Moving to a new house is an exciting milestone – and it’s best to be prepared for the process.
*Cue the confetti*
You’re officially a homeowner! Congratulations on this incredible accomplishment. Once you have the house key in hand, the next step is moving into your new space.
When it’s time to do so, consider these helpful dos and don’ts:
DO: Hire movers in advance
Once you’ve set a move-in date, secure a moving company as soon as possible as they often book out well in advance. Completing this task early will avoid the hassle of having to make last-minute arrangements and give you a better selection of options that suit your needs.
Check with your local real estate agent to see if they have a moving service they recommend.
Before you start packing, take time to assess what you own and determine what you no longer use around the house, especially in places like closets, the attic and the garage. It’s best to filter out unwanted goods – and donate usable items – before loading boxes.
DON’T: Forget to set up essential services
Ahead of moving day, inform your utility providers about your location change to ensure essential services like water, electricity and Wi-Fi can be used in your new home right away. Be sure to cancel these services at your former residence starting that day, too.
Plus, don’t forget to complete the address change and mail forwarding processes to ensure your mail is routed to your new house.
DO: Make a plan for pets
Moving homes can take a toll on pets, who are creatures of habit – and it may take some time for them to feel adjusted to their new space.
Have a plan in place for your pets to stay out of harm’s way while furniture pieces, boxes and bags are strewn about on moving day. This could mean entrusting them in the care of a loved one for the day, sending them to their preferred animal care center for a visit or creating a separate space in the new home for them to decompress while the unpacking process takes place.
As you get settled, don’t forget to implement pet-friendly safety features to ensure the comfort of your furry friends.
DON’T: Pack away items you’ll need day-of
Packing everything you own into boxes is no easy task – and chances are, once you’re in your new space, it could take a few days (or more!) to get everything situated. Accordingly, make sure to pack a bag of moving day basics that includes a change of clothes, sleepwear, toiletries and medications, as well as technology items, critical paperwork (birth certificates, etc.) and other valuables that could get lost or damaged in the move.
DO: Take your time when decorating
Your home is a place all your own – and it’s a blank canvas to customize however you’d like. There’s no right or wrong in the process of personalization, but it may be beneficial to spend some time in the home before going all-in on new items.
Start by seeing where your current belongings work best and make note of what else you need. Some things may be necessary to get right away, whereas others – like wall art or accent pieces – may take some time to curate.
DON’T: Be shy when meeting neighbors!
See people out and about on the day you move in? Don’t forget to say hello to your new neighbors. It’s a great way to immerse yourself into the community – and the people who live nearby may have some great local pointers to share.
Ready to become a homeowner? Get in touch with a local RE/MAX agent today.
Article originally appeared on RE/MAX.com.
