So, the day has finally come and you’re about to move into your new home. While there is sure to be a lot of excitement about this new chapter in your life, you‘ll also have a list of tasks as long as your arm.
Take out the stress of moving day with our run-down of the five things to do when moving into a new home — everything else can wait until you’re settled.
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The first 5 things you need to do when moving into a new home
Change the locks
Can you really be sure that a stranger hasn’t got a set of keys to your home? It’s best to err on the side of caution and change the locks on every exterior door for your peace of mind.
Therefore, arrange for a locksmith to be at your home on moving day so that you can get the place secured as soon as possible. They will also be able to get keys cut for everyone who needs them, sorting out that task too.
Get those utilities running
Electricity, gas and running water are all important utilities that you want to get up and running in your new home as soon as you can. You should have arranged to have these main house utilities connected ahead of moving in.
While we are on the topic of utilities, it also a good idea to get acquainted with your home’s circuit breaker box so that you know which fuse controls which part of the home in case something goes off unexpectedly. Find the main water valve too, so that you can quickly get to it to turn it off should you ever encounter a plumbing emergency.
Clean
Cleaning your new home when the rooms are bare will be a lot easier than doing so once you’ve set up all the furniture. Plus, it allows you to get off to a fresh start.
You should also look to extend your cleaning into your garden if you have one. We aren’t saying that you should work up a sweat turning your garden into an outdoor sanctuary immediately — pulling out the weeds, giving the lawn a cut and installing some lawn edging from a company like The Plastic People will be enough to make it look smart while you’re still getting moved in.
Unpack the essentials
As you’re going to be carrying everything you own when you move into your new home, unpacking everything at once isn’t going to be practical and, if anything will just leave you stressed.
Instead, put all of the essentials in one or two boxes when packing up to move — think bedding, towels, toiletries, a few kitchen items, some clothes, food, drink and your children’s and pets’ favourite toys — and clearly label these so you know to unpack them first. Every other box can be left packed and stored in a spare room or garage until you’re settled.
If you’re short of space in your new home and you’ve got some boxes that probably won’t get unpacked for a while, such as items from the loft or garage in your old home, consider a self storage unit temporarily until you’ve got the time to organise space for those items.
Get to know your new neighbourhood
Don’t think that you need to be holed up in your new home for the entire first day of moving in.
When you begin to tire from all the unpacking and essential chores, take some time away from the work by enjoying a relaxing walk around your neighbourhood. This leisurely stroll will give you the opportunity to see the shops and other businesses that are on your doorstep, as well as hopefully allowing you to introduce yourself to a few neighbours.
Before you know it, your new house and neighbourhood will begin to truly feel like home.
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