New homeowner checklist

Moving is a process, but it doesn’t have to be stressful when you are organized and prepared. Here are some tips that have helped our clients with moving into their new home:

• SET UP UTILITIES & UPDATE ACCOUNTS
  Set up gas, electricity, and water under your name a month before moving in. You will want everything to be set up and running so you can start unpacking and decorating without any setbacks. You should also notify your Internet and Cable company, you might have to schedule a time for them to come and reinstall everything if you are unable to just transfer it.  Setting up these accounts well in advance will help make the moving process less stressful.
• UPDATE YOUR ADDRESS
  Arranging mail forwarding is one of the most essential tasks when you move, you can do this online with USPS. Once you complete that you’ll also need to update your address with your bank, credit card company, insurance and loans provider, E-Z Pass, driver’s license, and all of your other subscription services.
• ORGANIZE DOCUMENTS & IRREPLACABLE ITEMS
  Secure your family’s birth certificates, social security cards, and other important documents in a binder or folder and put them in a specific box or bag that you won’t lose track of it. Make sure to do the same thing will jewlery, antiques, designer items or anything that is sacred to you that you. We always suggest moving these items personally so they don’t get lost or damaged.
• HIRE MOVERS AND GET HELP WITH THE PACKING & UNPACKING PROCESS
  The more people you have to help you unpack, the faster the process will go. Ask your close friends and family to help put dishes in the cupboards and clothes in the closet. You can organize and rearrange later, but this will give you a head start on functioning normally in your new home.
• TAKE INVENTORY OF VALUABLES
  Make sure to hire a reputable moving company, even so, you’ll want to play it safe with your valuable belongings. Take photos of your items so you have proof of their condition before the move.
• START SORTING THROUGH BELONGINGS
  Packing is one of the most overwhelming and time consuming parts of any move. Simplify the process by sorting through your belongings well before you start to pack. Toss out and donate unworn clothes and items so you aren’t packing things you won’t even use in the new house.
• SWITCH THE LOCKS
  Be on the safe side and switch out the locks so only you have access to your home. Changing your locks should be something you consider anytime you lose or misplace a key or when someone moves out of the house. Using a keypad lock on your home is a great alternative to traditional locks that need to be completely replaced because you can simply update the door code!
• HIRE A CLEANING SERVICE
  Even if you’re moving into a new build, you’ll probably feel more at home by having the place deep-cleaned before you start living there. 
• MAKE ESSENTIAL REPAIRS
  No matter how much you love your new home, there may be a few adjustments that need to be made to make it more comfortable for your family. Take care of those repairs or schedule for a maintenance appointment ahead of time—you’ll be glad you took care of that leaky plumbing or sticky window before you get there.
• INSTALL A HOME SECURITY SYSTEM
  Gain peace of mind by setting up a home security system, if you already have a home security provider in your old house, it’s easy to transfer your services. You might also consider adding smart home devices and services to your home so you can sync all of your home security and smart home devices for increased convenience.
• TEST SMOKE DETECTORS AND HVAC SYSTEM
  Be prepared for anything by testing all the devices in your new home, including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and the HVAC system. If there are any flaws, you’ll want to know about them quickly so you can arrange to have them fixed.
  For added home protection, consider installing monitored smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Monitored smoke and CO detectors mean that even if you can’t hear your alarm, or are not home, first responders get notified of your emergency and can be dispatched to your home quickly—saving you crucial time in an emergency.

Let us know if you have any other questions about your moving process or need insight about your new neighborhood! We are always here to help!