Your New Home Checklist

Blog posted On January 16, 2020

Moving into a new home is exciting – and can be overwhelming.  That’s why we’ve created your “Welcome Home” Checklist! 

Before you roll out the welcome mat and invite the neighbors to your housewarming party, here are a few things you need to do. 

• Transfer or Setup Utilities – if you are moving locally you may be able to transfer an existing account. If you’re new to town it may take a little longer to create your account, so plan accordingly.
• Connect TV and Internet – you may need the internet for last minute things like setting up your utilities.
• Update Your Address – you can set up a forwarding at the post office to make sure you don’t miss any important mail. You will also need to update your address with your bank, credit card, insurance, and any subscription services.
• Gather Important Documents – you don’t want anything important to get lost in the move! Set aside your important documents like birth certificates, social security cards, and other records and transport them personally to your new home.  Then, assign a new safe place to keep them right away.
• Take Pictures of Valuable Items – you also don’t want anything to get broken in your move, but accidents happen, so make sure you’ve photographed your valuables so you can submit an insurance claim if needed.
• Get to Know the Neighborhood – research local businesses like grocery stores, coffee shops, hair salons, and especially local take-out restaurants. You’ll probably need to order in before you unpack your kitchen.
• Schedule Your Move – coordinate with your movers, take off work if needed, and schedule a cleaning or do a deep clean yourself before all your furniture arrives!
• Change Your Locks – find a locksmith and have the locks reinstalled. You never know who may have made a copy of the keys while the home was on the market.
• Locate Shut-Off Valves – in case of an emergency water leak, you’re going to need to use the shut-ff valves to cut the water supply.
• Locate the Circuit-Breaker – it’s a lot harder to find in the dark.
• Setup Home Security System – especially if you’re not moving in right away, you’re going to want your home protected while it’s unoccupied.
• Test Your Smoke Detectors – consider changing the batteries too so you can get on your own schedule.
• Test Your HVAC System – you don’t want to wait until July to find out the air conditioning doesn’t work.
• Review Your Realtor and Loan Officer – our business is built on referrals! If you enjoyed your experience, let others know through an online review.  It’s best to do this shortly after your move so the experience is fresh in your memory.

Now you can send out those housewarming party invitations – congratulations on your new home!

Sources: Updater