You’ve done the research, created a budget, did the tours and finally, after countless hours found the perfect starter home! The hard part is over, now it’s time to focus on prepping for the move. Luckily we have created a first-time homebuyer checklist to make the process as easy as possible.
After Contract
- Schedule Full Home, Radon, Termite or other needed inspections.
- Contact utilities to have utilities transferred into your name at closing and if install is required, get that scheduled.
- Contact a locksmith to have the locks changed after closing.
- Set up home insurance.
- Measure and order closets to have the additional storage in place before move-in.
- Assess storage needs for basement or garage or where ever else you will store and order additional storage.
- Contract a moving truck or contact a mover for quotes.
- Go through your belongings and figure out the number/type of boxes needed and purchase them.
Packing
Start with the least frequently used items for packing so that the things you need are still handy.
- Basement items
- Out of season clothing
- Entertainment ware
- Books
Pack important documents (passports, tax forms, birth certificates, auto registrations, etc.) but keep them with you during the move. Don’t put them on a truck or in someone else’s care, you might need them and don’t want to risk losing them!
After Closing but Before Move-In
These can be done after move-in but easiest to do in an empty house!
- Update interior paint.
- Update light fixtures if needed.
- Replace flooring if needed.
- Clean carpets if needed.
- Install closets, garage or basement storage.
- Make repairs (if the repair wasn’t the responsibility of prior owners).
- Replace toilet seats.
- Clean the house top to bottom.
- If there is a long enough delay between closing and move-in you may need to cut grass or hire someone to do it.
- Fill out change of address with USPS to forward mail from your old address to your new address.
Move-In Day
- Keep cash on hand to tip movers or buy lunch.
- Have some tools on hand for assembly.
- Bring toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates and plastic utensils.
- Bring a cooler of drinks and ice.
- Have a change of clothes available for each family member in case.
- Have towels available as well as some toiletries for your first night in the house.
- First thing to assemble…beds…so you don’t have to sleep on the floor.
- Don’t bring pets or small children with you on move in day. Have someone watch them. They will be underfoot and you will get more done and faster without the interruptions. Pets in a new environment will be confused and might run!
Use our expert tips and tricks to reduce some of your moving stress because we want you to enjoy every minute of it, as it’s an exciting time! Upgrade the closet systems in your new home with the Organized Living online Design Tool.
