Move-In Checklist: What to Do Before You Unpack

With all of the excitement about moving into a new home, it’s easy to forget the important tasks you need to do. Certain things are best done before your boxes and furniture are moved into the house, so take some time to get everything in order before you move.

To help out, we put together the ultimate moving checklist. Before you start packing everything up, check out this moving checklist to make sure you’ve completed all of the important tasks before you settle in:

Turn on utilities

Electric, water, and gas all need to be operational when you arrive. Get all your utilities set up ahead of time because chances are, the seller will have them turned off on the closing date.

Set up internet and cable

If you plan on binge-watching your favorite TV show after you unpack everything, you need to have your home wired for service before you arrive.

Order an energy audit

Ordering a home energy audit is a great way to cut your energy bill. An energy audit is a professional assessment of your new home’s overall energy performance, which will show how energy-efficient your home is. If you get this done as soon as possible, you can make the related repairs before moving in.

Do a deep clean

It’s so much easier to do a deep clean when a house is completely empty. So, before you start moving in all of your stuff, take a minute to deep clean every room.

Change the locks

This can’t be done until after closing, but it’s a great safety measure to take.

Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

To protect your family from fires and other emergencies, make sure these are functioning properly.

Set up an alarm system  

If your home already has a security system installed, call the provider to confirm that the service is actually set up. If your home doesn’t have an alarm system, it definitely wouldn’t hurt to go ahead and get one.

Tackle major home renovations and repairs

Just like deep cleaning, major home renovations are better done when you’re not yet living in the home. The last thing you want to do is tiptoe around a construction zone after you move. If you want to redo the floors, repaint, or make any other renovations, do them in advance. Once the furniture shows up, these renovations usually won’t happen.

Get a home warranty

A home warranty covers the cost of repairing many home appliances and other items. This is a great way to ensure that you won’t be out a major amount of money as soon as you move in.

Buy fire extinguishers

It’s important to have a fire extinguisher for every level of your home. Make sure you know how to use it and that you have an escape route planned in the event of a fire.

Get to know your new house

Before you move everything in, figure out where the circuit breaker box and main water shut-off valve are located. This way you’ll be able to turn off the electricity or water in an emergency. It’s also a good idea to label your home’s electrical panel.

Forward your mail

So many people forget to update their address with the postal service before moving into their new home. Also, alert any magazine or newspapers that you’re subscribed to that you’ve moved.

Update your billing address 

Let your credit card companies, banks, or any other financial institutions know that you have a new address. If you frequently buy anything from a certain website, update your online profile with your new address to avoid future complications and headaches.

Moving into a new home is so exciting, but there are a lot of tasks that need to be completed before you start unpacking boxes and designing each room.

If you’re ready to put your house on the market or are looking for your dream home, let us help! At Drew Kern Real Estate, we’re experts in the South Florida market. Give us a call at 305-329-7744 and come meet us.