First Things to Do When Moving into a New Home

While you've had plenty to do and organize leading up to your move, there are some things that should be done right away (or before your belongings arrive) when you move into your new place. Here are some tips for you to follow to help make it a smooth transition and make you feel right at home in your new place.

Lights, power, action.

Contact your new utility companies — electric, gas, water, telephone, garbage, sewer, telephone, cable and Internet — to get all services put into your name. It is best to call the utility companies as soon as you know your move-in date and get them turned on the day before you move. You don't want to start moving your belongings in without any heat/air conditioning, lighting or a refrigerator. That would make for a very long day.

Bye-bye bugs.

Have an extermination company come and spray your house, preferably before movers bring your belongings into the home. You never know what has been living there, especially if the house has been vacant for a while.

Clean, clean, clean!

It's easiest to clean the home before your moving company brings your belongings in, as you will not have to move anything out of the way to get to every nook and cranny of the house. Wipe down the floorboards, floors, windows, counters, cabinets, shelves, drawers, etc. This will help to make it feel like your home. Steam clean the carpets; run the dishwasher and washing machine; and clean the oven, refrigerator and freezer. And you might even want to get new toilet seats.

Find the mains.

Know where your main circuit breaker is and make sure each switch is labeled properly. Of course, the electricity needs to be turned on already in order to test the labeling. In addition, locate the main water shut-off valve.

No smoking allowed.

Check to make sure there are enough smoke detectors in the home and test each one. Plan your evacuation routes in case of an emergency. Also, make sure there is a fire extinguisher on each floor.

The boo-boo bag.

Make sure you have a first aid kit in a centralized location and everyone knows where it is. Moving and unpacking can cause many scrapes and bruises.

Who's there?

Change the locks on your doors. While you probably received a few sets of keys at closing, there could be others out there floating around. You wouldn't want someone you don't know walking in your house.

Where's the toilet paper?

Unpack your "Open First" box, which contains the essentials you will need right away, such as toilet paper, soap, toothpaste, trash bags, cups and plates, scissors, snacks and paper towels.

What's your address?

Change your address with the post office, credit card companies, banks, insurance company and magazine subscriptions. Also, change your automobile registration, driver’s license and voter registration information.

There are many things to do when you move into a new house, but by following these basic tips you will be well on your way to making your new house a home