12 Things To Do After You Move

The last of the moving trucks has just left and you are finally ready to close the door on an exhausting day. But wait, are you done with moving yet? No. There are a whole lot of things that you need to do after you move into your new home. Here is a quick checklist to help you kick-start the process.

1. Check your big-ticket stuff and furniture to make sure that nothing was damaged during the moving process. Most movers and insurance companies have a limited time in which you can file a claim. Make sure that all your appliances and electronics are working before that deadline passes you by.

 2. If you were not able to have an exterminator visit the house earlier, get it done now before you start opening all your packed boxes. If you have a lot of time on hand and can rough it for a day or two, consider giving the home a thorough and in-depth cleaning before you start organizing.

3. When unpacking, don’t open all boxes at once. Hopefully, you’ve been diligent in marking all your boxes and maintaining a ‘moving diary’ when you packed. Now is the time to reap your rewards!

Multiple boxes lying open with stuff strewn all over can tempt you to stuff all of them inside a closet and then forget about it. Instead, open one box at a time and organize your belongings neatly as you go. Set yourself a timetable, like two or three boxes a day, so that your entire unpacking will be over in a week.

4. Change all locks and alarm codes. Not to sound paranoid, but do you really know how many copies of your keys are out there?

5. Make sure that all smoke detectors in the house are in working condition. If necessary, replace their batteries.

6. If you have not updated your new address at your job, at the bank, at the postal office or at your insurance provider, don’t wait any longer!

7. Get to know your neighbors. Invite people who seem to be on the same wavelength as you to a tea party once things are settled. Knowing your neighbors is essential to feeling “settled” in your new home.

8. Get your driver’s license and license plates updated. Your local DMV may be a good place to go for more information.

9. Register to vote in your new area.

10. Find new healthcare professionals and that includes at the minimum, a general physician, a pediatrician (if you have kids), a gynecologist, a dentist and a vet. Don’t forget to find out from your insurance provider the closet hospital that comes under their network.

11. Make sure that all receipts and bills related to the moving process are stored at one place. You may need them later to apply for tax deductions.

12. Enquire about trash disposal policies and if curbside pickup is available in your area.

Kurt Jacobson is a surfing enthusiast with a background in real estate. Having moved 10 times in the past 7 years, he thrives on helping others learn from his experiences. When he's not out shredding waves he writes about homes for househunter.co.