If you’ve recently undergone or are currently in the process of moving, then you know well that the task itself doesn’t end when you’ve packed up and brought your things to your newly allotted space. Some might even say that the moving process has just begun as one steps foot into what they’ll be setting up as their new home. For some people, moving in in an organized manner is not a priority task, which is why you’ll see boxes upon boxes scattered in a particular neighbor’s home weeks after they’ve made their entry.
If that’s not at all how you envision your transition into a new house, you need to look into the first things to do when moving into a new home, and we’re here to deliver just that. Look to the detailed checklist below if you want to settle into your new space as quickly as possible.
Start with a detailed cleaning.
This is the first step you need to execute as you move into a new house because you will never again have the opportunity of having all of your house’s rooms mostly empty and ready to be scrubbed clean. Everything right now is unused, untouched, and unoccupied, which makes it a great candidate for deep cleaning. This will also give you a chance to do a mental walkthrough of the house and find things that might need tending.
If a deep clean is too much for you to do by yourself, take the day off and hire professional cleaners to leave your house spotless clean before you start putting everything together. If you’re on a budget and hiring someone to do the hard work isn’t an option, then invite family over and make an activity out of it. Most friends and family members are already down to offering any kind of help you need, so don’t hesitate to take it!
Make a mental map.
Simply making a beeline for a certain room with a random item is not likely to get you anywhere. Instead, having a solid plan before beginning to organize everything is key. This is the part where good and efficient packing comes in handy because if items and furniture are already in categories, the task will be rendered way simpler and fuss-free. But if you weren’t able to pack with structure, don’t stress; take the time now to make a mental map of your things and what goes where.
Start with either items in a particular box or maybe one room at a time. This way, you’ll be setting up as you go along and will also have a better insight into what items are packed where. Remember that the more you approach every aspect of moving and moving in strategically, the more time and mental peace you’ll be saving. So, one of the first things to do when moving into a new home is to have a plan of action.
Make sure your utilities are up and running.
There are a handful of aspects that are essential for the survival of a modern-day human. Electricity, gas, water, and even the internet make up the gist of these essentials. If you didn’t take out time before to make sure your utilities were working on the date you were scheduled to move, you could go around to doing it now. Even if you did set everything up in advance, make sure to still see if everything is working as it should.
A patchy internet connection or stingy hot water can quickly amount to serious problems that you’ll have a hard time fixing afterward as you delve deeper and deeper into the move. Address these as high-priority tasks and get them out of the way. You’ll only be able to get into sorting the rest of the house out if you have the necessary essentials for everyday nailed down, so make sure this is one of the first things you do when moving into a new home.
Alter your locks and set up security.
A new location is an exciting adventure for sure, but it’s also an unknown place that’ll take time and experience to get used to and know fully. This is why it’s prudent to make sure your locks are changed as soon as you move in; there is no telling how many people have access to keys that open current locks, and you shouldn’t wait to find that out.
Moreover, any security device or alarms you might have must be set up before you call it a night. The safety of yourself and your family takes top priority among the first things that must be done when moving into a new home. Even if your new location is branded as incredibly safe and secure, it’s important that you do your own part to ensure that too.
Begin networking.
One aspect of efficient moving in that many people fail to consider is acquainting oneself with neighbors. This important step of settling in is often disregarded, which heavily contributes to problems in adjustment. Knowing the kind of people that live around you is important to understand the area as well as making profitable connections that can come in handy later on.
Having a cordial relationship with neighbors is one of the main determinants of how well you’ll be settling into your new home. If your neighbors haven’t come by and introduced themselves with polite gestures, you can take the reins yourself. Many times, friendly neighbors will offer all sorts of help, which will make moving in easier, more fun, and a great way of socializing for you and your family too.
Here’s the takeaway.
Moving is definitely stressful, but simply packing up and arriving isn’t the extent of it. There are many important things that need to be done on a priority basis as one moves into a new home. Make sure you progress through the above-provided checklist sequentially and make the settling-in process easier!