Things To Do When You Move Into A New Home: New House Checklist

Moving into a new home in BC is an exciting yet daunting experience. It can be overwhelming to think about all the things that need to be done prior to, and after moving day. As your trusted real estate agent, I’m here to make sure you are prepared for this life-changing event!

Before you get to unpacking, painting and decorating your new abode – you know, the fun stuff – you want to make sure you do the important things first.

After all, you’re taking on the role of a homeowner, and aside from numerous perks, homeownership comes with certain responsibilities.

Whether you’re living alone or with family, relocating within Canada or from out of country – these vital steps will ensure your transition goes as smoothly as possible. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents show

1. Pre-Move Essentials

2. Transfer Utilities

3. Update Important Documents

4. Research Moving Companies

5. Purge and Organize

6. Pack an Essentials Box

7. Create an Inventory List

8. Notify Important Contacts

9. Forward Mail

10. Update Driver’s License

11. Moving Day Game Plan

12. Do a Final Walkthrough

13. Be Present During the Move

14. Direct Box Placement

15. Install New Door Locks

16. Clean Surfaces

17. Assemble the Bed

18. Unpack Immediately Useful Items

19. Take Inventory

20. Enjoy Your First Meal in Your New Home

21. Post-Move To-Dos

22. Update Address in Accounts

23. Hang Decor

24. Meet the Neighbors

25. Find Local Businesses

26. Set Up Services

27. Check for Recall Notices

28. Host a Housewarming Party

29. Enjoy Your New Home!

30. Key Takeaways: Moving Checklist

31. Q: What is a checklist for moving into a new house?

32. Q: Why is having a checklist important when moving into a new house?

33. Q: What are the most important things to do when moving into a new house?

34. Q: How do I change the locks when moving into a new house?

35. Q: Why is changing the locks important when moving into a new house?

36. Q: What should I test when moving into a new house?

37. Q: How do I test my sump pump when moving into a new house?

38. Q: What should I do with the utilities when moving into a new house?

39. Q: How do I familiarize myself with the fuse box and circuit breaker when moving into a new house?

40. Q: What should I do to ensure a smooth first night in my new house?

41. Conclusion

Quick Summary

Based on my practical knowledge, here’s what you’ll need to cross off your checklist before you get to pop open that champagne and begin celebrating.

• Inspect your new home
• Make sure your home is secure
• Have your new home insured
• Revisit your budget after buying a new home
• Take some time to child-proof/pet-proof your new home
• Create a maintenance checklist

Moving into a new home can be an exciting yet stressful time. There’s so much to think about and prepare for to ensure a smooth transition. This comprehensive guide covers all the key things you need to do before, during, and after your move.

Pre-Move Essentials

Before you can start packing boxes, there are some critical tasks to take care of first. Tick these essential to-dos off your list so you can focus on the move itself.

Transfer Utilities

About 2-3 weeks before your move, call your utility companies to cancel services at your old place and set up new accounts at your new home. This includes electricity, gas, water, internet, cable, and trash pickup. Nothing like unpacking in the dark!

Update Important Documents

Inform your bank, credit cards, employer, and any other services of your new address. This prevents issues with statements, paychecks, and other correspondence being sent to the wrong place.

Research Moving Companies

If hiring movers, research companies and get quotes about 1 month out. Check reviews and make sure they are licensed and insured. Lock in your moving date and time slot.

Purge and Organize

Now’s the time for a deep clean and purge of your home. Toss or donate anything you don’t need. Organize and label items by room so they are easy to unpack later.

Pack an Essentials Box

Pack a box of crucial items you’ll need right away like toiletries, medications, chargers, snacks, tools, towels, etc. Unpack this first so you have access to necessities.

Create an Inventory List

Catalog all your belongings with photos, descriptions, and serial numbers. This provides proof of ownership and condition in case anything gets damaged during the move.

Notify Important Contacts

Inform friends, family, your employer, doctor’s offices, subscriptions services, etc. about your upcoming change of address.

Forward Mail

Fill out a Change of Address form with the post office so your mail gets forwarded to your new address.

Update Driver’s License

Apply for a new driver’s license with your updated address. You may need to take a new photo and eye exam.

Moving Day Game Plan

When the big day arrives, having a strategy will keep things running smoothly.

Do a Final Walkthrough

Before the movers arrive, do one last sweep of the house to check for anything left behind like items in closets and cabinets.

Be Present During the Move

Stick around while movers load and unload so you can answer questions and monitor for any issues. Point out fragile items that need extra care.

Direct Box Placement

Tell movers which boxes go in which rooms so boxes end up where they should and don’t block doorways and paths.

Install New Door Locks

For security, have new locks installed by a locksmith once the old ones are no longer needed. Make copies of new keys.

Clean Surfaces

Give floors, cabinets, walls etc. a thorough cleaning since they were traipsed over during the move.

Assemble the Bed

Unpack sheets and make the bed right away. After a tiring move, a nicely made bed gives you a welcoming place to crash.

Unpack Immediately Useful Items

Prioritize unpacking things you’ll use within the first few days like dishes, toiletries, clothes, and electronics.

Take Inventory

Check off items on your inventory list to confirm they arrived safely. Note any damage to discuss with the moving company.

Enjoy Your First Meal in Your New Home

Celebrate your first night by ordering in or whipping up a simple meal. You earned it after a long moving day!

