Moving into a new home is always exciting. There are many rooms to decorate and explore. Most of all, a new custom home is the start of a new adventure.
It’s easy to get carried away by the excitement so it’s easy to forget that the heavy lifting is just about to start – literally!
Moving into a new home doesn’t just mean that you’re stepping into the door. It takes a lot of preparation to execute the perfect move.
Here are our tips on how you can successfully move into your new custom home on time.
Know Your New Home
Everything will look different now that your new home is finished. This is why it is important to get to know it first before moving in.
Have the builder show you important systems in your new place. For example, learn how to set up the security system, operate the garage door, sprinkler system, HVAC, and other appliances.
The builder should also show you the location of the circuit breaker and water shut-off valves as well as how to operate them. Ask them to provide you with a printed manual of your appliances and other electronic devices.
Another thing to do is to memorize the measurements of your new home. This will tell you what you can bring and give you an idea of how you want to layout spaces like your living room and bedroom.
Get To Know Your Neighborhood
Perhaps you got friendly with your next-door neighbors during construction. But now that moving day is looming near, you have to start to get to know your new neighborhood too.
For example, find the location and telephone numbers of the nearest fire station, police station, and hospital or veterinarian. These numbers and locations should be known to all members of your household.
Change of Address
Make your change of address known to friends, family, co-workers, and other significant relations or institutions. For example, your bank has to be able to forward mortgage documents or physical statements of account so make sure that they are in the loop as to when and where you’re moving.
Aside from banks and lenders, you will also want to inform the post office of your new address. This will make forwarding magazines and other mail easier. Don’t forget to change your address on your driver’s license and voter’s registration too.
Transfer Utilities
Aside from turning on your utilities in your new place, you also want to inform your utility companies when to turn off services in your old one. You don’t want to rack up bills especially if you don’t live there anymore.
In some cases, only basic utilities will be turned on in your new places like water and electricity. Make sure that you also inform other companies like your internet and cable of your move-in date so that they can connect you.
Decide What You’re Taking & Donate or Discard The Rest
One of the reasons why moving into a new place is exciting is because there’s no clutter. Now that you finally know when you’re moving, it’s time to decide what you’re taking, donating, and discarding.
For example, you might be taking most of your wardrobe with you but there might be items that you can donate to Goodwill or discard. This will give you more space in your closet in your new place.
Perhaps you’re also planning on getting a new sofa for your new living room. In this instance, you can donate the old one to charity or discard it through a yard sale.
The same is true for other items like kitchenware, exercise equipment, unused small appliances, and other items that are hiding in your cupboard.
Speaking of yard sales, it’s not only a good way to get rid of things, but also an opportunity to make some extra money. Just make sure to mark everything down so that you don’t have to throw them away or bring them to your new place.
Can’t decide whether to bring with you, donate or discard? If you’ve used it in the last 6 months, take it with you. If not, discard or donate. This does not apply to seasonal clothes and equipment of course.
Start Packing
Now that you know what’s going with you to your new address, start packing.
Packing for the first time can be intimidating so it’s better to break it down room by room to avoid being overwhelmed. Pack things that don’t get used every day first. For instance, seasonal clothes can be boxed immediately. The same is true for extra china and linens.
Don’t forget to label everything. Put the label on top of the box and at least 1 side so that it is easy to figure out which box goes where in your new place.
For delicate items like pianos, antiques, or paintings, get professional help on how they can be moved to your new location safely.
Contact A Mover
A moving company is part of a successful move. If you have a lot of furniture and stuff to move, it’s best to let the professionals take over and save yourself the backbreaking work and heavy lifting.
But before you call one, contact 3 companies first and interview them. Ask for quotes and what is included in their service. This will allow you not only to save money but to avail of the best value for money service.
Be Flexible
Life is full of surprises and even a well-planned move is not immune to shocks. This is why it’s better to be flexible on the date of your move.
It’s going to be hard especially if you’ve already packed and said good-byes but uncertainties like the weather and other personal events can delay a move.
Being flexible will allow you some leeway and prevent you from becoming overly stressed.
Bottom Line
It’s not every day you get to move into your dream home. So prepare as much as you can but also take time to relax and savor the moment.
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