23 Important Things to do Right Away after your Move!
Here’s another post from my moving series! This time, lets discuss everything that you need to do right away after the move!
Moving to a new home can be immensely exciting but also overwhelming experience. Nonetheless, some work will be required if you truly want to make it feel like yours. You may be tempted to spend some time relaxing after the stress of moving. Sadly, if you don’t take action right away, it could be years before you get started on your list of projects.
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23 Important Things to do Right Away after your Move!
Here are some important things to do right away that you simply cannot overlook.
1. Inspect the Property
Walk through your new home to make sure everything is as it should be. Look for any damage or issues that may need immediate attention, and take photos for documentation.
2. Utilities and Services:
- Set up utilities such as electricity, water, gas, and internet. Ensure they are all working properly.
- Contact your local garbage and recycling services to establish pickup schedules.
3. Fix functional faults
Most homeowners will find that the property isn’t quite up to their standards. This could be due to faults or inferior features. Professional water heater services can restore comfort and function to boost an array of daily tasks. Meanwhile, simple DIY fixes ranging from rewiring electrical items to filling holes in the walls can work wonders.
Unless the functional aspects are fixed, you won’t be ready to alter the appearance.
4. Set Up a Home Maintenance Schedule:
Create a schedule for regular home maintenance tasks, like changing air filters and servicing appliances.
5. Add security features
For security reasons, it’s a good idea to change the locks on all exterior doors. You never know who might have a copy of the old keys. It’s difficult to fully enjoy the new home unless it makes you feel safe. Therefore, adding surveillance cameras to the property is a smart move. Likewise, you may find that changing the door locks or adding extra layers of security to the windows. Preventing access to the backyard while maintaining good visibility of it can be useful too.
If nothing else, it’ll keep your mind at ease.
6. Embrace some personal touches
After moving into a new home, it’s inevitable that you will want to stamp your personality on the interior design. It could mean changing the color scheme, adding trendy decor like wall panels, or putting up photos. Either way, simple projects can transform the atmosphere throughout the home. In turn, you’ll develop a far better relationship with the property.
The great news is that this step can be completed in no time.
7. Build the spaces you need
No two homeowners or families have identical needs. Following the move, then, you may find it is necessary to modify rooms to suit your requirements. Building a home office space is a particularly common choice in the hybrid working era. However, you may find that turning a room into a baby’s nursery or a bathroom into a wet room is necessary.
As long as the updates reflect your requirements, you won’t go far wrong.
8. Add a luxury feature
We all have a list of luxury features that we’ve always wanted in the home. This is the perfect time to introduce one so that the house feels like a home. It could mean building a garden deck, buying a projector screen, or adding an instant boiling water tap. Only you will know what additions will make your property look and feel the way it should. Embrace it.
As well as boosting your happiness, it’ll be a talking point when people visit.
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9. Deep Clean
Before you start unpacking, consider giving your new home a thorough cleaning. It’s much easier to clean when it’s empty.
10. Unpack Essentials
Start by unpacking the essentials that you’ll need immediately, like toiletries, a few kitchen items, and a change of clothes. This will help you feel more comfortable while unpacking the rest of your belongings.
11. Change your Address
Update your address with the post office, and notify important parties of your move, such as banks, employers, and subscription services.
12. Safety First
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- Install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors if they’re not already in place.
- Familiarize yourself with the home’s fire exits and safety features.
13. Plan Furniture Placement
Decide where your furniture will go in each room, but don’t rush to arrange everything. Take your time to see how the space feels.
14. Emergency Numbers and Services
Familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers and nearby hospitals, police stations, and fire departments.
15. Childproof and Petproof
If you have children or pets, make sure the new space is safe for them. Install safety gates, secure cabinets, and check for potential hazards.
16. Meet the Neighbors
Introduce yourself to your new neighbors. Building good relationships with them can make your new environment more welcoming.
17. Utilities Inventory
Take note of the locations of utility shutoffs, such as the main water valve, gas valve, and circuit breaker panel. Knowing where these are can be crucial in case of emergencies.
18. Packing and Unpacking Supplies
Keep boxes, packing materials, and tools handy as you unpack. You may need them for assembling furniture, hanging curtains, or organizing.
19. Garage and Outdoor Areas
If you have a garage or outdoor space, organize it early to make access easier later.
20. Groceries and Essentials
Stock up on essential groceries and household items, so you have what you need for the first few days.
21. Homeowner’s Insurance
If you’re a homeowner, ensure you have homeowner’s insurance in place or update your policy to reflect the new address.
22. Explore the Neighborhood
Take a walk or drive around the neighborhood to get familiar with local amenities, such as grocery stores, restaurants, parks, and schools.
23. Declutter again
As a smart homeowner, you probably decluttered before the big move. Now that you’ve moved in, though, you’ve probably noticed that more can be done. Selling or trashing unwanted goods will claw back valuable space. When combined with a commitment to doing more with your storage spaces, it will soon feel like the property has more possibilities.
Remember that moving can be stressful, so don’t feel pressured to do everything at once. Take your time to settle in and make your new house feel like a home gradually.
Once you achieve this status, there are no limits to what can be done with the home. Enjoy!