Approximately 11.2 percent of Americans moved in 2016. While this is lower than the previous years, it still represents millions of people relocating to a new home.
If you are planning a move, you may be excited and ready to go. However, before you start packing up and calling the movers, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
If you want to ensure everything is ready for you, use our list of things to do before moving into a new house. This will ensure you have a seamless move and can get settled in your new location.
1. Change the Locks
The fact is, you never know who may have a copy of the keys to your home. This means you should change the locks before you move in.
Doing this ensures you are the only person who can gain entry. You can easily install new deadbolts yourself, or you can call a locksmith.
It doesn’t matter which option you choose, just make sure you change the locks!
2. Transfer Your Utilities
A few weeks before you plan to move, you need to contact your utility service providers and let them know where you are going. While you are speaking with them, be sure to schedule your disconnect and re-connect dates for electric and gas.
If you are moving to a new area, you may have to find new service providers. This is especially true for your internet and cable provider. It’s a good idea to view more about where your existing service is located to see if it can be used at your new home.
3. Check for Signs of a Plumbing Leak
While you need to hire a home inspector to handle this before closing on the house, it never hurts to double check. Plumbing leaks can lead to quite a bit of damage and high repair costs.
Some things to look for include running toilets, dripping faucets, and leaks in your water heater.
A trick that can help you determine if there are any plumbing issues is to check the water meter at the start and end of a two-hour window. Make sure no one is using water at this time. If the reading changes, then there’s a leak.
4. Forward Your Mail
Snail mail doesn’t automatically follow you to your new address. You have to have it manually forwarded. If you forget to do this, you may miss out on packages, letters, and bills.
The good news is, forwarding your mail is actually pretty simple. Just visit the USPS website and choose the date you want to start receiving your mail at your new address.
5. Steam Clean the Carpets
You need to do this long before you move any furniture in. This will ensure you have a fresh start in your new home.
You have two basic options – you can rent a carpet cleaning machine and do this on your own or hire the professionals. In most cases, you can save money if you rent a steam cleaner.
6. Pack Your “Essentials” Bag
There is a good chance that you aren’t going to want to have to look through all your boxes for your toothbrush and pajamas. As a result, you need to make sure you prepare an essentials bag.
This bag should hold everything you are going to need the first few days in your new home. It will let you unpack over time, rather than having to get everything out right away.
Some things to include in your essentials bag include medicine, changes of clothes, baby essentials, PJs, pet essentials, and toiletries.
7. Invest in Pest Control
You need to invest in getting rid of any and all unwanted visitors in your home. This includes roaches, termites, bats, rats, mice and anything else that doesn’t belong.
While there are several DIY ways you can get rid of these pests, you may want to invest in the services of a pro before you move in.
8. Take Care of Your Pet’s Needs
Are you planning to move with your pet? If so, you can’t overlook the needs of your furbaby. Just like your essentials bag, be sure to pack one for your pet.
Some of the items to include in this bag are kitty litter, bones, toys, pet food and other items your pet enjoys or relies on.
9. Get to Know Your New Main Water Valve and Circuit Breaker
It’s important to know where you can turn off the power and the water. Not only is this necessary if you are installing something new, but also if there is an emergency situation.
If you aren’t sure where these are located, you need to find out. In some cases, this is going to require enlisting the services of the pros. The fact is, this is an investment worth making.
10. Wipe Your Cabinets Out
While this may seem like a no-brainer, it’s something that you don’t need to forget about. Be sure to wipe the inside and outside of your new cabinets out before you put anything inside.
It’s a good idea to buy a high-quality shelf-liner, too. This offers even more protection for anything you are putting in the cabinets.
Things to Do Before Moving Into a New House: Now You Know
Make sure you take care of all the things to do before moving into a new house listed here. If necessary, reach out to the pros for help.
If you need more information about things like how to choose the right amount for your life insurance policy, we have you covered.