Welcome to your new home!
Allay any security fears by tackling some standard safety practices right up front.
Look up the model of the garage keypad and find the directions online.
Credit: ljubaphoto / Getty Images
Setting a new code should not include the address of the house or an easily guessed number.
And while youre locking doors, lock the windows, too.
To be super safe, swap the batteries out for fresh ones regardless of whether they pass the test.
Check that natural gas and water is running and that there are no leaks.
Want a super sanitary start?
Swap it for a fresh one.
Its a quick DIY you’re free to do on day one.
Allowing a dryer vent to build up with lint is a serious fire hazard, says Farrell.
Do a little bit of internet sleuthing and save the location.
In my career Ive had the pleasure of working with numerous doctors.
One item that always comes up is where the nearest hospital is located.
Its such a simple question, yet so important.
In an emergency, coordinating directions is the last thing you want to worry about.
While youre at it, get your bearings for local health providers in general.
Before your move, do your research for new doctors, dentist, specialists, etc.
Before You Move Furniture In…
Think about tackling a few projects and deep cleans before unloading that moving truck.
Unfortunately, the best intentions may not be satisfactory to you.
To double-check its done right, hire a pro.
It will make the vendors jobs so much easier (and may save you money!)
if they do not have to move and work around furnishings, Mallette says.
To get things handled smoothly, try scheduling for these projects as youprepare to move.
Farrell suggests scheduling achimney cleaning and servicingoff the bat and getting an annual inspection in the books from there.
The same holds true for your furnace or oil burner.
Speaking of fuel, if you live in a colder climate, ensure your oil/propane tanks are full.
Youll avoid the nightmare, which is freezing orGod-forbidburst pipes.
See about scheduling automatic fuel delivery, too, so youre never left out in the cold.
Stay Legal on the Road
Moving out of state?
Youll want to check that youre legal to drive.
The grace period for an out-of-state drivers license differs by state, Hagmeyer says.
To be safe, we suggest tackling this right away.
Your voter registration can typically be updated at the same time.
Register Your Pet
While youre registering your vehicles, dont forget Fido.
Many local communities require that dogs and cats are registered with their vaccination history as soon as possible.
Its also good to be intentional about introducing your pet to the home.
On moving day, board them locally to avoid additional stressors, Murphy says.
Once the movers are gone and priority spaces are unpacked, bring them to the new home.
you’re free to easily refresh your voter registration at the same time.
The digital world has made tasks like this so much easier!
Forward Your Mail
And dont forget your postage.
you might set your mail forwarding in advance by scheduling it through the United States Postal Service.
We suggest forwarding your mail about one week before your move-in date, Hagmeyer says.
Then, confirm to set up your mail drop-zone right after move-in so you could immediately begin sorting mail.
Make Packing Easy
Packing and unpacking is one of the most time-consuming parts of moving.
Here are some ways you’re able to make the process easier.
Take advantage by paring down your belongings.
Its just not worth the time and resources required to move items you will likely end up donating anyway.
Lastly, dont forget that hiring help is always an option.
Then, prep your home for move in.
This will help ensure no items are misplaced throughout the home.
Unpack Quickly
Moving companies will often charge to unpack your items.
If thats an option, go for it.
Otherwise, Mallette suggests unpacking yourself sooner rather than later.
The worst part of moving for most is the packing processuntil you have to unpack, Mallette says.
