You finally got a Clear to Close from your lender, you’re packing up your stuff to move to the Atlanta area home of your dreams, and the excitement is electric. But before you load the moving truck, as a new homebuyer, there are a few important things you should take care of.
1. CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS
Stop by your local post office or visit the United States Postal Service’s website to change your address. Doing it early ensures that your mail will make as smooth a transition as you do. A side benefit to changing your address is the coupon package that comes with the form. That 10% off Lowe’s discount will surely come in handy in a new home.
2. UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFO
Change your address online with creditors, financial institutions, schools, publications, and anyone else that is important. Your change of address form from the post office will forward your mail but going right to the source will ensure your new address is on file.
3. TELL YOUR MAILMAN YOU’RE MOVING AND SAY “THANK YOU”
A little gratitude goes a long way when it comes to forwarding mail.
4. CHANGE THE LOCKS
So many people move into a new place and use the same locks and keys that were provided to us. The problem is, “You really don’t know who else has keys to your home,” said HouseLogic. “That ensures you’re the only person who has access. Install new deadbolts yourself for as little as $10 per lock or call a locksmith — if you supply the new locks, they typically charge about $20-$30 per lock for labor. Start with the main lock and change the others overtime if budget is a constraint.
5. GET THE HOUSE DEEP CLEANED
The previous occupants probably cleaned the house, or had it cleaned when they left. But is it up to your standards? Get a crew in there before you move in. It’ll be money well spent.
Make sure the crew also gets inside the closets, cabinets, and drawers. You don’t want to start your new life with someone else’s crumbs and dust bunnies.
Note that even brand-new homes need a once over to be sure no contractor debris remains.
6. CLEAN THE CARPETS TOO
This is another area where you will probably want to focus a little energy – unless you’re a fan of “germ hotspots,” said Huffington Post. The blog reported that carpets are “botanical and zoological parks…that can be 4,000 times dirtier than your toilet seat,” said microbiologist Dr. Philip Tierno, according to Men’s Health. Let that set in for a moment.
7. CALL AN EXTERMINATOR
Nothing ruins your first night in a new house like critters scurrying across the floor.
8. RESEARCH UTILITIES
The current providers may or may not be the best (or only) options. Deregulation in some areas means competitive rates for utilities that can pay off for you. Be sure to ask about any new user discounts for cable or satellite, and, also for bundling packages that might be available.
9. SHUT OFF THE UTILITIES ON THE HOUSE YOU’RE MOVING FROM
Sounds like a given, but it’s one of the most common errors people make when moving—an error that can turn out to be costly when you’re paying double utilities.
If you sold a home to move to your new home, be sure to coordinate your cutoff date with the new buyer.
10. ALERT YOUR SERVICE PROVIDERS
Let your gardener and anyone else that services your home regularly know you are moving. Details like this can be easily overlooked during a move. Giving ample notice will allow them time to try to replace the business if you’re moving out of their service area.
11. IT’S A GREAT TIME TO REDUCE OLD BAGGAGE
The only thing worse that having boxes of stuff you don’t use and don’t need crowding your space is carting them from house to house. Days disappear quickly when you’re packing and preparing to move. If you are at all concerned you won’t have time for a garage sale or even to drive to the local donation spot, take advantage of charities that will come to your house and do a pickup. Then all you’ll need to do is haul the stuff to the front porch and bring in your tax receipt once they’re done.