Moving to a new house – and it being your first home in a new neighbourhood – can be both exciting and daunting at the same time.
You might be looking forward to settling into a house that is yours to personalise as you see fit, but you might be worried about not getting a move right and getting stuck with preparations.
This can certainly put a damper on the brand-new journey you are embarking on – but with the right home checklist, it can be easy to set these fears aside.
In this article, we provide a guide for what to know when you are moving into a home for the first time, and how to make this journey one of the best experiences yet.
Let’s dive into the first important consideration.
What’s the first thing you should do when you buy a new house?
Once you’ve secured your brand-new home, you must make it a priority to get familiar with your new home.
Take the time to walk through your house, checking for any areas that you will need to provide safety measures for, such as baby gates for small children or any fencing that needs to be updated if your pets will be spending a lot of time outside in your yard.
Consider whether there are any flooring issues that you need to fix, and if you should repaint walls before moving in.
Also, plan ahead to have all utilities and Internet connectivity ready at your new address before you move in – the last thing you want is to not have power for that first meal in your new home.
Lastly, remember to give your new home a proper deep clean before moving in. Some dirt might be trampled in on your moving day, but if you already have clean floors and cupboards, it will certainly make cleaning up afterwards easier.
How do I cope with moving to a new house?
Planning is everything when moving, and as daunting as it might feel to get everything ready, an easy-does-it approach will certainly make things easier.
Here are some tips to consider:
1. Book your move to your new address with a reliable moving company
Read moving company reviews online, have a look at what past clients say about their experiences and make a shortlist of ideal providers.
Get and compare quotes, and also make a note of any additional services that a moving company offers, such as moving pianos and other large furniture items.
Then, once you have chosen a provider, ensure that you book your moving date, check what insurance is offered, and get ready to start packing.
Arrange for where your moving truck will be parked (and that your new neighbours will not be inconvenienced by where the vehicle will be stationed during the move).
Don’t forget that some moving companies, such as Marriott Removals, provide packing services as an additional offering. If you want to make your move even more stress free, consider enquiring about these services.
2. Make a checklist of all tasks that need to be done
When you list all the important things that need to be done for your move, you will be in a better position to not do anything at the last minute.
Create a timeline for your moving process (plan at least eight weeks ahead to give yourself enough breathing room). Take care to not schedule too many tasks at once – carefully planning activities will make your move a bit easier.
Prioritise dates on your checklist for when you need to arrange your new home insurance, when you need to contact utility suppliers for your new property, and whether you will need to oversee agreed upon repairs if the previous owners of your new home will be handling the fixes on their account.
If you have children that will be going to a new school, check what time first the day of school will start, and if possible, get a schedule of school activities so that you are prepared for sport and other extra murals.
Remember to inform family and friends if you will need their assistance on your moving day, whether to transport fragile items, or take care of children and pets when your big day to move into your new home arrives.
3. Start packing
If you are handling all packing on your own, you need to get moving supplies and other materials, such as bubble wrap, in advance.
Only use sturdy moving boxes and supplies to pack your belongings, and avoid packing items in bin bags or other packaging that can easily tear or break.
Label boxes clearly with their contents and the room they belong in, and pack an essentials box with items you’ll need on your first night, such as toiletries, a change of clothes and any important documents.
If you want to make your move as eco friendly as possible, you can consider reusable moving boxes for moving supplies- check with your moving company if they provide these services, or can put you in touch with companies that hire out containers.
Be careful to not pack any dangerous items, such as harmful chemicals that could spoil belongings in transit when moved.
Also, if there are any non essentials that you will not be bringing into your new home, but that are still usable, consider donating these to charity shops. This includes furniture items that you no longer want or need.
4. Research and prepare for your new neighbourhood
Get familiar with healthcare providers, and amenities in your new neighbourhood as soon as possible – this will ensure that you will not be stuck when needing a doctor, or being unsure where to shop for groceries or to locate items for home improvement service at a local hardware store.
Also, check for any local events or festivals that may affect your move and that will require planning travel along alternative routes.
5. Have an unpacking plan for your new property as part of your moving checklist
Make your unpacking plan part of your checklist. This will ensure that you do not feel stressed when you are in your new home and cannot decide which boxes to unpack.
Also, remember that you do not need to unpack everything at once. If you want to go room to room, you will be more relaxed and can pay attention to where which items need to go.
Plus, you can enjoy your first night in your new home without worrying about any items that are not yet unpacked.
What is the first thing you do when you move into a new house?
Once the moving truck has offloaded all of your precious belongings, it is time to get settled and unpack essentials such as toiletries, towels, and a change of clothes.
A good idea is to set up beds and make them with fresh linens, as everyone will likely be tired and need a good night’s rest after all moving activities.
As part of your home checklist, you must connect utilities and test them to ensure they are in working order. If any problems arise, whether with electricity or other services, immediately phone your utility company to sort out problems.
If you have smoke detectors at home, ensure that they are connected and activated.
Then, take a deep breath and enjoy your first night in your new home.
What to remember when it comes to safety and security
Once you have moved into your new home, you must change the locks on your new home to ensure previous owners can’t access it.
Consider installing a security system for added peace of mind.
Also, check the condition of your home’s safety features, such as fire extinguishers and emergency exits.
Test the security system to ensure it’s working properly, and check for any recalls on appliances and fixtures.
Post-move tasks checklist
Update your records with your new address
- Update your driver’s license, vehicle registration, and voter registration.
- Notify your bank, credit card company, and loan providers of your new address.
- Update your address with online retailers and subscription services.
- Set up mail forwarding with the post office.
Create an emergency response plan
- Create a plan for emergency situations, such as power outages or natural disasters.
- Identify emergency contact numbers and keep them handy.
- Make sure you have a first aid kit and know how to use it.
- Consider setting up a backup power source, such as a portable generator.
Finally: Explore your new home and neighbourhood!
Part of the joy of moving into a new home and starting a new life in new surroundings is that you get to explore a whole new neighbourhood with local parks, restaurants, and shops.
Take the time to discover the wonderful offerings of your new stomping ground, and don’t forget to introduce yourself to your new neighbours.
Need more assistance for a first time move to a new home?
From the moment that you secure a new house for you and your family at a new address, an exciting new chapter begins, even before you set foot through your door for the first time.
if you need assistance with an expertly planned move to your new place, our skilled team would be happy to assist you with anything that you need.
Contact us today – we look forward to helping you start your life in your new home with an easy moving process!
