For new-home buyers moving in anytime from November through January, organization can make all the difference in the experience. So, too, can treating the move-in process as a holiday gift in itself.
The upcoming move might be the perfect excuse for a minimalistic holiday season. Instead of elaborately decorating the old house like usual, save time and energy for more constructive pursuits that will simplify the move and ensure you don’t forget important tasks.
To prepare, let’s review a checklist of tasks to finish in advance so there are as few surprises as possible come moving day.
Plan storage systems
There’s nothing better than a beautiful new home. Except, perhaps, a well-organized, beautiful new home.
The decision to have closet and garage organization and storage systems installed before move in can save the new homeowner time. If the systems aren’t in place on moving day, you’ll either not want to unpack or you’ll have to repack and unpack again later.
During the last stages of construction before move in, choose closet organization systems and garage storage and organization systems. Consider lighting alternatives, modular shelving, drawers and hooks that can make each space more comfortable.
Come moving day, everything will have a permanent place.
Stop and start utilities and services
Contact your utility providers and discuss the shut-off dates of your old home as well as the new home.
Remember power, water and broadband services. If you work from home and need to set up a home office network, make those arrangements in advance so you don’t miss a day’s work.
Check your calendar for regular services that may only happen a few times a year but still need canceling. These might include scheduled roof gutter cleanings, pest control, HVAC repairs or the security system.
Just as important on both ends of the move are stopping or starting garbage pickup, lawn or garden services and newspaper delivery. Set up an account with the U.S. Postal Service for the new address and have all mail from the old home forwarded.
Will you want a security system in the new home? That also can be set up before the move. Many builders even include home security in their smart-home packages.
Change your address
While setting up mail forwarding is a good first step, remember everyone else who needs to know where you are. Use this as an opportunity to send an early holiday card to friends and family displaying the change of address, for instance.
Within the first week of moving in, ensure that banks, creditors and other organizations such as Social Security, the IRS and your employers have the new address. Complete a new voter registration form with the Secretary of State’s Office. Within a month of moving, visit the DMV online or in person to update your driver’s licenses or state IDs.
Don’t forget the pets! Ensure contact information on dog and cat tags is updated. Call the veterinarian and the pet insurance company with the new address.
Registrations and warranties
As soon as you own the home, you own every brand-new thing in it. But warranties and service agreements are only effective if you sign up for them. Activate these immediately for each appliance.
Some builders may help you register the appliances. If not asked, request access to appliance manuals and registration forms as early as possible.
The builder will also furnish you with several types of home warranties. To lighten the load of reading when the new-home sale is complete, ask for copies of these in advance. Bring questions to the builder on the closing date or earlier.
Itemize belongings
Whether packing yourself or hiring professionals, it’s a good idea to take photographs of each room’s contents before the move. Check that list during the move to make sure nothing was left behind or lost.
Keep a list or use a numbering and labeling system for each piece of furniture or box.
Self-pack the items you’ll want right away on move-in day. For families with children, these might include some special toys, games and books that can keep the kids busy during the move.
Next, make sure everything made it to the new home by spending some time in the old home after the moving truck leaves. Check every drawer, closet and corner. Then leave the past behind and get ready to unpack a new life in your new home.
