Finding a house, let alone packing to move, may be quite stressful. Fortunately, there are certain measures to take to save money on your relocation, as well as some tried and true advice on what to do after you arrive at your new place.
It may appear that all of the planning for the transfer has been completed, but it is not. Long-distance relocation, whether you chose a top-tier moving company or a cheaper one, may be difficult on its own, let alone moving into a new property. This is less of a concern if you are relocating nearby. If you are new to buying a house, use this advice to ensure that you are prepared not just for the relocation procedure, but also for the move-in process.
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Scan The House Before Furnishing It
With your new house empty, there is no better opportunity to perform a comprehensive walkthrough. Take a look around before setting up your belongings and getting unpacked, and, if possible, before emptying the moving truck. Double-check if the previous owner completed all required and agreed-upon repairs and the house has everything that was supposed to be included in the sale.
If you discover something that violates the sale contract, for example, the previous owner took the washer and dryer with them when they were supposed to leave them behind, contact your agent as soon as possible to see what options you have. Issues that you discover that were not covered by your contract are now your problem, but knowing what they are can be helpful.
Figure Out What’s Going Where
Making a plan of attack for setting up things before buying a house, instead of winging it after you purchase it, will save you a lot of time and stress when moving into a new home. This is especially true for goods that are large and heavy, such as furniture. While you undoubtedly already have a general sense of what belongs in which room, take a minute to consider how you’d like the setup to appear. Of course, you may make adjustments afterward, but approaching this activity with a basic strategy will always make the process easier.
Create A Maintenance Checklist
Consider your new home’s maintenance as a marathon rather than a sprint. Attempting to do all of the maintenance activities at once makes no sense, think about what has to be done over time. This might entail things like changing air filters, cleaning gutters, and pressure washing the outside.
Make a home maintenance checklist that is appropriate for your family. Each year, save aside money for those duties as well as unforeseen repairs. The typical norm is to set aside at least 1% of the home’s purchase price for repairs each year. You could opt to engage professionals to do some of these duties, so keep that in mind as well when organizing your budget.
Make Sure All Utilities Are Ready To Go
Hopefully, you’ve had your utilities set up before moving into your new house, in which case, now is the time to double-check that everything is in working order. Check your electric, gas, water, phone, and internet connections as well. Look for air conditioning installation professionals to get your home properly set up if the AC hasn’t been implemented yet. Many people feel that air conditioners are only suited for and utilized in homes located in sunny places, however, this is not the case. An air conditioner is required in every structure to maintain the proper temperature.
Change The Locks
Changing the locks in your new house is always a smart idea. Even if the former owner is a trustworthy person, you never know who could have a key – it’s best to be safe than sorry in this case, so find a locksmith or change the locks yourself if you’re comfortable doing so. Put new keys on the locks on all doors going from the inside to the outside of your house, as well as the windows. It’s a tiny price to pay to make sure your home is safe.
Infographic by moving leads company, USA Home Listings.
Get To Know The Community
When you’ve moved in, meeting your neighbors is a lot easier – and less embarrassing. It is also beneficial for learning about your new neighborhood and gaining suggestions for local services if you need them. You don’t have to go door to door, but the first time you meet a new neighbor, make an effort to introduce yourself. A small amount of kindness can leave a very good first impression.
Final Thoughts
Moving into a new house is naturally stressful, but following the guidelines outlined above can make the process go more smoothly. However, there is a lot to do, so don’t be hesitant to ask for assistance, whether from a friend or family member or from a professional service provider. The sooner you can deal with the major issues, the sooner your new house will begin to feel like a home.
