When you’re preparing to move, there’s a long list of things you will have to take care of. Fortunately, that preparation can pay off when you reach your destination with all of your belongings. However, the work isn’t necessarily done just because moving is finished. In order to relax and enjoy your new home, the tasks below are important to take care of. The good news is that making a list can reduce your stress and make sure you’re not surprised with urgent matters down the road.
1. Turn on Utilities
Before you begin living in your home, you’ll want to make sure utilities are turned on. To do this, call the power, gas, and water companies to schedule a day for each utility to be turned on. You may also want to call cable and internet companies to see when they can come out for installation.
2. Change Your Address
Changing your address with the post office is easy. You can either take care of it online, in-store or via mail, depending on what’s most convenient for you. In most states, you’ll need proof of address change when you go to the DMV to change your ID, so do this first.
3. Clean
If you’re moving to a rental, check to see if the landlord will clean the place before you arrive. If you’re buying or cleaning isn’t done to your standards, then schedule a time to have your new place cleaned. Doing this before your belongings arrive can ensure your place is nice and tidy when you get there. However, if you’ll be there at the same time as your things, you might want to clean once everything is unloaded.
4. Unpack
Although this is one of the most obvious post-move tasks, it’s very important. While you won’t be able to unload everything at once, you should try to unpack the essentials. This can include clothing, towels, dishes, cutlery, and other toiletries you normally use on a daily basis. Do this one room at a time, so you don’t become overwhelmed and stressed out.
5. Go to the DMV
The Department of Motor Vehicles is one of the first places you’ll want to visit after you move. While here, you’ll need to change your driver’s license as well as any license plates. If you’re going to save time on your visit, try seeing if you can schedule an appointment ahead of time. However, be aware that in some cities it can take months to get an appointment.
6. Change the Locks
Changing the locks will ensure nobody has the keys to your new place. If you are living in a rental, talk to the landlord about re-keying the current locks, so nothing has to be replaced.
7. Childproof
If you have children, you’ll want to childproof everything as soon as you move in. This can include putting a gate in front of stairs, locks on cabinets, or covers on the outlets.
Make Finalizing Your Move a Priority
By making the tasks above a priority after you move, you’ll minimize stress and will have peace of mind knowing that everything is finalized. While you can take your time on unpacking and decorating, your address change and utility hookup should be done as soon as possible. Fortunately, once you check off everything you need to do, you can truly enjoy your new house and begin making it a home.