The move from your old home to a new one involves a lot of packing, last-minute errands, and getting used to a new environment.
With so many tasks to tackle, finding the best ways to feel comfortable in your new space is essential.
To ensure a smooth move, plan by gathering the right moving supplies, packing your rooms, and, most importantly, booking a mover or renting a truck for your moving day.
While all these steps are necessary when you leave your old home, the real difficulty starts once you settle into a new one.
Whether you’re adjusting to a new city, state, or community, settling into your new home doesn’t have to be daunting.
By focusing on important things like setting up utilities, personalizing your space, and connecting with your new neighbors, you can ensure your new environment quickly becomes a place of comfort and joy.
10 Things to Do When Moving Into a New Home
Turning a new house into a home is a rewarding process, but it requires a little planning.
Instead of feeling overwhelmed, focus on finding a professional moving company at least a month ahead and taking a few essential steps to help you feel grounded and comfortable.
Let’s dive into 10 things you should do when moving into a new home:
1. Inspect the New Place
Before you start moving your heavy furniture in, take a moment to do a thorough walkthrough of the empty house.
This is the best time to check that everything is in working order and that any agreed-upon repairs from the previous owners have been completed. It’s also an excellent opportunity to check for dirt, debris, or any pests that might have been missed.
2. Deep Clean Before Unpacking
When moving to a new home, you should clean both your old house and the one you’re moving into.
While move-out cleaning is necessary, another important task is deep cleaning the new home.
The most efficient time to deep clean is when the house is empty. Focus on key areas first, such as the refrigerator, kitchen, and bathrooms, and then tackle the floors.
A clean slate will make the unpacking process much more pleasant and allow you to start fresh.
3. Purge The Stuff You Don’t Need
Decluttering is a smart step to downsize your home before relocating. By getting rid of items you no longer need, you can save money on your move and make unpacking much easier.
Whether you’re getting rid of an old mattress or tossing out furniture, consider decluttering your space by donating or having a garage sale.
You can choose the following to donate your items before moving:
- Places like Goodwill accept a wide range of items, including clothing, furniture, and household goods.
- The Salvation Army: Known for accepting clothing, furniture, and appliances.
- Habitat for Humanity ReStore: A great option for donating furniture, appliances, and building materials.
The places where you can sell items online:
- Facebook Marketplace: A popular local platform for selling everything from furniture to electronics.
- Craigslist: Ideal for larger items and quick, local sales.
- OfferUp: A mobile-first platform similar to Facebook Marketplace for local selling.
4. Organize Moving Boxes and Stick to Your Checklist
The first step in settling into your new home is to organize your moving boxes effectively.
Label each moving box clearly by room to make unpacking easier and ensure a smooth transition into your new space.
For instance, having boxes marked “kitchen” or “living room” can save you significant time and effort during the first day of unpacking.
Keep a new home checklist and all essential documents, such as lease agreements or home-buying papers, in a safe and accessible place.
This will help you avoid unnecessary stress during the move.
Additionally, pack an essentials box containing items like toiletries, toilet paper, basic kitchen supplies, and a change of clothes.
This box will be invaluable on your first night as you settle into your new home.
5. Book a Reliable Mover
Planning your move carefully is critical, especially if you’re organizing a long-distance move.
Compare quotes from different moving companies to find an affordable, trustworthy, and licensed company to complete your move.
Choose a moving truck that fits your needs based on the number of items you are transporting.
This preparation will help you avoid last-minute hassles on moving day.
Instead of just picking the cheapest option, take the time to research. Start by checking if a moving company is licensed and insured; this protects your belongings against damage or loss. You can verify their credentials through the U.S. Department of Transportation for interstate moves.
Finally, make sure to clarify exactly what services are included in the price, whether it’s packing assistance or handling special items like a piano. This careful preparation will help you find a trustworthy mover and avoid unexpected costs.
6. Setting Up Utilities and Services
One of the first things to do after moving in is to set up utilities and services.
Contact utility companies to activate electricity, water, and internet before your arrival.
