Did you know that you could buy a new home now for $330,600 as of August 2020? In 2019, the average price of a new home was $400,000. If you are lucky enough to have bought the home you want at these prices, finalizing the paperwork is just the beginning of your work. You should have a move-in checklist to optimize how much you can get done within the several days it will take to move in.
Move-in Checklist Basics
So, here is a checklist of things you should do on moving day and even before moving into your new home.
Keep in mind that this is a basic move-in checklist for you to consider.
You may need to remove or add items on a personalized checklist as it relates to your current circumstances.
Deep Cleaning
You would think that unpacking would be the first thing to do on your move-in checklist.
However, before you even start moving in your belongings, you should start a deep cleaning of the house.
Invest in soap, sponges, washing rags, mops, disinfects, bleach, cleansers, and other cleaning products before the big move.
Then spend a day or two cleaning your new home thoroughly before boxes, furniture, and belongings arrive.
This is a good idea to do early on so you’re not trying to clean around or move new furniture and appliances later.
Dust, sweep, and clean out every nook and cranny. Clean out the stove, oven, fridge, and any other appliances present.
Scrub out the kitchen sink and all bathroom surfaces. Don’t bother cleaning the toilet seat – just get a new one.
Plan out sections of the home to clean and take it one area at a time. A deep cleaning will help make the place feel new, clean, and ready for move-in day.
Source New Contractors and Professionals Via Neighbors
Take a break from unpacking and make a point of saying hello to the neighbors.
On top of being neighborly, you want to network and make friends who refer you to local businesses and contractors.
For example, you are now in the market for a new mechanic, plumber, dentist, barber, and so on.
Check up on any referrals yourself, don’t just take what you hear for granted.
Update Your New Address Status Officially and Personally
Start updating your new address status officially and personally weeks before you move into your new home.
Contact your local post office to have them forward your mail and periodicals to your new address. Most post offices will forward mail for up to a year.
Next, you will need to make government services, financial institutions, creditors, and so on, aware of your new address.
Make sure your bank, credit card company, or credit union is aware of your new address.
Get a new driver’s license and/or state ID. Update your vehicle’s registration and insurance if your moving to another state.
Update Social Security, or other government benefits, about your address change online, via phone, or office visit.
Make sure your personal doctor and pharmacy are updated about your home address.
Do you shop online often? Visit every online retailer you’re registered with and update your address.
Make sure your family, friends, acquaintances, and employer are updated with your new address.
Move-in Checklist Priority – Update Your Security
Updating your new home’s security should be in the top 3 of your move-in checklist on day one.
Changes all of the locks. Don’t dilly-dally on that point, get it done on day one.
Install an aesthetically pleasing steel security door screen gate or door guards on your front and back doors if needed.
Check all of your windows to make sure they are secure. You may need to install window gates.
Look for any weaknesses in the security of your new home.
Strategically Prioritize What to Unpack
Moving into a new house can be an exciting but overwhelming experience. The need to do so many things can cause a stressful, paralyzing effect.
Unpacking is pretty much the first thing to do on a move-in checklist. However, there is no need to be overwhelmed.
Depending on the size of your new home, you may a need a few days to get everything unpacked. So, think strategically – prioritize what you need to unpack now.
Unpack everything you need for the kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms first.
You need to eat. And, you will need to shower and clean yourself off after a long day of unpacking before going to sleep.
Maybe then you can put up some curtains, lay some rugs, and add a few other decorative touches and flourishes.
Start unpacking the essentials and everything else will follow.
Get Your Utilities Set Up
When I moved into my first apartment, it was a sublet in a private home. So, I had to get my own utilities set up in my own apartment separate from the homeowner.
The previous resident left without paying their last outstanding energy bill payment. To make matters worse, the energy company representative I spoke with on the phone decided I was that resident trying to dodge the bill.
I had never moved anywhere before and it was a big hassle. Finally, I had to go to the main office for the energy company to get the matter settled.
If I had spent a few weeks getting those utility matters settled before moving in, it would’ve been a less stressful situation.
Getting your utilities set up (and there will be more than one) before moving in should be high on your move-in checklist.
Try to Set Up Utilities Before Moving In
You should try to set up utilities in your new home 14 days or more before you even move in.
Why?
Depending on where you live, you may have to set up utility accounts for:
- Electricity
- Gas
- Sewer
- Trash pick up
- Water
The utility company has no idea that someone new has moved in unless you or the previous occupant informs them. Even then, the wheels of bureaucracy move very slowly.
If you are moving close to your previous residence, call before you move. You may be able to call beforehand and transfer your utility service.
If you are changing utilities, call up the previous provider and supply them with your new address. You may have final bills that overlap your move-in checklist period.
In the worst-case scenario, you may need to set up a new utility account with a new utility company. (Or perhaps multiple new utility accounts.) You really want to get started on that weeks before you move in.
On move-in day, make sure that all your utilities are operational and running. If you have problems on day one, call the utility company and don’t let issues like that linger.
Customize Your Move-In Checklist
Depending on the size of your new home, the quantity of your move-in checklist duties will vary.
Don’t be overwhelmed.
Make a list and prioritized what needs to be done and unpacked in a sensible order according to your preset needs.
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Allen Francis was an academic advisor, librarian, and college adjunct for many years with no money, no financial literacy, and no responsibility when he had money. To him, the phrase “personal finance,” contains the power that anyone has to grow their own wealth. Allen is an advocate of best personal financial practices including focusing on your needs instead of your wants, asking for help when you need it, saving and investing in your own small business.