What to Prepare Before Moving into Your New House
Moving into a new house or apartment is something that most of us will eventually do, if not several times in our lives. It can be a very exciting time but it’s important to try to make these occasions as stress-free as possible. There are a few things that most people tend to leave until the last minute that should really be done well in advance of moving house. We’ve put together a handy checklist of what to prepare before moving into your new space.
1. Connect your internet
Call and visit the internet provider and check if their service is available in their area. If you need to book weeks in advance for them to do house visit, you may need to do this as soon as possible. Living in a new house without internet can be very frustrating and inconvenient so save yourself the stress and book in early.
2. Connect your electricity
You need to discuss electricity billing with your landlord if you’re renting or and may need to disconnect the electricity of the previous tenants’ name and reconnect it to your own name. If the house or apartment is yours, you need to finish the application for electricity done before the move and schedule it when the electricity is already available. This will save you from buying or ordering already cooked meals in the first few days of the move.
3. Have a plan for children & pets
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Moving your possessions can be a handful, and it will take all your attention. Make sure you’ve thought about what young children and pets will do on the day. It can be helpful to ask a friend or family member to look after the kids or pets so you can focus on organizing the move.
4. Update friends & family with your new contact information
Although it’s important to make sure you officially change your address with relevant businesses it’s also important to update your friends and relatives. Send an informal message via mobile or email notifying people of your new address and phone number so the important people in your life can contact you when you start living at your new residence.
5. Change Your Address
After you signed the contract, it’s best to update your address so you don’t have to rely on the new tenants of your old home to forward your mail. Notify the post office immediately and contact businesses and government bodies individually and promptly to make sure your mail is going to the correct place.
6. Pack a Move-In Necessity Box
One of the first things you need to pack when moving house is an unpacking box. This box should contain your new keys, tools you might need to construct furniture, labeled ziplock bags with screws from furniture you dismantled in the move, scissors, screwdrivers, masking tape, dust cloths, and glue. These items should be all in the same box to save you time and your sanity when setting up your new home.
7. Organize house & contents insurance
Before the actual moving to your house, it’s important to contact your insurance provider to make sure you’re covered for the duration of the move. Your current home insurance policy should cease the day after you’ve moved out and your next insurance policy should start the day before you move. That way you’re totally covered on the day of the move when you technically aren’t living anywhere.
8. Hire Professional House Cleaners
Theoretically speaking, most properties will be given a professional clean before the previous owners or tenants move out, but sometimes a house will be empty for an extended period of time which means it will need another clean before you move in. Make sure you hire professional cleaners who specialize in final house cleans and have them steam the carpets and do a thorough job on the bathrooms and kitchen.
9. Have spare keys cut
Do this as soon as you have the keys to your new house. Moving days are stressful and busy so it’s very easy for keys to get lost or locked inside the house especially as you don’t have an established key routine at your new residence yet. Have a set of keys cut for each member of the household and have a set cut for family members or friends that live nearby.
10. Pack a First Night Box
Just as important as the unpacking box, the first night box is essential to a successful move. It should contain clothing, basic toiletries, toilet paper, pajamas, towels, bed linens. This may contain other essentials you may require like tea bags or a coffee plunger. It makes such a big difference to the comfort of your first night in your new home so you aren’t frantically searching through boxes at midnight trying to find your toothbrush.
Knowing what to prepare before moving into your new house or apartment will save you the worries, and rid you of the stresses of moving. A little preparation goes a long way, especially when you have a lot of things in mind on the day of the move. Moving into your new home can be stress-free and well enjoyed – after all, it is a milestone you should be enjoying.
