What to Do After Your Move
So you’ve moved! Congrats! Whether you’re moving across the street or across the country, there’s a lot to do after you’ve moved into your new place. Here’s a handy checklist of things to remember in those first few weeks after you’ve moved.
Inspect Your New Space
When you first arrive at your new place, it’s essential to inspect the space for any damages, especially if you are renting. Be sure to check for any water damage, stains on the carpets or walls, chipped paint, etc. It’s also a good idea to test out all the appliances (oven, fridge, dishwasher, etc.) to make sure they are in working order.
Check Your Utilities
The next thing you’ll want to do is check that all your utilities are set up and working properly. This includes your electricity, gas, water, and trash. If everything is set up in your name, great! If not, now is the time to get that taken care of. Once your utilities are squared away, find the breaker and shut off valves for oil, gas, and water. It’s always good to know where these are in case of an emergency.
Clean Your New Space
Before you start settling into your new home sweet home, consider giving your new space a deep clean. This way, you can start with a blank slate and really make the space your own. Plus, it’s always nice to have a clean house! If you don’t feel like doing it yourself, there’s no shame in hiring a professional cleaning service. They’ll have your new place sparkling in no time.
Check Locks and Security Features
Now that everything is move-in ready, it’s time to start thinking about security. If you’re renting, your landlord should have changed the locks before you moved in. If you’re buying a home that has been lived in before, it’s a good idea to change the locks yourself just to be safe. In addition to changing the locks on doors, be sure to check windows and any other potential entry points into your home. Consider investing in a security system or cameras if you want an extra layer of protection.
Set up a Fire Escape Plan
Another safety measure to take is setting up a fire escape plan. This is especially important if you have young children or if your home doesn’t have an easy way to get outside quickly in case of an emergency. Practice multiple times, so everyone in your household knows what to do if there is a fire.
Documentation
The final thing on our list is updating all your documentation with your new address information. This includes updating your address with the DMV (don’t forget about your driver’s license!), updating your vehicle registration, changing your address with the post office, updating your voter registration, and reviewing/updating your insurance policies. Phew! That was a lot of stuff, but now it’s all official!
Familiarize Yourself with Your New Neighborhood
Now that everything on our list is taken care of, it’s time to start enjoying your new neighborhood! Get out there and explore—take walks around the block, visit nearby parks or coffee shops, and introduce yourself to neighbors. The more familiar you become with the area around you, the more comfortable you will feel in your new home. And that’s what we want for you! Congrats again on making your big move—enjoy every minute of it!
There’s a lot that goes into moving, even after you get to your new home. This list will help ensure you don’t forget anything important. If you find that you need help with additional storage, don’t forget Sterling Interstate can help with that too!!
