Moving Made Simple
You’ve bought your dream house. What’s next? You have a lot to consider when moving into your new home. It isn’t just unpacking. It’s getting to know your new space, learning how it functions, and prioritizing projects you want to tackle. You already have your list started, so to help you out, here are a few of the most important steps to take when moving into your new home.
Do a Complete Walkthrough
The best time to do a walkthrough is when the house is empty. Before moving anything in, take a look around and do a final check on the following items:
- Make sure that the previous owner made all requested and agreed upon repairs
- Everything that was to be included in the sale is present in the house
- Everything is in working order: outlets, switches, fixtures, doors, and windows
- The seller left behind all warranties and maintenance guides
- The house is free of dirt, debris, mold, and pests
- The lawn is in reasonably good condition
- All of your furniture is going to fit
If the house was staged when you saw it initially, this gives you the chance to see it as a blank canvas and begin to plan hour your belonging will fit. Bring a tape measure to plan more accurately where items like large pieces of furniture will go. This can save time when unloading the moving van later.
If you have purchased a home out-of-state, request a virtual walkthrough. And in some cases, a 3-D scan may be available. Your real estate agent is your go-to for all information regarding a pre-move-in walkthrough.
Child/Pet Proof (if necessary)
When moving into a new home with children or pets, always take extra steps to ensure their safety in a new environment. While it is essential to ensure that outlets, sharp corners, open doors, and windows are safe – don’t forget the temporary moving hazards. Make sure that scissors and box cutters are out of reach of small hands. Keep boxes with dangerous items like cleaning supplies in a separate space from children and pets, and make sure that packing materials are not confused with toys.
Make an Unpacking Plan
Diving right into whatever box is sitting there can be tempting but may not be the best way to attack the situation. Having a general idea of where large items like furniture will be going can save you lots of time. Every person is different, and priorities vary. Some may want to unpack the kitchen before filling the living room, while others are okay with takeout and prefer to have their TV in place first. There is no wrong way to unpack. Just have a general plan on what you want first. If not, you could end the day with plates, no silverware or shirts, no pants or a hairbrush but no toothbrush.
Set up Utilities and Connectivity
No one wants to spend their first night in their new home in the dark. Utility setup should be transferred before move-in day. On move-in day, double-check that everything is working correctly. Verify that your electric, gas, water, heating, cooling, phone, and internet are all up and running.
Sometimes these things require an appointment and someone to be at home. Make sure that someone is available to meet the technician to install services.
Locate Necessary Functions
The old saying goes, “hope for the best and prepare for the worst.” Locating your fuse box and water valve now will save you from having to find them during an emergency. You don’t want to be trying to find your water valve while your kitchen is flooding. Typically, most fuse boxes are located in a basement, garage, or storage room. Your home’s water valve is somewhere around the outside of your home.
Deep Clean
After moving in, give your new home a deep clean:
- Clean ceiling fans, overhead fixtures, shelving, and other features close to the ceiling. Start at the top of each room and work your way down.
- Clean the fridge
- Clean the kitchen
- Clean the bathrooms
- Tackle the remainder of the house
- Last but not least, clean the floors
Change your Address and Locks
Make sure to change your address with the post office before moving day. Notify others of your moving as well. This includes friends, family, subscription services, your bank, any loan providers, and anyone who sends regular correspondence or bills. Don’t forget to change your address on your driver’s license and vehicle registration.
Changing locks is always a good practice. You never know who has a key to your home. Schedule a locksmith to come by and change all locks, or you can do this yourself. Re-key locks on doors leading between the interior and exterior of your home as well as on windows. This is a tiny expense for peace of mind.
Meet your Neighbors
Meeting your neighbors helps you learn about your community—no need to go door to door. Just introduce yourself
the first time you run into a new neighbor.
- Smile and say hello
- Get involved in the community
- Ask questions
- Spend time outdoors
- Lend a hand
- Ask for help
- Host a welcome party
Moving can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. The key is planning and prioritizing. Make a few simple notes and get going. And don’t hesitate to ask your real estate agent for advice. They have native knowledge and can be excellent sources of information in your community. Enjoy your new home and make memories that last a lifetime.
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Jim McInerney Real Estate is the region’s most innovative real estate company, representing spectacular properties and selective home buyers. Providing exceptional real estate services in a unique luxury market like Southern California is an endeavor we perform with professionalism, integrity, and a lifetime of local knowledge on behalf of our clients. For decades, we’ve been here to help clients either sell or find and acquire their dream home while sharing in the excitement and protecting them from the stressors of the process. Call us today, we’ve got the Native Knowledge you need!
7863 Girard Avenue, Suite 208
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 480-9945
DRE 01334502
