Double-Check Your Utility Status and Prepare for Delays
Few things are more irritating after a challenging move than a home without cable or internet service. People usually set up new billing locations and transfer services for utilities before a move. However, double-checking that these utilities are working should be part of your moving out checklist. Set up your internet connection, and test it on your devices. Test the power, and make sure that your water and gas services work. If your trash service isn’t set up yet, find an alternative local trash drop location. Make sure you have sufficient funds to spend a night or two in a hotel if your utilities aren’t on yet.
Change Every Lock and Consider a Security System
Make sure you change every lock, even the ones on screen doors, fences, and cellar doors. If someone held on to a key when they shouldn’t have, they could return. Saving a bit of cash by leaving the old locks in place just isn’t worth the risk. A home security system is also a good idea to maximize your family’s safety after your move. They range from simple door and window alarm setups to camera systems with internal and external motion sensors. Some are even professionally monitored, and you can check on your home from your computer or smartphone.
Refine Your New Home’s Interior
Your new home’s previous owners likely had different tastes and preferences than you and your family. Before you decide where to put all the furniture, make any necessary repairs and get rid of old or unsightly wallpaper or carpeting. You can make many kinds of simple renovations to give a bare room a bit more utility and style. The right upgrades can even increase the value of your home.
Adding built-in or recessed shelves to a study or workroom wall can give you extra space compared to standard bookshelves, and repainting can make a room look drastically different. New fixtures in the kitchen or the bathroom can make your home more attractive and convenient. If appliances like the dishwasher or the water heater are older, consider installing more efficient models. You can make up for the initial cost through utility savings over time.
If you have kids or pets, it’s a good idea to invest in stair runners. They’re specially designed carpets that run down your stairs, decreasing the likelihood of slips and falls by increasing traction. This simple addition also makes it easier to move everything upstairs as you’re putting it in place. If you want to set up a comfortable area in a part of your home that is open to a lot of sunlight, grab some standing shades. They prevent glare, provide added privacy, and insulate comfy corners from the busier, noisier parts of the house.
These simple steps will make transitioning into your new home a lot easier. Once they’re done, you can settle in knowing that your household is up and running, your family is safe, and your interior looks great. Enjoy your new home!