13 Things You Need to Do When You Move to Get Settled Into a New Home

New Home

New Home

After the last box is moved into your new home, you might think the hardest part of the move is over. And you’re right. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t things you need to do when you move once you’re in the new space. In fact, there’s a lot of stuff that needs to get done before you can relax completely.

Check Major Appliances

If you moved major appliances, such as a stove, dishwasher, washer or dryer, check to make sure all appliances and electronics are working to ensure nothing was damaged during the move. This is particularly true if the mover prepared your appliances for the move. Your insurance policy may have a limited time in which to make a claim. Since these are big ticket items, you should make sure they’re all working.

Check all Boxes and Furniture

Make sure you check all the boxes and furniture to make sure nothing was damaged during the move. You should also make sure everything arrived, and nothing was lost. You can do this by conducting a home inventory. Again, if you find your stuff was damaged at all, contact the mover and your insurance company to submit a claim. It’s important to do this immediately upon moving in, or the insurance company may not reimburse you.

Get Your Utilities Set Up

Before you can check your electronics, make sure all your services are up and running. There’s nothing worse than arriving at your new place, late at night, and the lights don’t work. Get more information on setting up utilities.

Collect Receipts

Make sure you keep all receipts and documentation related to your move in one file and keep the file in a safe, secure place. Make sure you have your Bill of Lading and payment receipt. You may be able to claim your move on your next tax return, and you’ll need all the necessary receipts to make your claim.

Find a Good School and Register Your Kids

While finding a good school is something that can be done before you move, if you didn’t have the time or you moved to a new city far from your old home, you may need to research schools once you arrive in your new home. The sooner you can register your child, the sooner they can establish a routine making it easier it will be for them to settle in.

Register your Vehicle

If you’ve moved states, provinces or countries, register your car and get a new driver’s license, tags or plates for your vehicles. Check your local DMV for more information.

Register to Vote

Again, if you’ve moved cities, it’s important to make sure you’re on the voter’s registration for your local area. You should also make sure you’ve updated all important files and documents with your new address.

Get Connected to Your New Neighborhood

Buy a subscription to the local newspaper or community magazine. This will quickly get you up to speed on what’s happening in your neighborhood.

Make Sure You’re Getting Your Mail

Check with the post office or your old residence to make sure your mail is being forwarded and that you’ve registered your new address. Also, check to make sure you’ve let everyone know who needs to know about your move.

Find New Services and Professionals

If you’re moving to a new city or state, you’ll need to find new professionals, like a new doctor, a dentist, and vet. While this task can be put off for a bit, you’ll be glad you know who to call when emergency hits.

Create an Emergency Contact List

Whenever I move to a new city or town, it is best to take the time to create an emergency contact list of all the local information I’ll need should something happen.

Contact Insurance Companies

You’ll need new insurance, including household, auto, and health. Find out if you’re currently covered or if you need to create new policies with a new company. This is important to check especially if you’re moving to a new state or province.

Get a Library Card

Get one for each member of the family. Once you have a library card, you can consider yourself home.

the spruce: 13 Things You Need to Do When You Move to Get Settled Into a New Home . 25. December 2018. https://www.thespruce.com/things-to-do-to-get-settled-2435798

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