After a move is over, there are still important items to check off your “to do” list. After you’ve had some time to rest and are ready to take them on, use the following as a handy checklist. You’ll want to make sure you get all of these done in the first few weeks after a move.
Organize Your Time
The first step is to make a list of the items below and add in anything else that is specific to your situation. Assign a day to get them done. That way you can roll through all of them systematically.
Get Utilities In Your Name
This is one to do right away. When moving in, you want to make sure electricity, water and gas are all in your name. In some cases, people might think that if the power is on, then everything is fine. But a utility might be in previous owner’s (or tenant’s) name, meaning it will get shut off once they call to disconnect and stop paying the bill.
Clean
Hopefully, you had the chance to clean the place before you moved in. Or, if you are renting, the landlord may have had it cleaned before you arrived. But for a lot of people, it’s not really clean until it’s cleaned by you. Have the cleaning supplies in a place where you can easily unpack them so you can clean your new home to your satisfaction.
Find water main valve and fuse box
At some point, you will need to know the location of the main water valve and the fuse box. Make sure you know where they are ahead of time so you can reach them quickly and easily when the time comes.
Update Voter Registration
You don’t want the next election to roll around and find out you can’t vote in your new area. It doesn’t take long to contact the local voter registration office and get squared away with an updated voter registration.
Find Healthcare Providers
You’ll want to update your insurance with your new location and find new doctors and specialists in your area. This can prove time-consuming, so it’s best to start as early as possible.
Register Your Car
States require you to register your car where you live. This is something to knock out as soon as possible. Give yourself most of one day to handle this one, as the lines can be long.
Inspect the Home
You have likely already looked over your home. However, now is the time to make a thorough inspection so that you know it inside and out. That way, you can find any small areas of damage or any other problems (water leaks, loose floorboards, etc.).
Secure Your Home
If you have purchased the home, it’s a good idea to get all new locks. That ensures that only you and your family have keys to your new home.
Keep Unpacking
Many people never really unpack after a move. The classic case is when boxes are simply stacked in a guest room closet or in the garage. Plan to keep unpacking your boxes, even if it’s just one a day or one a week.
Meet Your Neighbors
Especially if you have bought your home, take some time to walk over and say hello to your new neighbors. They can help you get to know your way around the new neighborhood and city. They may also turn out to be great friends for you in the years to come.
Taking care of these issues are the last steps to take when you make a move. Make a list, knock them out as fast as possible, and soon you will be able to simply relax and enjoy your new home
