The New Home Move-In Checklist

Everyone seems to have advice for new home buyers—your parents, your friends, the grocery store cashier—but what about after you arrive? What should you do once you close the front door and plop down on your couch?

Here are some ideas to help you start off on the right foot as you begin settling into your new house.

Get Registered
Once you move, you will have several matters of official business to take care of. First, if you have kids, make sure they are registered for their new school. Establishing a new school routine is critical to helping your children settle in.

Also, if you moved out of state, remember that your vehicles need to be registered for new license plates. Regardless of how far you moved, you will need to register your driver’s license for your new address and register to vote in your new location.

Don’t procrastinate on taking care of these things. It’s better to get them out of the way while you’re still in “moving” mode before you have the chance to forget about them.

Check Things Over
Check all of your furniture for nicks, scrapes and damages. If you used a moving company or service, they may have insurance that covers these things. If you find something is damaged, contact the moving company immediately to see what can be done about it.

Make Connections
Start making connections from the first day you move into the home. Don’t put this on the back burner. Yes, your to-do list is a mile long, but that shouldn’t stop you from running next door to say “Hi” to your new neighbors. Remember, you will be living next to these people for a long time and it’s up to you to take the initiative. You can also meet people by joining Facebook pages, local meet-ups and by checking out the local newspapers.

Don’t delay making professional connections either. You need to choose a doctor, dentist, optometrist, etc., so you know who to call when you have an emergency. Your family physician in your old state can’t help you if they’re five hours away.

You also need to learn where your nearest dry cleaner, post office and other services you use regularly are located. Choose a bank and get your accounts transferred over to the new financial institution. Find the local library and register for your library card. If you attend religious services, find time to choose a congregation. These types of connections will help you feel settled and “at home” in your new community.

Let People Know You Moved
The “change of address” form you file with the post office will only reach so many people. Contact all the companies you have accounts with and get those accounts switched to your new address. Credit cards, insurance companies and other companies that have ongoing bills with you need to know you’re moving.

When you contact the insurance company, be sure to ask them about coverage for your new home. Coverage does not automatically switch just because you’ve moved. You need to make sure that you are properly protected.

Also, send out a “We’ve moved!” email to family and friends who might need your address. When December rolls around and you aren’t getting any holiday cards, it may be because no one knew you moved! Use a change of address checklist to ensure you contacted everyone.

Moving is an exciting and overwhelming time. Having a checklist will make the job a little easier. With these guidelines, you will be well prepared for your next move.