24 Things Every New Homeowner Absolutely Must Do on Moving Day
Fred Griffin posted an awesome list of things that a new homeowner should do on moving day. There is so much to remember when buying a new home and so much excitement, and stress that most people probably forget a lot of important things. This list covers the most basic, like learning the exits and where the water shot off valve is located, to the most easily forgotten, changing your address on your drivers license.
Fred's list would also be great for renters on moving day, and would come in handy for both first time home buyers and veteran movers. There are so many important things to remember when moving and this list covers them all. Having a list like this would greatly reduce the stress of anyone who is moving. I wish I would have had it when I moved any of the times I did. This last time it was months after we moved in when a pipe broke in my master bathroom and my husband was not home and I didn't know where the water shut off was, so I had to go out to the street to turn off the water to the house, in the pouring rain. Yikes! That was not fun.
You are moving into your new home! Whether you are a first time home owner or a veteran homeowner, whether you are moving to a new town or just moving across your town, you need to do the following 24 tasks as rapidly as possible. Time is of the essence!
24 Things Every New Homeowner Must Do on Moving Day
1. Keep a Survival Kit of Human Necessities in your Car
Bottled Water
Food: Energy Bars, Dried Fruit, Peanut Butter, etc. Also paper plates, plastic utensils, plastic cups.
Your Prescription Medicines (plus other medicines that you use).
First Aid Kit
Toilet Paper, Soap
Towels, Paper Towels
Shaving Kit and/or Cosmetic Bag
Cash in Small Denominations
Cell Phone Battery Chargers
Change of Clothes for everyone in your Household
Toolbox with Basic Tools
Flashlights
Heavy Duty Extension Cords
2. Board Your PetsFido and Kitty will be safer out of the way.
3. Change the Locks
Give a new Key to each member of the household. Also, change the code or frequency of your Garage Door Opener!
4. Locate Emergency Exits
Can you find the doors in the dark? Can you unlock the doors in the dark? Also, open and close all windows; know how they work.
5. Find your Water Cut Off ValveKnow how to turn it off.
6. Find the Gas Shut Off Valve
Know how to turn it off.
7. Find the Main Electric Circuit Breaker
Know how to turn it off.
8. Find the Smoke Detectors and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Do they work? How old are they?
9. Locate the Thermostat
Know how to turn the heat and AC on and off.
10. Fire Extinguishers
Put one in the kitchen, one in the garage. Ask your local Fire Department for advice.
11. Flashlights
Put one near each door or exit.
12. House NumbersRepaint the numbers on the front door, the curb, the mailbox. Yes, everybody uses GPS, but you still need that number visible for 911, FedEx, and the Pizza Delivery Guy.
13. Memorize your New Address
Have the members of your household recite it out loud (in case of Emergency).
14. Driver License
Change your address. This is required by Florida Law.
15. Meet the Neighbors!
Meet their pets, too
16. Homeowners' Association or Condominium Association
Meet the Officers and Directors. Read the Deed Restrictions again. See a Lawyer if you need advice.
17. Mailperson and other Delivery People
Meet and greet! Where are the nearest UPS, USPS, and FedEx offices?
18. Garbage Day
When is it? What are the rules for Recyclables, Leaves and Tree Limbs, Environmental Waste, Bulky Items?
19. Light BulbsInside and outside your house. Buy replacement Bulbs for every light socket; you will have them when you need them.
20. FiltersAir Conditioner Filters, Range Hood Filters, any other Filters. Buy replacement filters now; you will have them when you need them.
21. Cancel your Previous Services!
Make certain that you have cancelled your previous Cable TV, Internet, Utilities, Homeowner's Insurance, Landline Telephone, Newspaper, Alarm Company, and Pest Control.
22. Change your Address
Contact your Banks, Credit Card companies, Insurance companies, Social Security, Medicare, and other important offices directly. Do not rely on the USPS Change of Address form. YOU will be responsible if your mail is lost, delayed, or sent to your old address.
23. Florida Homestead Exemption
Visit the Property Appraiser's Office; file for Homestead Exemption. You may be able to do this online or via telephone, but I suggest that you walk into the Office to be certain that it is properly filed.
24. The Deed to Your New Home
Contact the Clerk of the Court's Office to verify that your Deed is properly recorded. If you have questions, ask the Clerk of the Court, or see an Attorney.
You are moving into your new home. You need to do all of the above 24 tasks as rapidly as possible.Congratulations to you, New Home Owner!
Disclaimer: Nothing in this blog article is to be construed as legal advice, tax advice, or financial advice. For legal advice see an attorney. For tax advice or financial advice see a tax attorney, certified public accountant, or other qualified professional.
Frederick Griffin, Licensed Real Estate Broker Tallahassee, Florida 850-339-4861
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Buying or Selling a Home in Tallahassee, Florida? You need the services of a trusted, dedicated Real Estate Broker when making the biggest financial transaction of your life!
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Frederick Griffin, Licensed Real Estate Broker Tallahassee, Florida 850-339-4861
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