It has been a stressful journey, but now you’re finally ready. After several months of packing, handling a pile of paperwork, and going through a number of checklists, you now have the keys to your new address. But, don’t think this is the end. There are still a few things you need to take care of as soon as you reach your new home.
All these tasks require another set of checklists. So, before you get excited about the prospect of decorating your new living space, know your priorities first. You wouldn’t want to get started on all your interior decorating projects only to find out the switch to your living room lights do not work.
So, here are a few things you need to take care of once you’ve finally opened the doors of that new slick place:
Lock ’em Up! Change all the locks and secure all the doors
Unless you’re moving to a brand-new home, you’ll need to have all the locks changed and the doors secured as soon as you can. If there has been a previous tenant in that property, chances are someone else has multiple copies of the keys to your now new home. Even if the previous owner gave you all the keys, you’ll never know if they have been duplicated beforehand.
So, just to be safe, call a locksmith and get all the locks switched to brand-new ones. If you have the budget, you can also increase the overall security features of your new address as long as you inform your landlord about your plans beforehand. Also, come up with a plan on what you should do in case you get locked out of your own place.
Switch ’em On! See if all your utilities are working properly.
Inform the utility companies as soon as you can that as the new occupant, all the bills should now be under your name, such as the electricity, gas, water, trash, and sewer. Give them a call and let them know about the changes, so they can make adjustments accordingly.
You’ll also need a Wi-Fi connection at your new place, so dial the numbers and ask how soon you can get one arranged. If you moved to an entirely new country, your Wi-Fi may be offered as a bundle along with your new phone line. After checking everything and you realize there are some issues with your electric supply, call a licensed and experienced electrician in the neighborhood and see if you can get them fixed as soon as possible.
Help your furry friends adjust to the new environment
Changes can be stressful, not just for you but for your pets as well. It might take them some time to get acclimated to their new home, so help them get adjusted as soon as possible. If you’ve prepared a special box for your cats and dogs, take them out of the truck and put them somewhere where they can freely play with it.
Just like humans, pets find it a lot easier to adjust quickly to a new living arrangement if they’re presented with things they’re familiar with, whether it’s their favorite chew toys, blankets, and treats.