Post-Move To-Dos

You’re not done yet! Tackle these final tasks to finish settling into your new digs.

Update Address in Accounts

If you haven’t already, change your address with financial institutions, subscriptions, your job, insurance etc.

Hang Decor

Personalize your space by hanging art, photos, wall shelves, and other decorative touches that make it feel homey.

Meet the Neighbors

Stop by to introduce yourself to neighbors. Getting to know those nearby helps you feel part of the community.

Find Local Businesses

Look up new restaurants, shops, salons, banks, doctors, dentists, and other services in your area.

Update Documents

Register to vote, update your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and any state-specific paperwork.

Create a Maintenance List

Make a list of home maintenance tasks and when they should be done like HVAC filter changes, smoke detector battery swaps, fire protection for lithium battery storage, gutter cleaning, etc.

Set Up Services

Hire any needed house services like lawn care, snow removal, cleaning services, dog walkers, handymen etc.

Check for Recall Notices

Research if any recently purchased furniture, appliances, or products need to be returned or fixed due to recalls.

Host a Housewarming Party

Once settled in, celebrate with a casual open house for friends, family, coworkers and neighbors.

Enjoy Your New Home!

The to-do list is done. Time to relax and enjoy living in your new abode!

Moving is tiring but incredibly rewarding. Being prepared and organized ensures the headaches are minimized and you can fully appreciate your new living space. Before you know it, your new house will feel like you’ve always lived there.

Did you know that according to a survey by Richard Morrison, over 40% of people unpack slowly over the course of months after moving in? Make sure you don’t fall into that trap by diligently checking items off your moving checklist.

Key Takeaways: Moving Checklist 

• Update accounts, documents and mail forwarding several weeks before moving day
• Research movers and lock in dates if using professionals
• Pack an essentials box to unpack first when you arrive
• Do a final check of your old place before movers come
• Prioritize unpacking immediately useful items first
• Personalize your new place with decor and photos
• Meet neighbors and find local businesses and services
• Stay organized with maintenance checklists and home services
• Host a housewarming party once settled in
• Take your time and enjoy your new home!

Q: What is a checklist for moving into a new house?

A: A House Hunting Checklist for moving into a new house is a comprehensive list of tasks and items that need to be completed and addressed when transitioning into a new home. It serves as a guide to ensure that nothing important is overlooked during the move.

Q: Why is having a checklist important when moving into a new house?

A: Having a checklist is important when moving into a new house because it helps you stay organized, keep track of tasks, and ensure that nothing is missed during the move. It provides a systematic approach to the moving process, giving you peace of mind that everything is taken care of.

Q: What are the most important things to do when moving into a new house?

A: The most important things to do when moving into a new house include changing the locks, testing your utilities and detectors, familiarizing yourself with the fuse box and circuit breaker, notifying service providers of your new address, and setting up home security measures.

Q: How do I change the locks when moving into a new house?

A: To change the locks when moving into a new house, you can either hire a locksmith or do it yourself. If you choose to do it yourself, you can purchase new locksets and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation.

Q: Why is changing the locks important when moving into a new house?

A: Changing the locks is important when moving into a new house because it ensures house suitability check that you’re the only one with access to your new home. It provides an added layer of security and peace of mind, knowing that previous owners or tenants no longer have keys.

Q: What should I test when moving into a new house?

A: When moving into a new house, it’s important to test your sump pump, carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors, and any other home security systems or detectors. This ensures that they are functioning properly and provides a safe living environment.

Q: How do I test my sump pump when moving into a new house?

A: To test your sump pump when moving into a new house, you can pour water into the pump pit until the float rises and activates the pump. This will allow you to see if the pump is working correctly and if water is being pumped out of the pit.

Q: What should I do with the utilities when moving into a new house?

A: When moving into a new house, you should contact utility companies to transfer or set up new accounts for water, electricity, gas, internet, and other essential services. This ensures that your new home has the necessary utilities for comfortable living.

Q: How do I familiarize myself with the fuse box and circuit breaker when moving into a new house?

A: To familiarize yourself with the fuse box and circuit breaker when moving into a new house, you can locate them and label each switch or fuse according to the area or appliance it controls. This makes it easier to identify and troubleshoot any issues that may arise.

Q: What should I do to ensure a smooth first night in my new house?

A: To ensure a smooth first night in your new house, you should pack essentials such as toiletries, bedding, and a change of clothes separately. Also, make sure your utilities are connected, change the locks, and consider setting up a temporary home security system for peace of mind.

Conclusion

When moving to a new home, it’s important to have a checklist of things to do before, during, and after the move. Before moving, make sure to research the new area and familiarize yourself with the new neighborhood. This can include finding a new doctor, registering for new services, and setting up a smart home if desired.

On move-in day, use this checklist to ensure that everything is in order, such as turning off the water valve and checking the water meter. Once you’ve moved in, unpack your belongings into your new home and make sure to go through the new house checklist to ensure that everything is functioning properly.

As new homeowners, it’s also important to update your address with all necessary parties and set up any necessary utilities. In conclusion, moving to a new home can be exciting and overwhelming, but by using a checklist and taking care of all the necessary tasks, the process can be streamlined and organized. 

Sources:
https://www.mymovingreviews.com/move/visual-moving-house-checklist/
https://moversville.com/blog/after-moving-in