5 Tips to Making your Move-in More Settling

So you’ve closed on your new home, you’ve got the keys to the front door and you’ve started moving your things in. But home still doesn’t feel quite like home. Although all you and your belongings have made the transition, there is still work to be done. This new home checklist should keep you on track while minimizing the stress level you encounter when trying to settle into your new home.

• Unless you’re trying to get away from friends, family, creditors, etc., you should fill out a change of address form from the post office, your bank, credit card, cell phone provider, and any other businesses from which you receive snail mail. People are going to need to send you things at your new home, i.e. letters, bills…birthday cards filled with five dollars from your Aunt Sally. If no one knows your new address, you won’t be receiving much of anything.

• Transfer your new home’s utilities over to your name prior to moving day: We know that with heating, electric, and water prices, no one in their right mind would want to put utilities in their name, but it’d be tough getting through scorching summers and harsh winters with no electricity. Plus, having the electricity on makes checking the status of appliances and electrical outlets— something you should do as soon as possible— less of a hassle.

• Check your home’s security: Do all the windows lock well? Are all the doors sturdy enough and have good locks, as well? You may want to consider changing the locks just in case anyone other than you and your family has a key to your new home.You should also check the integrity of the safety appliances that are in the house. Carbon monoxide, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers should all be looked at to see if they are up to date and in working order.

• Make your home yours: One of the most exciting parts of a new home is being able to make it yours in terms of the painting, decorating, and rearranging. You pretty much have an open canvas in your hands— unleash your creativity upon it. Heads up: If you do plan on painting you may want to do so before you start unpacking, especially if you’ve never painted a room before. Mistakes can easily be made and things can get messy. It’s better to spill paint on a drop cloth than on your thousand-dollar recliner couch.

• Do some recon work: Say hello to the neighbors, make some small talk, get to know the area, find out when trash and recycling go out each week. Take a ride through the town if it’s new to you. Look to see where the local super market, post office, bank, child care centers, schools, and closest hospital are. In other words, invest some time in familiarizing yourself with your new neighborhood and the people you share it with.

These are just a few tips to help you get started. For more information on moving, or for tips on home buying all together, visit www.goo.gl/SV4iR, or call 1-877-97-FENCE to speak to a White Picket Fence Home Buying Specialist.