Things to Do After You Move: A Handy Checklist
Moving to a new house is a thrilling milestone, but the process doesn’t stop the minute you take your last box off the moving truck. There still remain many tasks to take care of to ensure a smooth transition into your new space. From updating your address to exploring your new neighborhood, this article is going to walk you through the most important things that have to be gotten done post-move. Use this handy checklist to stay organized and settle in with ease.
1. Unpack and Organize Your Essentials
Among the very first things post-move is to unpack and organize your essentials. Concentrate on items you’ll need right away like toiletries, clothing, and kitchen items. Getting these unpacked first helps you feel more settled and to get your new house feeling like home.
What To Do
- Set Up the Kitchen: The kitchen should be the first room you unpack, followed by the bathroom. The kitchen setup will help you prepare meals and not end up eating out, hence saving money.
- Set Up Bedrooms: Make beds and unpack linens before going to bed. The best way to end a long day of moving is with a good night’s sleep.
- Set Up Bathrooms: Set up toiletries, towels, and shower curtains so that this room will be functional.
Make a priority list for the first 24 hours of items to unpack. It will keep you from feeling overwhelmed in the sea of boxes.
2. Check Utilities and Services
Second, after moving, confirm that utilities and services are in a working condition within your new house. Cross-check the electricity, gas, water, internet, and phone services. Make sure everything is working properly; further, call service providers in case of any fault.
What to Do
- Electricity and Gas: See whether all the lights, outlets, and appliances are working fine. Also check the heating and cooling systems.
- Water: Open taps, flush the toilets, and look for leaks. Ensure that hot water is available.
- Internet and Telephone: Test the internet and phone lines. In case of any problems, get in touch with your service provider to be fixed.
Pro Tip
Once you’ve arranged for the transfer of your utilities in advance, ensure it went through as planned. Prepare a list of emergency contacts that align with your utility providers.
3. Change Your Address
One of the most important things to do after relocation is updating your address. Notifying the right organizations and individuals is going to help you continue receiving important mail and services.
What to Do
- Post Office: Fill out a change of address form at the post office where you live. This can often be done online.
- Financial Institutions: Most importantly, make sure to update your address with your bank, credit card companies, and other financial institutions.
- Government Agencies: In addition, notify your address change to DMV, IRS, and other government agencies.
- Subscriptions and Memberships: Update subscriptions, be it a magazine or a meal delivery kit.
- Friends and Family: And above all, do not forget to convey your new address to your friends and family.
Pro Tip
Create a change of address checklist and start handling all places that you need to inform step by step, systematically, to ensure that you forget nothing.
4. Secure Your New Home
Safety will undoubtedly come first on the agenda after moving into a new home. Follow these steps to ensure your property is secured and your family is safe.
What to Do
- Change Locks: Have the locks changed so that you can be sure you’re the only one allowed to enter your new home. Have a security system in the old apartment? If not, and have one in the new home, install a new one.
- Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Test all detectors to ensure they are functioning properly. Replace batteries where necessary.
- Meet the Neighbors: This will give you that sense of belonging in this new neighborhood. It works both ways: to enhance security by having a free watchman and for you to feel part of the community.
Pro Tip
Walk around your property, pointing out to yourself any security weaknesses such as broken locks, open windows, or areas that are poorly lit.
5. Get to Know Your New Neighborhood
This is perhaps one of the most fun things to do right after moving into your new apartment. Knowing your neighborhood is getting you closer to the place, and that should make everything a lot better.
What to Do
- Take a Stroll: You could have a stroll around your neighborhood to have a feel of your new vicinity. Look around and notice important landmarks such as parks, shops, and public conveyance points.
- Find Essential Services: Find out the closest food shops, drugstores, and facilities. This comes very handy in times of emergency.
- Join Local Groups: Identify community groups, clubs, or discussion websites to introduce yourself to new people and learn more about your new area.
Pro Tip
You can make new friends and immerse yourself in support systems at local events or farmers’ markets.
6. Register Your Vehicle and Update Insurance
If you have moved to a new state or region, you may have to register your vehicle and update your insurance. This is very crucial, since it gives all the necessary clearance, according to the laws and regulation of the area you have moved into.
What to Do
- Register Your Vehicle: Go to the local DMV to register your car and get a new driver’s license, in case there is a need.
- Car Insurance: Call your insurance company to let them know about your address change and to make sure you are compliant with state regulations.
- Home Insurance: You may need to update your home insurance policy in case you own your new home.
Pro Tip
In many states, you’re required to register a car within a specific amount of time and if you don’t you can be fined.
7. Health Care
As if moving weren’t stressful enough, now is the time to really focus on your health and well-being. Prioritizing your body and mind will help you get settled into your new home quickly.
What to Do
- Get a New Doctor: Research and decide on a primary care physician, dentist, and any other healthcare providers you may need now that you live in a new community.
- Transfer Medical Records: Make sure you collect all your past medical records’ copies and shift them to your new health care provider.
- Stay Active: Adequate regular exercise will significantly reduce stress in your life and can even help in improving your mood. It’s a good idea to check out the nearby park, gym, or walking track.
Pro Tip
Turn your new house into a resting heaven. You can create a corner for reading, meditating, or into a personal gym space.
8. Host a Housewarming Party
After a few weeks at your new place, you might want to throw a party to help meet the neighbors or to simply show off your new place in style.
What to Do
- Select a Date to Throw a Party: You will probably want to do this a few weeks after the move, clearly giving you enough time to unpack.
- Extended Invitations: Once you have finally transported all your furniture and other belongings, extend the invitation to friends, family members, and neighbors to middle an open house in your new home.
- Buy Snacks and Drinks: Make sure you purchase plenty of simple snacks, finger foods, and beverages that are simple to prepare and easy to serve.
Pro TIp
If you are up to it, call a theme housewarming party to make things even more enjoyable and memorable for guests.
Conclusion
Moving to another place is such an exciting journey. After moving, you need to do lots of activities to make your residence seamless: unpacking essentials, changing your address, securing your new home, and getting to know your new neighborhood. Stick to the following and you will turn that new house into a comfortable home, easily.
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