What to do after moving into a new house?

So, your residential move has reached its final stage and you find yourself at the threshold of your new home and your new life, surrounded by safely delivered boxes and overwhelmed by a number of worrisome questions, doubts and anxieties. The unfamiliarity of the surroundings and the uncertainty of your situation may make you feel downhearted and confused as to what you should do next. However, there are many urgent things to do when moving into a new house and you’d better address them at the earliest opportunity. You will get focused and organized when dealing with important post-relocation tasks, will regain your confidence while exploring the vicinity and making new friends and will enjoy the transformation of your new property into your dream home. Once it is all over, you will be able to finally feel at home and celebrate your successful relocation.

So, have a close look at our moving into a new house checklist, roll up your sleeves and get down to work!

Before you move in

Actually, this is a step backwards in time, intended to serve as a reminder that your new place should be ready by move-in day. Taking care of the following issues in advance will save you a lot of time and inconveniences.

• Inspect your new home – look for any visible signs of damage, check for plumbing leaks, inspect the condition of the roof and the HVAC system, scour the entire perimeter of your house and if possible, take appropriate measures to eliminate any problems before moving in;
• Complete any necessary or desired renovation projects – if any repair works are required or if you want to change and upgrade some features of your new home’s design, you are advised to finish the renovation process prior to your move;
• Change your address – this is an easy task as you can change your address online through the official website of the USPS. Arrange for your mail to be correctly forwarded and contact banks, insurance companies and other important institutions to inform them of your recent change of address;
• Transfer utilities – contact your service providers and notify them about your upcoming relocation. Arrange to have the utilities in your old property turned off on Moving day and the ones in your new home running when you arrive there.

If you have missed any of these steps during the hectic moving preparations, you need to address them at the earliest opportunity.

Anyway, here is what to do right after the move:

1. Inspect the delivered items

It is entirely your responsibility to inspect your household items upon delivery and to make sure that there isn’t anything missing. Check each delivered box against your inventory list and confirm that it is properly sealed and in good condition. Examine your larger items for damages and double-check your valuables.

If you find something broken or missing, immediately report the problem to the moving company in an attempt to settle the issue peacefully. Unless the movers resolve the conflict in a quick and reasonable manner, exercise your consumer rights and file a complaint against them.

2. Turn on the utilities

Find the fuse box and the main water valve in your new home and turn them on immediately after arriving, so that you have electricity and water. Whenever you can spare some time, identify and label each circuit breaker and make sure the water supply system functions properly. This will allow you to take adequate measures on time in case of emergencies and prevent damages to your new property.

Internet, cable TV and other convenient services can wait for a couple of days, but you will certainly want to have access to them as soon as possible.

3. Unpack the essentials

There are a number of essentials you cannot do a day without, so you need to unpack them first. If you have packed them separately, it will be an easy task. Otherwise, do your best to quickly locate whatever you need for a refreshing shower and a good night’s rest. Once you have unpacked your basic toiletries, medicines, and bedding, you’ll have to provide a change of clothes and proper food. In other words, setting the bathroom, the bedroom and the kitchen brooks no delay.

4. Tend to your pets

Your pets will need your immediate attention after the move. You have to make sure that they are safe and calm before being able to proceed with your post-relocation schedule. Take them to a quiet room away from the unpacking chaos, provide fresh water and quality food, give them their favorite toys and don’t forget to secure the exits as your stressed animal companions may try to escape the unfamiliar surroundings. Visit them regularly and spare some time to talk to them in a reassuring voice and even to play with them for a while.

5. Set up major appliances

It is advisable to have all your larger furniture and appliances placed directly where you want them to be. This way, you will avoid moving heavy and bulky items around several times. Besides, you will be able to reconnect all the major appliances and electrical devices the very next day. Your kitchen will be fully functional and you will be able to recharge your energy with healthy home-made food and to continue unpacking and arranging your new home.

6. Unpack your items and arrange your home

Without a doubt, you will need access to all your belongings very soon after the relocation, so don’t procrastinate. Put each of your possessions at its rightful place and arrange your new home to your liking, so that it is both convenient and cozy. You will feel less anxious and will be able to quickly resume your normal daily routine once your new place is fully furnished.

To sum it up – make your new place feel like home!

7. Dispose of packing materials and clean thoroughly

Your habitual lifestyle will be absolutely impossible while your new home resembles a storage area. You need to get rid of all the packing supplies that block your living space and to clean your property well. Recycle all the packing paper and bubble wrap you cannot put to use in your new home, find an adequate purpose to the moving boxes or give them to someone who intends to move soon, clean all the dust and dirt resulting from the unpacking process, make sure no pests have taken shelter in your new residence and remove any odors from previous pets that may bother your animal friends. Everything should be dust-free, sanitized and polished to provide for charming and healthy living conditions.

8. Secure your new home

Your home is your fortress, so you need to make it as safe as possible. It is important to change the locks, so that you and your family are the only ones who have access to your residence. Also, pay attention to the condition of the fence and the window shutters, install smoke detectors and supply a fire extinguisher at every level of your house. Make sure that your home is protected against the whims of the weather and the ill intentions of burglars.

If you have a baby or a toddler, you need to childproof your new home at the earliest opportunity. After all, the safety of your little angels is above anything else.

9. Befriend your neighbors and locate the essential places in your new city

Introduce yourself to your new neighbors and try to get along with them on friendly terms – throw a party, bring them small gifts, or just start a casual conversation. Your neighbors can help you adjust to the new surroundings and overcome your initial loneliness. Besides, you will be able to learn a lot from them – where to find the institutions you need, which are the best schools and health care providers in the area, where to go shopping, what are your entertainment options, etc. You need to locate all these essential places really soon, so that you can get your life back to normal.

10. Take care of the paperwork

You will have to register your car within the first couple of weeks after arriving in your new state, so ask about the required paperwork and go to the nearest DMV office to finish this important task on time. Transfer your driver’s license, update your insurances and put all your documents in order. Don’t forget to update your voter registration and your bank accounts either.

Bonus: Write a moving review

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