Things to Take Care of After Your Residential Move

Moving is no small task. The movers have pulled away. Now you’re left with many boxes to unpack and a house to pull together.

The heaviest part of the work is complete, and before you unpack and sit back and relax, there are a few tasks to take care of.

Yes, it’s overwhelming, but here are some of the top things you should focus on right after you move in.

Inspect Everything

Perhaps you used a residential mover, or maybe you tackled the move on your own, in either case, you will want to make sure that everything arrived safely. Inspect your boxes, furniture, and appliances to confirm that everything is intact and working.

Now is the time to go through your new home and examine it as well. Even though you completed a walkthrough before the move, take the time to inspect it again now.  Anything can happen in the days, weeks, or months between your initial visit and your moving in — even if no one has been occupying the home.

Use a “Move-In” List When Unpacking

With so many boxes, unpacking your stuff can be an overwhelming task. Stay organized by unpacking systematically. The ideal way is to use an unpacking list. 

Break the process down room by room. Prioritize the rooms that need to be unpacked and put away first. Then move down the list in order of importance.

In fact, when you’re packing consider putting each room’s essential items in their own box. Then mark that box with a priority indicator so that you know that box should be unpacked first in that room.

Clean Up and Confirm Safety Precautions

The moving process is messy work. After you have done some unpacking and much of your stuff is in its proper place, it’s time to clean up and recycle the packing material. With that out of the way, you can dig in with a thorough cleaning.

If you have kids or pets, make sure your home has safety precautions in place. Make sure all medicines are put away, stairs and windows are protected to prevent falls, and electrical outlets are covered.

Check the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they are working correctly and have not expired. Replace the locks and add a security system if that’s in your plan. 

Change Address, Insurance, and License

File a change of address with the local post office. Also, notify various companies about your new address. Be sure to include banks, as well as credit cards and insurance companies.

If you’ve moved to a new state, you’ll likely need to set up a new bank account. Check with your insurance companies to see if you need to make changes to your policies or if you need different coverage. This includes household, auto, and health insurance. 

Make sure you register your car at your new address and update your driver’s license at the local DMV.

 Moving Help

Are you planning a household move? We can help! Get a free quote today.

Moving Guide: How to Transfer Utilities

Are you getting ready for a residential move?

Transferring utilities is one of the many details you will have on your to-do list before move-in day. You won’t want to arrive at your new home and be minus the essentials like electricity, water, gas, and internet. That would make for a tough move-in day.

If you need some guidance on how to transfer your utilities to a new place, keep reading for more details.

Transfer Utilities When You Move

Transferring your utilities might sound complex; however, it’s an easy process. This guide will help you navigate the transfer process services so that your move is seamless.

1. Research the Companies

What utility companies provide service in your new community? If you’re moving locally, it’s possible that your utility company will stay the same, but not necessarily.

Depending on what state you are moving to, you might have the option of an energy provider. Determine if you have a choice for a provider and which is the most cost-effective.

Confirm that all of your utilities can transfer, particularly with services like cable or internet, since your current utility provider may not offer service in your new community. Look at the price of service to determine if it’s more cost-effective with another provider.

You can also ask your real estate agent for lists of companies to call to set up services.

2. Plan Ahead

Once you’ve determined that you can transfer utilities, make arrangements to do so. Some transfers take longer to process than others. Contact the companies at least two weeks in advance to let them know that you will be moving — utility services like cable and internet services that require an installation appointment call a month in advance.  

When you’re scheduling your disconnect and connect dates for electric and gas, schedule the disconnect date to be a day or two after your move. This will allow the electricity and services to continue to work, in case you need to return for anything in your old house.

3. Take Care of Water and Sewer

Make arrangements for your water and sewer services through the town or village.

Contact your town’s public utility office a few weeks before the move and arrange for the service to begin on your move-in day or the day before.

4. Update Your Address

When calling to set up your new utilities, have your exact moving address available to provide them. If you don’t have it, make sure it’s updated before you move.

You want to make sure you provide your new service address. It’s also key to make sure your bills from your old address get forwarded to your new address. This can also be done online through the post office.

5. Take Care of Any Outstanding Bills

Before leaving your current home, pay any outstanding balances. Even though you’re moving your service address, it doesn’t automatically mean your billing information will transfer. You don’t want to wind up with late fees because of outstanding balances.

Moving with Ease

A residential move involves a lot of changing details. It’s essential to be prepared as much as possible. 

Do you need assistance with your upcoming move? Contact us today for a quote.