You finally did it. You did your research, chose the perfect fixer-upper or even a SEDA new home construction, and after all the waiting and planning you’re on the verge of enjoying the fruit of your labor. It’s moving time.
Moving to a new house is an exciting time, but it can also be incredibly exhausting, and it can seem as if there’s an endless list of tasks that need to be done. Make life easier by following this sensible checklist to help ensure your transition is less stressful and more effective. Setting the right tone from the beginning will help turn your new house into a home you will enjoy for years to come.
- Ensure your security
Peace of mind is always a priority, and this means making sure your locks, including any extra doors like those that connect to a garage, are in tip-top shape. You can do this yourself if you’re up to it, but you’ll probably want to call an experienced locksmith. Even newly constructed homes can have security issues. If contractors had keys to your locks, it may be a worth switching them out, just to be sure you’re starting fresh.
Fortunately, many new homes are being built with smart locks which make this process incredibly simple. Just reset the key code for all the locks, input your new code, and you’re good to go. If your home has a security system, or needs one, get in contact with your security company to update keypad codes or install a new system.
- Set up your bed
It will be a great feeling when, after a busy day of unpacking and unloading, you can be rewarded with a nice, comfortable bed. Beds should be the main priority for furniture moving, including all the bedding and pillows needed for a restful night’s sleep. You will need to be well-rested during those early days of hard work setting up your new space.
If you’ve decided to purchase a new bed for your new home, make sure you’re on top of the delivery date and time. The last thing you’ll want after finally getting into your new home is to be forced to sleep on an ever-deflating air mattress because you didn’t have your ducks-in-a-row with the delivery truck.
- Find your essentials
Another way to keep your spirits up so that you can work efficiently, is to avoid the frustration of having to hunt down your daily essentials. Make sure you have immediate access to personal hygiene items, towels, medications, a few changes of clothes and whatever else you know you can’t live without.
- Do some strategic cleaning
It may not be necessary to deep clean the whole house but there are definitely spots that need some special attention, especially since you have more access now than you will after you’re fully moved in. Thoroughly clean all the kitchen cabinets, wipe down all the counters and clean the refrigerator and oven. Bathrooms will be more enjoyable once you’ve given them a good scrub, especially the toilet, and you may want to pick up a new seat. If you have carpets, now is the ideal time to steam clean them.
While this isn’t much of a concern if you’ve gone the new-home route, this is still a good time to plan ahead to make cleaning easier. When you’re placing your furniture, make sure you’re putting sliders on all the legs so that you can easily move them out of the way for future cleaning, and clean your stainless faucets and touches with wax paper to keep them clean and shiny longer.
- Place all boxes and furniture in their correct spaces
While the process of unpacking and setting up your furniture will unfold over days and even weeks, make the extra effort to carry everything to the correct room when it will end up making everything much easier later on (detailed box labeling makes this process significantly easier).
- Share your new address
Sit down with a list of everyone who needs to be updated on your new address. If any utilities aren’t informed yet (water, electricity, internet, gas etc) you will want to make this the first call. Next would be the post office, financial institutions, any services you subscribe to, insurance providers and any other companies with whom you regularly do business.
- Refresh your space
If you’re moving into a lived-in home, this is the best time to do whatever small touches you prefer, such as, replacing lighting fixtures, faucets, doorknobs or even a new coat of paint. You may also want to install new shelving or closet organizers. Measure your windows and the dimensions of your space so you can begin making interior design choices like window treatments and furniture placement. In short, begin making the space all your own.