New House? Tackle These Post-Move Tasks First

Moving can be exhausting and overwhelming. After a long day of hauling boxes and heavy lifting, the last thing you’ll want to do is search for dinner dishes or a place to rest your weary head.

From what to unpack first to updating important information, we’ve assembled this list of essential post-move to-dos to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible.

Locate your box of essentials.

Just before moving day, prepare a kit containing everything you’ll need to stay motivated and organized on the big day. Include your coffee maker or tea kettle, coffee or tea bags, bottled water, mugs, napkins, paper towels, toilet paper, disposable utensils, paper plates, and plenty of snacks. Protein bars, fruit, and other healthy choices are best. Avoid sugary snacks that can cause extremes in blood sugar, adversely affecting your energy and mood. If you’re not keeping your cell phone on you or in your purse, keep it in this box and be sure to include your charger, too. Transport the box of essentials in your personal vehicle or ensure that it’s the last thing placed in the moving van so it’s readily accessible.

Find each person’s overnight bag.

Also in advance of your move, pack an overnight bag for each person in your household. Include the basics such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, toiletries, sheets and towels, pajamas or a nightgown, and a change of clothes for the next day. Keep these overnight bags with your box of essentials so that all of your necessities are handy.

Prepare your bed.

If your movers didn’t assemble your bed, this should be the first thing on your list. Next, locate your linens and make up the bed. You won’t want to have to go in search of your sheets later when you’re dog tired. With your comfy bed ready and waiting, you can go right to sleep.

Unpack the bathroom.

After a long, backbreaking day, a relaxing shower will be a welcome relief. If you have to spend time trying to find your shower curtain, shampoo, soap, and towels when you’re exhausted, you’re going to become irritated. There’s no need to set up the entire bathroom, but do locate the essentials so that you can take a shower.

Make your kitchen functional. 

Hook up the refrigerator, microwave and other critical appliances. It’s important to leave your fridge upright in its position in the kitchen for at least three hours before plugging it in. This is roughly the time it takes for the oil to return to the compressor, the heart of the cooling mechanism. You probably won’t need all of your glassware right away, so plan to unpack the utensils, glasses, and dishes and arrange the cabinets over the next few days.

Get the utilities up and running.

When you move into a new home, some utilities may have been shut off, especially if it’s been vacant for a while. You may have to call the electric, gas or water company to have them activated. If the utilities are already on, you’ll need to have them put in your name. In the case of a newly constructed residence, accounts will need to be established for all utilities.

Locate the fuse box and main water valve.

In the event of an emergency, it’s important to know where your circuit breaker box and main water valve are located. You should also know which fuse controls which part of the house if the fuses are not labeled, or in case they were labelled incorrectly. Become familiar with how the main water stop valve works and ensure that it’s functioning properly.

Secure your new home.

Safeguarding your family in your new residence is critically important. Change the locks on all outside doors to ensure that only you and your family members have access. Double-check all windows and doors, and make sure they close and lock securely. Check all smoke detectors and replace batteries if needed. Place at least one functional fire extinguisher on each floor. Consider installing a security system if you’re concerned about the possibility of intrusion.

Help pets get adjusted.

Many cats and dogs have difficulty getting used to a strange environment. Monitor your pets closely after the move and watch for signs of depression, such as refusal to eat or exhibiting unusual behavior. Keep cats indoors, especially for the first few days. Initially, it may be best to confine pets to a single room containing all of the comforts they’re accustomed to. Acquaint pets to your new home one room at a time, until they get familiar with its sights, sounds, and smells. Introduce dogs to the neighborhood by taking them on frequent short walks to local green areas.

Enjoy a well-deserved celebration.

You’ve worked long and hard to find the perfect place to live, rolled up your sleeves on moving day, and conquered your long list of essential tasks. You have every reason to feel proud of yourself! Now it’s time to relax and fully enjoy your lovely new home.

Need more post move tips and suggestions? The knowledgeable team at Certified Title is here to help. Please reach out to us anytime.  

About Certified Title Corporation: Since 1994, attorney-owned Certified Title Corporation has been furnishing residential and commercial real estate stakeholders across the nation with robust title insurance, settlement, and escrow services. Renowned for their industry-leading reliability and exemplary level of service and quality, the Maryland-based company helps clients from all walks of life achieve their asset goals. To learn more, call (888)486-5511 or visit https://www.certifiedtitlecorp.com/.