If you’re now in the process of moving into a new home, congratulations! Getting a fresh start in a new area can be tremendously liberating, and with housing prices on the rise, it can serve as a great investment as well.
Many people complain about the difficulties involved in settling into a new area, and perhaps with just cause- it can be lengthy, expensive, and frustrating. I’ve met countless homeowners/renters with living situations they’d prefer to leave behind but are unable to get themselves to move out of, largely due to a lack of interest in going through the moving process. Thankfully, adjusting to a new area is something almost everyone has done at one point or another, and there are some generally agreed-upon tasks you’ll want to complete upon moving.
Fill Out a Change of Address Form
Once you’ve moved into your new home, be sure to visit the local post office or go to the USPS website to complete an official change of address form. For banks and financial companies, contact them directly to let them know that you’ve moved.
Secure Your Home
The previous owner of your home might have made copies of their keys for friends and family, and you certainly wouldn’t want them entering your home at will! Call a locksmith and have all of the outdoor locks changed. You’ll also want to change the garage door opener codes (you do have a code for your garage door opener, don’t you?).
Transfer Utilities and Services
Services and utilities you’ll need to transfer upon moving include electricity, gas, water, phone, cable, and Internet. Most of these utilities allow you to sign up for service or change an existing service online, and if you want to get high-tech, use websites that allow you to hook up all of your utilities online, such as White Fence.
Safety First
Make sure that your home’s smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have batteries, that the fire extinguishers haven’t expired, and that all safety devices are in working order. It might seem like a pain, but you’ll feel much better once it’s done.
Get to Know Your Home
One of the first things you should do upon moving into your new home is getting to know the ins and outs. Find your home’s main circuit breaker (and make sure it’s properly labeled), and make sure you know where your house’s water shutoffs are.
Map Out the Area
When you have a free moment, take a drive or a walk around your neighborhood to find the nearest grocery store, bank, gas station, hospital and post office. Be sure to jot down notes on each location so you won’t have difficulty finding it next time you’re in need of stamps or groceries.
Source: HGTV