There are so many things to consider when moving, such as the best time of year to move and how to save money on moving costs. And while you likely may have figured out all the logistics and challenges with actually moving, there are things associated with your new home that you should have handled before you move in too. If you are moving from one location to another and have already signed your name on the deed, here are six things to do before moving into your new home.
- Have it cleaned.
Even if the previous owners kept the home pretty neat, it’s still a good idea to have the house thoroughly cleaned before you start to move your belongings inside. This will help you clean up any dirt or debris that was left behind, and it will also help you clean countertops, bathrooms, and everything else from germs that may be living there. Before you move in, consider having a professional cleaning company get in there and get the job done. According to Amazon Cleaning, “A professional cleaning company will do a thorough job cleaning the home and often clean areas you fail to clean yourself. And with the right cleaning company, the cost associated with a professional cleaning service is actually more affordable than many think.”
- Switch utilities.
Your new home will come with plenty of utilities you need to activate, and some homeowners forget to switch the utilities before moving in. While this may not be the worst thing in the world, it could actually pose a problem. That’s because if the current homeowner has the utilities turned off before you move in, you could walk into your new home without any working utilities. And because some of these utility companies are scheduled weeks out, you could find yourself without heat, electricity, water, or the like for a long period of time. In order to avoid this, call the utility companies before your move-in date and ensure the account is changed to your name and that all utilities will be working before you move in.
- Have cable/internet installed.
Aside from your basic utilities, you can also call the local cable/internet provider and ensure that you have an internet account set up in your new home on your move-in day. Since you may need the internet right away, whether for work or for leisure, having this done immediately can ensure you’re not living without it for a while. Contact the local internet provider and let them know you would like your internet installed on a specific date. While this may add one more thing to take care of on the day you move in, at least you’ll have access to some sort of entertainment while you’re unpacking all your belongings.
- Change the locks.
As soon as you sign the deed to the house, get to your location and change the locks. Even if the folks who lived there seemed like nice people, you can never be too cautious. Make sure you change the locks on all doors, including in the front and back of the house. In addition, you should also change the codes on any garage door openers or security systems too. All of this will provide peace of mind when moving into your new space.
- Check the appliances.
Sometimes previous owners will err on the side of caution and unplug the appliances before moving out. When you first move into the home, take a walk around the home and ensure everything is plugged in. After all, if you go grocery shopping and come home with food to put away with a fridge that isn’t plugged in, you will be wasting money on food. However, if you make sure your appliances are turned on when you move in, you can ensure that everything will be working when you need it.
- Change your mailing address.
Once you have a new address, you should contact the post office and officially change your mailing address. You’ll not only want to put a forward on your mail from your current address to ensure you still get all your mail, but you’ll need to change your mailing address on all your accounts, such as credit cards, bank accounts, etc. This will ensure you continue to get bills and important information even after you move.
Moving can be a stressful situation, but following these tips before you move in will ensure you don’t forget anything important and that your move is less stressful.