Moving into a new house is a really exciting time in your life, but if you don’t make the necessary arrangements before you move. So the time you turn up at your new place, it can quickly become a very stressful experience.
Our ultimate new house checklist will help you to work out the right things to give you peace of mind once you’ve moved in.
What is the first thing to do when moving into a new house?
When you move into a new home, the first thing to do is check that all the arrangements you agreed upon are there. You don’t want any nasty shocks when you move in. If you have previously agreed that certain things are meant to be done, and few things need to be repaired, check all the things that have actually happened when you move in.
Make sure to check the home has a proper supply of water and that all the appliances you’ve inherited, like dishwasher and heaters, are working perfectly.
What should every house have?
From a comfort point of view, there are a few simple basics you need to ensure. Obviously, you need to check that all has been agreed with utilities, such as gas and electricity, as well as basic small appliances.
Every house needs a smoke detector, and ideally, a carbon monoxide detector, too. The house will also have a circuit breaker, which you need to locate on the first day. If you’re buying from understanding previous owners, they may well leave all of this information for you to help you with a smooth move.
Related: 5 Important Things to Do When Moving Into a New Home
On top of that, you’ll want a few added extras such as an internet connection, telephone, and of course, your furniture.
What documents do I need when buying a house?
It’s fair to say that there are quite a few documents that you will need to produce at some point when you are buying a house. A lot of these relate to your mortgage offer. On the day of your move, you should make sure that you have arranged all of the important documents relating to your move.
Purchase agreement
The purchase agreement is all about the contract you’ve made to buy the house. All of the tiny little details will be in there, including any agreed changes to the house or conditions of the sale. If you need to query anything, the purchase agreement is the document that you can fall back on.
Homeowners insurance. Is it required?
It’s not a good idea to undertake a move without this. Homeowners insurance service provides coverage for damage to your house and other structures on the property where your house is located.
On the day of moving, you need to make sure that you have already sorted this out. Speak to your insurer beforehand, and you can alert them of the day of your move. The policy for your old house should be canceled, and your new policy can go live on the day you actually make a move, so there is no gap in cover.
Related: 8 To-Dos to Make Your Dream Home Come True
Changing the Lock
Many people choose to change the locks right from the start. It’s the most secure way to complete a house move. People who have lived in your house previously can’t guarantee that keys haven’t been replicated at any point, and there could be a spare set kicking around somewhere. If you’re likely to worry about this and you feel it is more secure to make this change, now is the time.
If you do decide to get a locksmith out on the day, it is vital that you provide proof that you own the home, or they might not be willing to go through with the changes, so the documentation is even more important.
Related: The Ultimate Guide to Building a Functional Home
The Day Before The Move
There are certain things you should make sure you do before the move. You don’t want to get to the day where everything changes and find out that you haven’t got everything ready.
- Get your mail forwarded in case anything comes to your old address.
- Notify all the utility companies.
- Check that the removal company is coming, and the timings. Take photographs of your valuables to prove the condition they’re in.
- Clean your home and carry out anything you’ve agreed to do to the existing home. You might have certain things you need to do before the move goes through, or you may just wish to leave a note for the new owners.
- Plan your journey. This is especially important if you have a long distance to travel to your new place.
- Pack an overnight bag. You probably won’t get time to unpack everything the day you move in, so it is better to have everything you need for a day or two ready. Pack a bag just like you’re going to a hotel for a day.
A little bit of preparation can make sure that leaving your old house and arriving at a new one are both straightforward processes.
