Whether you’re new to the moving game or a habitual shifter, moving is always a stressful time. And if you leave too much for the last minute, bad luck is bound to knock on your door. However, it doesn’t have to be as hectic as some homeowners make it out to be. Moving into a new home is an accomplishment and a way to begin anew without baggage (the non-physical type). Why not make it a pleasant experience?
To ease yourself into the transition from your old place to your new one, create a to-do checklist for the essentials. The following article will mention some things you must consider when preparing the ultimate moving list. Some of these are for before moving, and some are for after. There are only a few significant tasks that deserve your attention. It’s smooth sailing forward if you can tick these off first.
Transfer utilities
As soon as you finalize the moving day, alert the local utility providers to transfer the gas, electricity, water, and sewer bills in the current house owner’s name. In some cases, the company holding the escrow would offer to transfer the utilities on your behalf. If you want to avoid calling the services yourself, remember to ask for the details about the transfer at the closing. Nothing will kill your mood faster than finding out you have no electricity after a long, exhausting moving day.
Plan home improvements
Regardless of the nature of your specific property, maintenance and repairs are part and parcel of moving to a new place. Though it varies with the house’s location, climate, and condition, some repairs such as faulty windows and leaky pipes need to be prioritized over others. For instance, occasional storms and hurricanes can lead to water and mold damage in Floridian homes. So if you’re moving somewhere near Atlantic Park or Jacksonville, it might help to get in touch with the best mold remediation services in Jacksonville beforehand. Usually, the property managers or previous owners should take care of such issues. In case they didn’t, you’ll need to hurry.
Improvements like installing a lighting fixture or painting are totally up to you. But, be sure to schedule such modifications a little before the move-in day to avoid getting overwhelmed.
Change your address
While people may forget it sometimes, one’s house address factors into various aspects of our life. Besides being crucial for you to receive regular mail, your driver’s license, monthly subscriptions, insurance, and car registration depend on your current address. Meaning, changing an address means doing a full 180 degree on your life. If you’re worried about the requirements for doing so, consulting family, friends, or online resources can be extremely helpful.
Connect Wi-Fi and cable
To avoid moving into a completely barren place, make sure your preferred cable and internet services are all set up before you arrive. Besides the phones, PCs, and other gadgets, Wi-Fi might also be necessary for your security system and smart home apps for managing electronic appliances and digital locks/doorbells. Wi-Fi might also come in handy for watering your lawn and even opening/closing your garage too. Since the technicians usually take their time to arrive and install everything, it’s a good idea to formulate a plan beforehand. Additionally, remember to connect your television, so you can watch a family-favorite movie when the technicians are weaving their magic to install and connect the cable.
Find the water shut-off valves
But why is it necessary to locate your shut-off valves when you’ve just moved in? Well, because emergencies come unannounced. How will you manage when there’s a leak somewhere? Plus, you might need to stop the water during certain repairs and maintenance too.
It’s common for most buildings and houses to have multiple valves so that you can cut the water at its source from different points. Try to find and familiarize yourself with the other locations, including your house’s shut-off valves, the water meter, and the water company’s valves.
Locate the electric panel and circuit breakers
Just like the water shut-off valves, you must also locate your house’s electric panel in case you have to cut the power of the house or a particular room. You can find the main circuit breaker panel for most homes in one of the following places: basement, garage, or utility room. And don’t be afraid to open the panel’s door as all the scary, electrifying stuff is secure behind another door. The main breaker that controls your whole place will be sitting behind that door, probably somewhere at the top. You’ll find two more rows of breakers just below that control individual circuits. Search for a guide that can indicate which outlets connect to which circuits or ask someone for help.
Set up your home security system
If you’ve been thinking of installing a home security system but never got around to it, moving is the perfect time to set it up. People already owning a system will need to update their information by contacting their service providers or going online.
What’s more, using Smart home security systems might be an attractive option if you’re renting a new place or just like the flexibility. It’s recommended to spend some time looking around if you’ve never bought one before.
Change your locks
It can be risky to use the same keys as the previous owners because you don’t know who they might have given access to. Hence, changing the locks immediately after moving in can get rid of this mental burden. You can either reinstall the locks by yourself or hire a locksmith to install new ones.
Test the smoke detectors
Before you settle in, ensure to locate your new home’s smoke and CO detectors and whether they’re in good condition. Most sound-minded individuals would want to safeguard their family and home against fire hazards. And smoke alarms might be your most effective yet economical bet, the only condition being they’re functional. Hence, homeowners must acquire basic knowledge about locating, repairing, and replacing the smoke detectors in their homes.
Familiarize yourself with the neighbors and neighborhood
Once everything else on the list is checked out, go out and take a stroll around the neighborhood to familiarize yourself with the people and public places. It’s also good to conduct preliminary research about the local schools, hospitals, parks, and stores. Acquiring such information will allow you to be fully ready for settling into your new life.
To summarize
The moving process involves several time-consuming tasks, including planning, cleaning, and packing. And though a little nerve-racking, moving is one of the most beautiful and exhilarating life experiences. This article discussed some tips for the same purpose, including updating the address, changing locks, and setting up Wi-Fi and cable. Making adequate preparations and some planning can significantly reduce the stress about the big move to your new home.
