Moving to a new house is a gratifying experience. It’s like a huge burden has been lifted off your shoulders. All those days of constant worrying, thinking about whether you should do it or not, are finally over. You’ve done it. At last, you take a big step into your new home. It’s a whole ne—
HOLD UP.
The battle doesn’t end there. Sorry to interrupt the celebration, but you still have a load of things to take care of.
So why don’t you get started?
Here are seven things to do right after you move.
1. Make Sure Everything Got Delivered
The first thing you should do is make sure that all your belongings are in your new home. It’ll be awful if you’re making coffee then realize that the coffee pot is missing.
So, remember that inventory sheet the movers handed you before the move? Take that out and start checking if it matches your house inventory. It might take time, but it’s necessary so you can immediately notify the movers if something is missing.
2. Inspect for Damage
Once you’ve ensured that all your stuff is there, it’s time to check them for any sign of damage.
- Check to see if fragile items are still intact
- Look for any dents or noticeable marks on appliances
- Inspect furniture for cracks and crevices
- Examine the beds to see if any part got ripped off
If you find any damage that didn’t exist before the move, inform your moving company at once. Ask them for a claim and request form as they proceed to inspect your items.
Most moving companies require you to submit your claims within nine months after the move. Within this timeframe, your case will either be resolved or denied depending on the circumstances. If you still haven’t heard from them after 120 days, report the company to the Better Business Bureau or the FMCSA (the branch of the USDOT that regulates movers of household goods). This will prompt them to take action in order to protect their license.
3. Check your Utilities
Active utilities should be at the top of your priorities after the move. You’ll find it hard to start unpacking during the first few days if one or two of your utilities are non-functional or acting up. Needless to say, check to see if water and electricity are already up and running. Don’t forget to locate the valve and fuse box so you can readily access them in case of an emergency.
4. Create a To-Do List
The first few days after the move will be the hardest. You’ve got your hands full of things to do, from unpacking your items to arranging your furniture. It can get quite stressful, especially if you don’t have a plan. Creating a simple to-do list will work wonders. It can look like this:
- Day 1: Unpack all of my stuff
- Day 2: Bring the items and furniture to their respective rooms.
- Day 3: Arrange the bedroom
- Day4: Organize the kitchen
- Day 5: Put the paintings on the walls
And so on. You’ll be surprised at how smooth and doable the job gets when you have a plan to follow.
5. Set Up the Internet
Just like water and electricity, access to the Internet is a must-have. Besides being able to search for information, your security cameras might need Internet access to operate. Plus, you can easily upload pictures of your new home. People from your old place might be worried about how you’re doing. Let them know!
6. Child Proofing
Moving in with a baby or a toddler involves setting up necessary precautions all over the place. It’s rare, but babies can get mixed up in the mess when arranging the place. On top of that, you have one less thing to worry about if you get your little angel safely settled during the whole process.
7. Take Care of Your Pets
Unpacking, arranging, and furnishing can get tedious, especially when you got pets running around. Like toddlers, they’re more energetic and can cause you problems. Make sure to provide a separate cage for them as you work around the house. And don’t forget to give them treats for being a good boy!
Final Word of Advice
Once you got this list covered, you can proceed to unpack and put everything in place. One last tip, remember to take your time. Get productive and work at your own pace. It takes patience and effort to make your home the best place ever.