Think you’re all done after the move?
Well, unfortunately, you’re wrong. In fact, there are still a lot of things you need to do before you can relax completely in your new home.
From updating information to unpacking, figuring out what to do first can be quite overwhelming. To have a good start, here is a list of the things you have to do:
1. Check boxes
After the transport, don’t let the movers leave until you’ve checked all the boxes or items you brought with you into your new home. Inspect your belongings and see if there are no damages. If you moved appliances and electronics, make sure all are working.
Take a look at your inventory and check if nothing got lost. It’s important that you do all the checking immediately or your insurance company may not reimburse you.
2. Clean
Before you transfer your belongings to your new place, the property should’ve undergone thorough house cleaning. This way, you can start with a clean slate when you start unpacking and arranging your household items. Without dust lurking in the corner, you can also reduce the chance of dealing with asthma or allergies.
After your move, and the removalists have left, you will need to do a bit of cleaning up again as dust and dirt from the move would have been carried into your new place.
3. Unpack essentials
Decide on what is most important for you and start there.
This may be the basics such as a change of clothes, sheets and towels, and a grooming kit. You have to unpack those items first, so you can get back to your normal life routine in your new home.
4. Set up utilities
Check all services are up and running, primarily your electricity and water connections. Nothing could be worse than arriving in your new place and finding out that the lights and taps don’t work as yet.
However, in case you have not been able to take care of utilities prior to your move, immediately contact property maintenance to deal with these problems before you start unpacking those boxes.
5. Update information
To prevent your mail from getting into the wrong hands, make sure to update your address through the post office. A three-month mail redirection is a great idea for this.
You may also need to get in touch with local government agencies to change your address and receive important payments or letters. Don’t forget to also update your voter registration online or at your town office.
6. Install a security system
Since you’ll be moving to a new neighbourhood, there will be a lot of things unknown to you. You still have no idea how safe your new place is, so you may want to install a security system to keep yourself at ease while adjusting to your new surroundings.
Call a locksmith as soon as you can to change the locks. A security company can also help you install security alarm for extra protection and comfort especially at night.
7. Locate power source
Find the fuse box and main water supply to be ready in case of emergencies.
You should know how to turn off water and power in your home since this knowledge will be extremely helpful in emergency situations.
8. Separate pets
In case you have pets, moving to a new place is also a terrifying experience for them.
Make your pets feel safe by isolating them, away from the hustle and bustle of unpacking and cleaning. This can keep your animal companions calm and reduce the chance of them getting scared and agitated and go bolting out the door.
Make sure you don’t forget to bring the following pet essentials:
- Pet food
- Litter boxes
- Toys
- Treats
- Blankets
- Bed
- Pet pen
9. Transfer medical records
You may not be needing them anytime soon but it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Choose a new healthcare provider and get your previous medical records transferred to them.
10. Get a new licence
If you’re moving to another state, you may need to get a new licence.
Do your research in advance and find out what documents you’ll need. If you didn’t move to a new state, you may no longer need to get a new licence but you still have to change the address to register your vehicle in your new city.
For stress-free first few days in your new home, consider doing the things above.
Settling into your new home may take some time. Go through the process one step at a time, and things will soon fall into place.
AUTHOR BIO
Craig Jones is the Managing Director at Aussiemove, Australia’s largest independent moving alliance. Craig is a respected member of the removalist network in Australia, having served in senior positions, including the President of the removal industries governing body, the Australian Furniture Removals Association (AFRA). With 23 years of experience at Aussiemove, he has the skills and the highly trained team to move families safely and reliably, in Adelaide, across Australia and around the world.
