13 Things to Do When Moving to a New Home

Congratulations on your new home. Moving can be a daunting task, but with a little planning and organization, it can be smooth sailing. Here are a few things to do when moving to a new home.

1. Do a Walkthrough to Inspect the House

Now that you’ve signed the lease and have the keys, it’s time to do a walk-through of your new home. This is important to do before you start moving any of your belongings in. You’ll want to check for any damage that may have been done by the previous occupants and make note of it. It’s also a good time to start getting an idea of how you want to arrange your furniture.

2. Take Safety Precautions for Children and Pets

Your children are strange to the new home as well, so it is important to baby-proof and pet-proof your new place. Block off any stairs, pools or other dangerous areas. Put up safety gates, install child-safe locks on cabinets and keep any harmful chemicals out of reach. Remove all plants that could be poisonous to pets.

3. Connect TV and Internet

One of the first things you should do when you move into a new home connects your TV and wifi. This way, you can have some entertainment while you unpack and get settled in. Most TVs nowadays are smart TVs, which means they need to be connected to the internet in order to access certain features.

4. Plug in the Refrigerator

If your refrigerator is not already plugged in, now is the time to do it. Most refrigerators need to be plugged into a special outlet that is a higher voltage than a regular outlet. If you’re not sure how to plug in your refrigerator, ask a professional for help.

5. Set Up a Security System

It’s critical that you feel safe in your new home, so setting up a security system is a must. There are many different types of security systems, so do your research to find the one that’s right for you.

6. Change the Locks

You never know who has copies of keys to your new home, so it’s always a good idea to change the locks. This is especially important if you are moving into a home that has been occupied before.

7. Deep Clean Your New Home

Before you start unpacking your belongings, it’s a good idea to deep clean your new home. This includes cleaning the floors, carpets, windows, and bathrooms. You may even want to hire a professional cleaning service to do the job for you.

8. Unpack the Essentials First

Once you’ve finished the walkthrough and have taken care of the safety hazards, it’s time to start unpacking. But before you start unpacking all of your boxes, make sure to unpack the essentials first. Then move on to the rest of your belongings. 

This includes things like toiletries, bedding, clothes and dishes. By unpacking the essentials first, you’ll be able to make your new home more livable while you finish unpacking the rest of your belongings.

9. Alert Important People and Services of Your Move

You will need to change your address with the post office and update your driver’s license. You should also notify your bank, employers, schools, doctors, insurance companies and anyone else who needs your new address.

10. Set Up Utilities

Another thing you need to do when you move into a new home is set up utilities. This includes electricity, gas, water, trash, and sewer. Most utility companies will require you to set up an account and provide them with your new address. You will also need to pay a deposit, which is usually equal to two months of service.

11. Hang Up Some Art

One of the best ways to make your new home feel like yours is to hang up some art. This can be anything from family photos to paintings and prints. Be sure to choose pieces that reflect your personal style.

12. Keep a List of What You Need

There are bound to be a few things you forget when moving. To make sure you don’t forget anything important, make a list of the things you need for your new home. This list should include items like cleaning supplies, light bulbs and tools.

13. Meet the Neighbors

Introduce yourself and get to know the people who live around you. This way, you’ll have someone to call if you need help with anything or if there’s an emergency. And also find out where the best places are to eat, shop, and play. You can also find out about any community events that are happening in your area.

Final Thought

Moving into a new home is an exciting time! There are so many things to do and explore. By following these tips, you can make sure your move goes smoothly and you’re settling into your new home in no time.