Your Checklist for Moving Into A New Home
When moving to a new place to improve your life, whether across continents or down the street, there are several things to consider. With a moving checklist, you’ll make the process more straightforward. The list details things to be done or points to be considered, so you can use it as a reminder. If you’re moving as a family, it might be challenging to coordinate your loved ones, and some of them might feel left out. However, if you have a moving checklist, it becomes easier. Your move into a new home will be stress-free if you plan a few months ahead. Don’t waste time and get started.
Agree On A Date
Once the deal has been closed, you can move into the property. Your lawyer will let you know ahead of time when the purchase is likely to be completed. Until you have a confirmed date for the big move, it’s not a good idea to make plans. On the closing day, you’ll pay the remaining balance of the purchase price and receive the keys to the house. At times, sellers move out their belongings on the actual closing date, so you should have realistic expectations. You won’t be able to move into your new home right away. If you’ve purchased a newly built home, you can expect delays.
Check The Condition Of The House
Give the house a once over to determine if there are any issues that need to be taken care of before you move in. Don’t assume everything is in good condition, just because it looks good at first glance. You don’t want to deal with any unpleasant surprises on moving day. If you weren’t present when the home was inspected by your real estate agent, take time to check for yourself. Look for loose or damaged electrical wiring, leaks, mold, or even damaged garage door weather stripping. In case you notice something wrong, make sure you inform the seller about it. You can always choose not to move in until the issue has been resolved.
Take The Plunge To Pare Down Your Belongings
Even if your home isn’t very cluttered, it’s most likely you have a bunch of things lying around that you could do without. Don’t take everything with you, especially if the chances of using those things are slim. You can discard unused appliances, raggedy towels, old computer equipment, etc. Relocating is an opportunity to take note of the stuff you’ve accumulated over the years. Let go of the things you no longer have a use for (or want), and decide what you’re going to keep on the moving day. In case you didn’t already know, piles of possessions are a breeding ground for mold and mildew.
Begin packing off-season items predominantly used in the cold if you’re relocating in summer. You’ll have less to worry about when it’s finally time to go. If you don’t want to run to the store every time you need something, order your supplies ahead of time. You’ll need adhesive bandages, packing boxes, permanent markers, and garbage bags, to name a few. It’s best to ask for a helping hand if you’re overwhelmed. You need all the help you can get when it comes to moving.
Hire A Shipping Container (Or Two)
More and more people hire shipping containers for home moving as they’re flexible alternatives to shipping with a moving company. What do you say? The shipping container will be transported to your new home, where you can unload it at your own pace. If you’re heading overseas with a large number of possessions, using a shipping container is a practical option to consider. Scroll through the internet, find the best deals, and figure out the logistics. If you want to get a view of the shipping rates or get a quote from shipping companies, check out Sirelo, an independent moving company.
With a moving checklist, you’ll make the process more straightforward.
Tell Your Bank, Insurance Company, Etc. About The Move
Not surprisingly, you must inform financial providers of your move as they need to update their records. Your address is integral to your security checks, so it’s vital to keep this information correct. Update your bank information shortly before or after your move. It’s essential to provide your new address to your credit card provider and mortgage/auto lender to have peace of mind knowing communications that come by mail will be sent to you. PIN numbers, for instance, are sent by post. Let the postal service know you’re moving so they can forward the mail to your new address.
Keep in touch with your utility service providers to prevent lapses and due bills. It would be best to give at least 48 hours’ notice, but you can notify your energy or gas supplier beforehand. Your utility service providers may ask if you want to set up with them at your new place. Of course, you don’t have to decide right away. Compare deals before you make up your mind. Some other groups you’ll need to inform about your move are government agencies, medical and educational facilities, and subscription services. Changing your address takes time, but it’s best to take care of this matter before any problems arise.
Check If Your New Home Is Insured
You should have homeowners’ insurance before closing on the property, so don’t neglect this aspect. Start looking for insurance as soon as you sign the contract to buy the house. This gives you plenty of time to shop around for quotes and identify the policy that best fits your needs. You’re responsible for making sure the coverages on the policy protect your property, detached structures, and personal belongings. If you already have insurance, ensure it protects you during the move, in transit and in storage. Coverage won’t pay for any damage done to personal property while being handled by someone else, e.g., the movers.
Some Closing Thoughts
Moving isn’t without challenges. Actually, it’s considered one of the most stressful events you can go through due to stress, exhaustion, and anxiety. Now is the time to decide what to do. Familiarize yourself with the options and consider your budget. Planning every detail of your journey weeks ahead is of the essence as a great many tasks need to be done, and there’s not enough time. Once you turn the key in the lock and step over the threshold, the home is yours. There are just a few more essentials to get through. Take your time unpacking, changing the locks, getting to know the place, creating an emergency response plan, and reviewing storage solutions.
All you have left to do now is make your new house feel like a home. Those first weeks and months will be just as exciting as the move.
