Moving is exciting. And exhausting. There is a whole lot to
do. Packing and unpacking, emptying and reloading cabinets and drawer. You may
even be painting and remodeling.
Every day, I meet people who are immersed in the moving
process as they are signing closing documents. They usually have their heads
and hands full of things to do. But there are a few more items I want to tell
them to take care of before they finish unpacking.
I’ve moved more than 20 times, including eight home
remodels, which helped me come up with a list of eight essential tasks that you
may not think about when moving. Make it a goal to complete these in the first
couple of days of your move.
Tackle these eight items first. If you’re overwhelmed, hand
this list to someone who loves you and ask them to assist.
Here are eight important things to do when you first move
in:
1. Change the locks. It’s not expensive. My favorite company is Mr. Rekey. They
charge about $100 for 6 key holes. Reprogram your garage door opener codes too.
While your sellers might be nice, honest folks moving out of state, you don’t
know who else has a key to the property.
2. Locate emergency shut offs. Understand how to shut off
the water and power in your home. You’ll sleep better knowing this.
3. Check and service smoke alarms. Smoke alarms and CO
monitor batteries should be checked and replaced regularly in order to function
properly. Since you may not know the age of the devices and batteries in your
new home, consider starting fresh.
4. Change your A/C filters. This will help clear out the
dust that’s been kicked up during the move. A clean filter also helps your
system function more efficiently and extends its life.
5. Check pilot lights. Check the pilot lights on stove,
water heater, gas fireplace, and furnace. Since utilities have been
transferred, there could be a need to relight them.
6. Learn to use appliances. Learn how to operate any
appliances in the home that are new to you. This includes fireplaces, icemaker,
garbage disposal, etc. There may be important operation or care instructions
necessary for proper function and safety. If you don’t have manufacturer
owner’s manuals, look them up online.
7. Label wall switches and electrical boxes. I always
label switches in my house with small printed labels that note if the switch is
a light, fan, disposal, porch, garage, etc. It makes everyone’s lives easier.
8. Ignore the junk mail. You’ll be bombarded with official
looking letters marked “urgent”, “important”, “official” and “response needed”.
Ignore all offers for mortgage protection insurance, deed records, and filing
your homestead exemption. Titles and deeds are filed with the county by the
title company and a separate paper copy is worthless. You can file your
homestead exemption online for free.
Happy moving! [where: 75230]
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