This ensures you have all the essentials ready from day one.
It’s also a good idea to forward your mail to your new address through the post office to avoid missing any important documents or bills.
7. Ensuring Safety in Your New Home
Safety should be a top priority when moving into a new home.
Start by installing essential safety devices like smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors if they are not already in place. These devices are crucial for protecting your loved ones and your property.
Locate the circuit breaker and ensure you know how to operate it in case of a power outage.
Similarly, keep fire extinguishers in easily accessible areas, such as the kitchen and garage.
Lastly, secure the front door by updating locks or adding additional security measures to enhance your home’s safety.
8. Update Your Address
Notify the post office of your new address and update it with banks, doctors, and other essential services.
Once you’ve moved in, don’t forget to update your vehicle registration if you’ve relocated to a new state.
If you’ve moved to a new state, you’ll also need to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to update your driver’s license and vehicle registration.
This ensures compliance with local laws and helps you establish yourself in your new community. Taking care of these administrative tasks early will simplify your transportation.
9. Personalize Your New Home
To make your new house feel like home, focus on personalizing your space with thoughtful home design choices.
Decorate with artwork, family photos, and other personal touches that reflect your style and personality.
Adding a fresh coat of paint in your favorite colors can also make your new surroundings more inviting.
Arrange furniture in key areas like the living room and dining room to create a cozy and functional layout.
Additionally, use storage units to organize your belongings effectively. Whether it’s shelving units, bins, or closet organizers, having a well-structured new space will make daily life more convenient.
10. Improving Curb Appeal and Meet Your New Neighbors
First impressions matter, so consider enhancing the curb appeal of your home.
Simple improvements like planting flowers, repainting the front door, or tidying up the front yard can make your home more welcoming.
These small changes can also help you feel more at home in your new area.
Building connections with your new neighbors and community members is another great way to settle in.
Take the initiative to introduce yourself, and consider hosting a housewarming party to meet each other in a relaxed and friendly setting.
These efforts can go a long way in helping you establish a sense of belonging in your new community.
Essential Tips for Homeownership and New Homeowners
Learning From Previous Owners and the Home-Buying Process
As a new homeowner, it’s beneficial to learn as much as you can about your property and the home-buying process.
Reach out to the previous owners to gather insights about the home, such as maintenance schedules, appliance warranties, or quirks of the property.
Their experience can provide valuable information that makes homeownership easier.
Understanding the real estate market in your new area is also helpful for long-term planning.
Knowing the trends and property values can guide future decisions, whether you’re considering renovations or looking at resale potential.
Maintaining Your Home for Long-Term Comfort
Regular maintenance is key to ensuring long-term comfort and value in your home.
Begin by checking safety devices like fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors regularly to ensure they are in working order.
This simple habit can prevent emergencies and provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
Invest in minor upgrades over time to enhance both functionality and home design.
Whether it’s installing energy-efficient lighting, upgrading kitchen fixtures, or refreshing paint colors, these changes can make your home more enjoyable and increase its value.
Conclusion
After tackling the big tasks of moving, remember that settling into a new home is also about creating a space where you can truly thrive. By combining practical steps like organizing and setting up utilities with personal touches and connecting with your new community, you’ll be well on your way to making your new house a great home.
FAQs
1. What is the first thing to do when moving into a new house?
Safety comes first. We recommend doing a complete walk-through to make sure everything is in working order. Test your smoke detectors, install carbon monoxide detectors, and petproof/childproof the home to make it as safe as possible while you unpack and settle in.
2. What should I do 1 month before moving in?
A month before your move, start packing your home, confirm your moving date and time with your movers, and inform your friends and family about your move.
You should also start making any necessary improvements to the home, such as painting walls or repairing appliances, so that your new place is ready to go on moving day.
3. How much do local movers cost?
The average hourly rate for movers typically falls between $129 and $259, with the total cost of a move generally ranging from $417 to $3,626.
Keep in mind that these figures are not set in stone, as several factors, including the size of your home, the distance of the move, the time of year, and any logistical challenges, can influence the final price.
