- Unpack and check the condition of your goods. Run the appliances and electronics, and check whether they are working properly or not. Your insurance policy may have a limited time in which you can make a claim.
- After few hours of unpacking, go out for a walk and get to know a bit about your new neighborhood – nearby shops, medical stores, neighbors, public libraries, etc. Find out about public transport close to your new home.
- Fill in a Change of Address form with the post office which can be done online at http://www.usps.com. In the case that you are expecting a tax refund or other important mail, you should change your address with the IRS. Here is a list of other federal agencies you should notify about the change of address.
- Send your new address to any publications you subscribe to, as it can take up to eight weeks for the change to become effective.
- You will need a new driver’s license, as well as tags and plates for your vehicle in the new area. Consult your local DMV for the legit guidelines.
- Get in touch with your state’s election office if you want to change your address on your voter registration record.
- Get in touch with the local Visitor’s Bureau or Chamber of Commerce for materials you will need to get acquainted with the new town. This should include a map of your new area.
- All of your receipts and documents should be kept in a safe and secured place. File away all documents related to the move; you’ll need them for verification of moving expenses at tax time.
- This is the best time for a deep cleaning your new home, as all of your belongings will not yet be here. You will be able to clean the floors and windows with utmost ease. If you are having troubles with cleaning your new home by yourself, you can look into hiring a cleaning agency.
- Make sure to keep your new home free from pests by using a bug bomb and/or insecticides. It would be best to try and arrive at least a day earlier than your moving van’s arrival in order to fit these tasks in.
- For the safety of you and your family, change all the locks in the house. You can do this either before moving or on the moving day. This is important, as one never knows who else has keys to your new home.
- The garage door opener codes should be reprogrammed if necessary. All the window locks must be checked to see whether are working properly or not.
Check the existing security system. If you think the home needs additional security, you can check various security options such as:
- Door/window sensors
- Motion detectors
- Smoke detection sensors
- Breakage and leakage sensors
- Temperature change sensors
- Close-circuit television (CCT) and wireless video surveillance (VSS), which connect to a VCR or DVR
- You should know the access to the main and sub electrical panel boxes. Label the main circuit breaker so that you know about the functioning of the breakers in different areas of your home.
- Don’t forget to ask for the contact information of all the utility companies from the previous owner/realtor for your new home. Also, make sure to have the basic services in your name and turned on before moving in.
- All your flammable and hazardous substances should be kept away from pilot lights and water heaters. There must be a fire extinguisher on every floor. Make sure everyone knows about the emergency exits in case of a fire.
- The best way to unwind after a stressful moving is to enjoy a family meal at a nearby restaurant or to order something at your new place.
- Get a decent amount of sleep, as you will be needing rest after a long, tiring day of moving.
- If you are very interested in the news that’s happening around your neighborhood, you can buy a subscription to the local newspapers.