Moving into your first home can be one of the most exciting adventures you will ever experience, however, it can also be a bit intimidating. With so many things to do and so much to remember, a lot of individuals get caught up in dealing with the larger tasks involved with their move and either forget about or don’t realize the importance of smaller details. That’s why the creation of a first home checklist can be essential in order to ensure a successful move.
First Home Checklist
- Locks: One of the most important things you should do once you have access to your new home is change the locks. Remember to change ALL of the locks on entry doors, including front, back and side doors. You never know who might have a key to the old locks.
- Essentials: Pack a separate box with essential items that you might need right away and mark it accordingly. It’s not unusual to misplace items like scissors, can openers, light bulbs, batteries, basic tools, toilet paper and cleaning products, and then discover that they are needed on moving day. You might consider including hygiene items and cups, plastic utensils and paper plates to make things easier as well.
- Packing Supplies: Don’t wait until the last minute to gather packing supplies. Many moving companies supply boxes, packing tape and packing paper at a reasonable cost. If you are short on funds, you might consider checking with local stores for extra boxes to help cut costs. Keep in mind, you can never have too many boxes.
- Utilities and Services: Arrange for services to be turned on at your new address. Remember things like gas and electric, water and sewer, cable and internet, and delivery services.
- Safety: Install or inspect fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors for functionality. Purchase fire extinguishers and place them throughout your home accordingly. Remember to install safety covers on open electrical outlets and don’t forget about child safety locks for cabinets to keep the little ones safe.
- Mail: Be sure to change your mailing address with your local postal service to avoid missing important notices or bills. Additionally, it is a good idea to call any lenders, magazine subscriptions, insurance companies and anyone else who sends you mail and notify them of your move as well.
- Moving Team: If you plan to hire professional movers to help complete your move, do so at least a month in advance. Always remember to call and verify your plans a week prior to your move to ensure that there is no confusion. Always be sure to hire a reputable moving team and avoid fly by night businesses.
- Contact Numbers: Make sure to keep contact numbers for utility companies and other service providers readily available just in case something goes wrong.
- Moving Folder: Many individuals have found it helpful to create a moving folder to keep important items like their first home checklist, contact numbers and item inventories safe and easy to access.
- First Aid Kit: Be prepared for little mishaps with a first aid kit. Include items like bandages, medical tape, first aid cream, peroxide, aspirin or other pain killers, hot or cold packs and wraps for sprains. Also include the telephone number and address of the nearest emergency medical facility.
Contact Tender Touch Moving for more information about preparing for your upcoming move or to arrange for moving supplies or professional moving services.
