Now that the house is finally yours, it’s time to make it your home by bringing in your things. Here are a few things you should think about when making that move to a new home.
1. Change your address. This is far easier to do these days. Simply go to the USPS website to change your address. It’s a good idea to do it as early as possible so you won’t miss any mail.
2. Update your contact info. Remember to change your address with all your financial institutions, schools, work and of course friends and family. The post Office will forward your mail, but you should let people and businesses you deal with on a regular basis know your new address.
3. Tell your mailman and say "Thank you." This may seem silly, but a little kindness goes a long way. And that kindness can help when it comes to the processing of your mail.
4. Change the locks. "You really don't know who else has keys to your home," said HouseLogic. Install new deadbolts and locks, this will ensure that you are the only person (or people) with access to your new home.
5. Get the house deep cleaned. Even though you may have had the nicest previous owners who cleaned the house when they moved out, it is always a good idea to clean it to your standards. You can hire professionals to give the home a deep clean, removing dust bunnies and crumbs that may have missed. It’s also a good idea especially if the previous owners had pets and you or a family member is allergic.
6. Clean the carpets too. Speaking of allergens, carpets can hold germs even after a good vacuuming. Carpets are "botanical and zoological parks…that can be 4,000 times dirtier than your toilet seat," said microbiologist Dr. Philip Tierno, according to Men's Health. Make sure to get the carpets shampooed.
7. Call an exterminator. Not to say that your new house is infested with bugs, but it is best to have an exterminator check to make sure there isn’t anything festering in your attic or basement.
8. Research utilities. There may only be one provider in your area, but there may be options to lower monthly bills so it is always good to investigate. Also, ask about new customer discounts or bundles which can also save you money.
9. Shut off the utilities on the house you're moving from. Sounds like this is too obvious, but sometimes people get so involved in their new home and moving they forget to call ad have the power or the water (if you’re moving from a house) shut off. Those bills can add up.
10. Alert your service providers. If you have a regular landscaper, snow removal or home maintenance person and in some areas private waste disposal company, make sure you inform them of your move in a timely manner. This will give them time to let you know if they can still provide service at your new address or to look for new clients.
11. Pare down your stuff. Moving is a great opportunity to downsize your stuff. You can go through everything in your home and get rid of things you really do not need. This will mean less to move as well as providing you with more space in your new home. If things are in good shape you can have a yard sale, donate the items to a charity or even make a little money by consigning your things.
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