Home is where the heart is.
This saying gives us a profound connection that we feel towards our living spaces.
However, the journey to establishing that sanctuary can be stressful.
In fact, according to a recent survey, moving is more stressful than losing a job or getting a divorce.
With the average American relocating about five times throughout their life, no wonder the process can feel overwhelming.
Picture yourself standing at the front door of your new house, keys in hand, filled with excitement.
But with all the excitement, there is a flurry of work to do: utilities, security, and making it your own.
Stressing over these things brings unnecessary stress and money in certain situations.
For instance, not updating your address in a timely manner can result in missed bills or other important documents, while neglecting a deep clean can leave you starting your new chapter among the dust of a previous occupant.
But with a systematic approach, you can transform this stressful experience into a smooth transition.
In this blog, we have outlined all the necessary steps to prepare your new house prior to moving in.
The great thing is that you can check out your new home while it’s empty before your stuff arrives.
This allows you to:
Check Repairs: Always make sure any repairs negotiated by the previous owner have been made.
Spot Potential Problems: Look for new issues that may have sprung up since the home inspection.
Plan Layouts: Plan where your furniture and belongings will go, which will help you to get set up quickly once you move in.
Cleaning a vacant home is much less difficult.” Consider:
Professional Cleaners: A professional cleaning service can be a time-saver and ensure every nook and cranny is spotless.
DIY Cleaning: If you’d rather do things yourself, concentrate on high-grime areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Ensure all essential services are up and running:
Utilities: Contact providers to activate electricity, gas, water, heating, and cooling systems before your move-in date.
Internet and Cable: Schedule installations in advance to avoid downtime.
Trash and Recycling: Arrange for services to start upon your arrival.
It is compulsory to keep the relevant people about your new address:
Postal Service: Submit a change of address with the USPS to have your mail forwarded.
Financial Institutions: Notify banks, credit card companies and loan providers of your new address.
Subscriptions and Memberships: Notify any magazines, clubs, or organizations you belong to.
Take care of any immediate repairs or desired upgrades prior to your belongings arriving:
Safety Concerns: Check problems such as faulty wiring or leaks immediately.
Cosmetic Changes: It’s easier to paint walls or replace flooring when a space is empty.
For peace of mind, change all exterior locks and update security system codes to ensure you’re the only one with access to your new home.
Even if the home appears clean, it’s wise to schedule pest control to prevent any unwelcome guests.
Measure doorways, stairwells, and rooms to ensure your furniture fits. Planning the layout in advance can save time and effort on moving days.
Prepare a box with necessities for the first few days:
Toiletries: Toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, and toilet paper.
Clothing: A few changes of clothes and pajamas.
Bedding: Sheets, pillows, and blankets.
Kitchen Items: Basic utensils, a pot or pan, and some non-perishable food items.
Sometimes, fragile items require specialized materials:
Foam Sheets: Perfect for extra protection between items. A pack of 50 sheets costs around $10-$15.
Dish Packing Kits: These kits come with pre-sectioned boxes and foam for plates. Prices range from $15 to $30 per kit.
TV or Mirror Boxes: These boxes are designed for large, flat, fragile items and cost about $20-$40 each.
Getting to know your new area can make the move smoother:
Locate Essentials: Find the nearest grocery stores, pharmacies, and hospitals.
Meet Neighbors: Introduce yourself to build a sense of community.
Moving into a new home is an exciting journey but comes with its fair share of tasks.
To guarantee a smooth transition, here’s a New Home Checklist to guide you through the essentials:
Change the Locks
You never know how many copies of the keys are out there from previous owners or contractors. Installing new locks or rekeying existing ones ensures you’re the only one with access.
Inspect Safety Devices
Make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are present and functional. Smoke detectors should be in each bedroom and on every floor, as well as carbon monoxide detectors on each level.
Locate Main Utilities
Familiarize yourself with the main circuit breaker and water shutoff valves. Knowing their locations can save time during emergencies or repairs.
Deep Clean the Space
Before unpacking, thoroughly clean your new home.
Focus on high-traffic areas like the kitchen and bathrooms.
This ensures a fresh start and allows you to spot any potential issues.
Set Up Utilities and Services
Arrange for the activation of essential services such as electricity, gas, water, internet, and trash collection.
Scheduling these in advance ensures they’re operational upon your arrival, making the move-in process smoother.
Prepare an Emergency Kit
Keep a kit with essentials like a first-aid box, flashlights, batteries, bottled water, and non-perishable food. Regularly check and update its contents to ensure readiness during emergencies.
Childproofing is essential to ensure your children’s safety. Install safety gates at staircases, secure heavy furniture to walls to prevent tipping, cover electrical outlets, and use cabinet locks to restrict access to hazardous materials.
Begin by assessing the existing security features of your new home. If a system is already installed, contact the provider to transfer or activate the service. If not, research and choose a security system that fits your needs, considering options like monitored alarms, surveillance cameras, and smart home integrations.
Conduct an energy audit to identify areas where efficiency can be improved. This may include sealing gaps around windows and doors, upgrading to energy-efficient appliances, and ensuring proper insulation.
Contact the local waste management authority to set up trash and recycling services. Inquire about collection schedules, sorting requirements, and any provided bins.
To create a safe environment for pets, remove any hazardous materials, ensure fences are secure, and set up designated areas for feeding and sleeping.
Choose Cross Country Moving for your next move because of our expertise, comprehensive services, reliable team, and commitment to customer satisfaction.
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