Moving Into Your First House? Don't Overlook These Essential Steps

Moving into your first house is such an exciting experience. There's so much to look forward to, from decorating to finally having a place to call your own. 

However, amidst all the excitement and the hustle of packing, it can be easy to miss some important details. Follow these essential steps to make sure your move is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Before the move

Ensure the moving company is legitimate

Before you hire a moving company, take some time to verify that they have the proper licenses and insurance. This way, you can feel confident that your items will be handled safely and securely during the move.

Measure the space in your new home

Imagine getting your favorite couch all the way to your new house only to find out it won’t fit through the doorway! 

To avoid this hassle, measure the doorways, hallways, and rooms in your new home ahead of time. This way, you’ll know exactly what will fit where, and you can plan your furniture placement accordingly.

Don’t forget to sort out the utilities

Before you move into your new home, arrange for the transfer of all your utilities, like electricity, gas, water, and internet. You don’t want to end up moving into your new place and realize you don’t have any lights or Wi-Fi! 

Inform everyone about your new address

Once you’ve settled in your new home, notify all the important people and places. This includes the post office, your bank, subscription services, and anyone who might send you mail. 

Know what the moving company won’t transport

Moving companies often have a list of items they won’t transport, known as the "non allowables" list. 

This can include things like hazardous materials, plants, or perishable food. To avoid any surprises or last-minute stress, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with this list well before moving day. 

Label all boxes clearly

Make sure to label each box with the room it belongs to and a brief description of its contents. This will save you a lot of time and frustration when you start unpacking in your new home. 

Have a box of essentials

Moving day can be hectic, and it might take a little while to get everything unpacked and organized. 

To make your first few days in your new home easier, pack a separate box with all the essentials you’ll need right away. This box should include items like toiletries, medications, phone chargers, and a change of clothes. 

After moving

Give your new home a deep clean

Before you start unpacking and settling into your new house, take the time to clean it thoroughly. Even if the place looks clean, a deep clean will ensure everything is fresh and ready for you. 

This is especially important for getting rid of any dust, dirt, or allergens that might be lingering from the previous occupants.

Change the locks for safety

As you never really know how many people might have a copy of the keys from the previous owners, changing the locks gives you peace of mind.

It ensures that you and your family are the only ones with access to your new home, helping you feel secure as you settle in.

Budget for extra costs

Moving into a new home often comes with surprise expenses that you didn’t plan for. It might be minor repairs, extra furniture, or other things you need to buy. 

To avoid stress, it’s smart to set aside some extra money in your budget for these unexpected costs. 

Move without stress and avoid costly last-minute errors

Moving can be super exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t have professional help and have to rely on the help of friends and family members.

That’s where Shively's Moving and Storage comes in. We can help make the process much easier with our expert planning, experienced movers, and dependable storage options. Get a free estimate today!