities up and Running
It’s advisable to connect the main utilities before the move. Water, power, and gas are the most important utilities, and the house will start feeling more like home once they’re running.
Once you’re done with the fundamentals, arrange for a phone connection, internet, and other essentials. Check for “The best internet provider in my area” on the internet if you’re unsure of what to get. Locate the fuse box and the main water valve, familiarize yourself with how they work, and note down the readings on both the power and water meters just in case of any disputes in the future.
3. Inspect the Whole House
Once all that is done, take a walk-through of the property before you arrange your stuff. You’ll get a better view while it’s still empty. Check whether any requested repairs were done, if everything included in the sale is actually in the house, and that all fixtures, switches, and outlets are working properly.
Now that the water is running check for leaking plumbing, running toilets, and dripping faucets. If you find anything that goes against your sale contract, now is the best time to get in touch with your realtor and see what can be done to rectify the situation.
4. Unpack the Essentials
Moving to a new home, as exciting as it is, can be exhausting. This means that you need to prepare the most important rooms, which are the bedroom and bathroom. Unpacking the essentials should be a top priority on your new home checklist so that everyone can be comfortable, even as you get organized.
You’ll probably need a shower when all is said and done, and a nice place to rest, so getting these rooms ready before you drain yourself is a good move. Unpack all toiletries, towels, beddings, bathrobes, shower curtains, and anything else you consider essential.
5. Secure Your Home
With the utilities running and everything inspected, the next thing on our new home checklist is securing your home. Change all the locks to ensure that no one outside your home has access to your house, then check to ensure that all windows close securely. If the house has smoke detectors, check whether they work accordingly and if not, installing some would be a great idea.
Beyond that, ensure you provide functional fire extinguishers all through the house, find a designated place for your first aid kit, and devise an escape plan in case of emergencies. Ensure that all family members are aware of all these things, and if you have a security system, call your provider to set it up.
6. Connect Your Appliances
If you brought your appliances from your previous home, it’s better to connect them immediately. You may be exhausted from the move, but you will probably need to cook or put groceries away in the fridge. Ensure your fridge rests for a few hours before reconnecting it to power so all the oil can move back to the compressor.
7. Childproof Your Home
This is one of the most important items on your new home checklist if you have children. Childproofing is vital, especially if you have a toddler or a young child that’s not familiar with their new home. Identify all safety hazards and eliminate them until you childproof every room.
8. Unpack and Arrange Your Home
Unpack anything else you can and arrange frequently used rooms. You can schedule arranging the rest of the house either room by room or all at once, depending on your schedule. You can invite your family members or close friends for an unpacking party as you celebrate your new home.
You can always hire a professional unpacking team as well, but this will depend on your budget and personal preference. Once everything is done, clean your home thoroughly, store or give away any undamaged packaging materials, then ensure you recycle everything else.
9. Change Your Address
Your new home comes with a new address, and if you’re yet to change it, now is the time. Inform all your friends, colleagues, and institutions such as banks, insurance companies, and credit card companies. If you moved to a different city, change your voter’s registration while you’re at it.
10. Meet Your New Neighbors
New place, new home, new neighbors.
It’s a good idea to say hi and get acquainted with your new neighbors as soon as you move in. Initial introductions are a sign of good manners, and meeting new people who are familiar with the place means you could get help for anything you might need. You don’t necessarily have to go door to door, but ensure you say hello and are friendly.
New Home Checklist: You Now Know the First Things You Need to Do
This new home checklist will make things easier for you and all you have to do is tick everything you do. There is so much more to do once you move into a new home, but everything else can come later on as you get used to things.
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