Moving Checklist for First-Time Home Owners
The average American moves more than 11 times in their lives. No matter how many times you do, packing up and moving your belongings to a new home is always stressful. However, if you’re a first time home owner, you have more to do than just hire movers and load up your boxes. Here is a simple move-in checklist to help.
Contact Your Utility Providers
If you’re moving within the same city, you’ll likely be able to use the same utility providers you’ve already dealt with in the past, but you’ll need to let them know that you’re moving. Contact each utility company and give them the move-in date for your new home. Make sure you also tell them when you’ll be out of your current home so you won’t get charged for the new tenant’s utility use.
Update Your Address
Once you know where your new home is, update your address with your credit card company, bank, cell phone provider, insurance companies, and any other business you rely on each month. You’ll also want to update the billing information for your monthly subscription services. Before you move, it’s also a good idea to head to your local post office and fill out a change of address form and mail forwarding form. They’ll forward any mail that doesn’t have your updated address on it for a few months so you can make the necessary changes without missing out on important letters.
Get the Locks Changed
As a first time home owner, it’s up to you to keep your new house secure. The best way to do this is to change the locks on every exterior door. Hire an experienced locksmith to install them correctly. Remember, you don’t know who the previous owner gave keys to and the only way to protect your home and your belongings is to make sure those old keys can’t be used again.
Take Care of Repairs First
It’s always easier for workmen to fix issues or to install new features when they don’t have to worry about moving around your furniture and belongings. Schedule repair appointments before you plan to move in so your new home is in good condition from day one.
The Right Home Needs the Right Loan
As a first time home owner, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed with everything from moving in to taking care of repairs when they happen. If you find yourself struggling to finance those repairs or can’t seem to find the right loan to make your dreams happen, contact our team today.
