A new home can seem like an overwhelming place to start. Fortunately, if you take care of a few major tasks beforehand, moving into your new house can go much more smoothly.
For instance, you should clean all the nooks and crannies of your new home. The previous owners may have left dirt, dust, pet hair and more behind.
1. Get the Utilities Turned On
It’s important to set up utilities and core services in your new home before you move in. This includes electricity, gas, water and garbage collection. You may have many options for these services in your area, so it’s a good idea to research providers ahead of time online or consult with a real estate agent, landlord, or building manager.
Make sure you select a utility start date that coincides with your move-in, and that the service provider will be able to visit your new house to turn on the power. It’s best to choose the day or two before your actual move-in date, so you don’t end up moving into a dark home.
2. Clean the Home
When you move into a new home, cleaning it isn’t just about making it feel like yours. It’s also about ridding it of invisible germs and bacteria that may have been left behind by the previous owners.
Ideally, you should clean the entire house before moving into it. This includes high-touch areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and the refrigerator.
Start with the floor, then move on to walls, baseboards, and doors. Don’t forget to wipe down the microwave and oven. Make sure to include ceiling fans on your cleaning list, too, since dust can accumulate in these hard-to-reach places. Also remember to vacuum and wash the windows.
3. Pack
Packing is an overwhelming process that can be time consuming. It is best to do it early and properly so that you don’t have a mess to deal with later on. Check closets and cabinets one last time to ensure you don’t leave anything behind.
Be sure to clean and dust items before packing them. This will prevent you from unpacking dirty and dusty items on the other side of your move.
Consider investing in high-quality moving boxes. These can make the difference between a messy, stressful move and an organized, stress-free one. Also, be sure to label your boxes properly. It will save you a lot of time and frustration in the long run.
4. Contact Your Moving Company
When you’re ready to hire movers, shop around and read reviews carefully. Check what the company charges for, such as fuel or specialty services, and see if there are any hidden fees that might sneak up on you during the move.
Also, update your address with your doctor, bank and credit cards, car registration and driver’s license. Finally, make sure you pack an “open first box” that contains essentials for the first 24 hours in your new home. This could include an air mattress, bed linens, toiletries and cleaning supplies. A few snacks are a good idea too! This will help you get settled faster.
5. Schedule a Move-In Inspection
A move-in inspection is a vital step for both tenants and landlords. Tenants can point out damage to the property and the landlord can agree on a date to have it repaired. This helps protect the tenant from the landlord keeping their deposit if they leave the property in a worse condition than when they moved in.
For the tenant, this is an opportunity to walk through the home without furniture and plan where their belongings will go. They can bring a tape measure and plan even more accurately where items like furniture will fit. It can also save time later if they need to call a moving company.
6. Schedule a Home Inspection
The home inspection is a critical step in the home buying process. It can identify safety issues and major repairs that will need to be made. The inspection should be scheduled within a day or two of having an accepted offer on a home.
A home inspector will look for problems without visual cues such as termite damage, site contamination, mold, engineering problems and radon exposure. If a problem is found, it may warrant renegotiation of the purchase contract, credits or even the deal cancellation.
When choosing a home inspector, ask for a referral from friends or family who have recently purchased homes in your area. They can recommend inspectors they have found to be thorough and honest.
