Moving to a new house does not come without a list of chores that you have to perform before you settle in your new abode. So, it may seem that you had it all covered by finding the right house for you and your family. But in reality, things just start after the purchase. You need to do a lot before you finally and comfortably settle in your new house. Therefore, the whole exercise is hectic, stressing and time-taking as well. However, after performing these tasks, you can make sure to have a smooth transition to your new house. The tasks may comprise but are not limited to minor construction and improvement in the house and locating a supermarket in your area. When done before you move to your new house, these tasks can save the burden of dealing with them later. Here is our tried and tested checklist to help you go through everything you need to do before moving to a new house.
- Think About The Extra Stuff In Your House
Do you need to carry all that stuff you currently don’t need to your new house? So, where are you going to keep it until you need it? One of the options is to take the help of your relatives, but why burden them? So, the best solution for you is to rent a storage unit near your new house. You can store all the unnecessary or out-of-season stuff in that storage unit.
Finding a storage facility is also extremely easy. It takes only a few minutes to search it online. Search according to your location; for instance, you may look for Bonney Lake storage if your house is in that area. Or you can personalize your search by putting the name of your area.
- Visit Your House When It Is Still Empty
Empty houses give you a different, more spacious vibe compared to those packed with furnishings. So, if possible, go through all the areas of the house after the previous residents have left it. Look at everything, inspect the taps in the washrooms and kitchen, visit the laundry room, look for issues such as water damage, peeling paints, molds, etc. Is everything ready for you to move? Does this place need any renovations? These are some of the answers that you should look for.
- Make Sure All The Terms Of The Purchase Are Fulfilled
Walking through the house when it is still empty is also a chance to see if all the terms of the purchase are fulfilled. For example, you might have discussed with the property owner about repairs, new paint, or appliances such as fans or air conditioners that they agreed to leave in the house. Also, you need to check if all the switches, fixtures, and electrical outlets are working properly. Now is the ideal time to talk to them if you find something missing.
- Check With Various Mover Companies
Whether your new house is near to the current one or some distance away, a moving company is your redeemer when moving. However, you cannot contact a moving company on the final day; this task should be done at least a month before the day arrives. Also, check with multiple mover companies, compare their rates and services before selecting one. Often they have an online presence where they mention customer testimonials as well. Make sure to go through them to ensure that your belongings will safely reach their new location.
- Think Beyond Packing
Now is also the right time to have an unpacking plan. Your unpacking plan will guide you at the time of packing as well. For instance, you cannot start opening all the boxes once you are in your new house. So, an unpacking plan will help you systematically unpack everything without creating a mess. The best strategy is to label all the boxes with the destination and the contents inside. For example, when packing kitchen items, you may label boxes as “cutlery and knives” and “pots and pans.” This way, you won’t be rummaging through all the boxes to find something upon your arrival at the new place. You can make the same plan for other rooms as well. Besides the label, also prioritize what boxes you will open upon arrival.
- Inspect The Security Arrangement Of Your House
The safety of your house should be among your topmost priorities when moving to your house. To have a comfortable abode, you need to feel safe in your new house and keep thieves and burglars out. Look around the house, check the security system already in place, inspect the locks, and decide on all the changes you want to make. You might need to change the locks, install cameras in different parts of the house, put electric locks on your front gate, and make other changes like that. If you are moving with kids and pets, you have to ensure the safety of your neighborhood as well. There are systems available in the market that can assist you in gauging the safety of your neighborhood as well.
- Look For Prospective Schools For Your Kids
Parents with kids have some additional arrangements to make before moving to a new place. One of such arrangements is to look for prospective schools for the kids. You can ask your real estate agent to tell you about the schools or check if your kid’s current school has a branch in the area of your new house. If not, take some time out to visit a few schools to compare them. Things to compare are their fees, books and syllabus, and admission requirements. You also need to apply for the school leaving certificate from your kid’s previous school.
Moving to a new place is full of excitement. Yet, it is also an event in your life that brings stress. The uneasiness is caused by the uncertainty and changes in your life. However, there are some tasks that can decrease this uncertainty to some extent. Tasks like looking for a new school for your kids, inspecting the house before moving, making sure you meet all the terms of the contract are some of the most important ones that you should include in your checklist.