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7 Things to Do When You Move into Your New Home

October 17, 2016

Moving into a new home is exciting and at times, overwhelming. Between the coordination of the closing, preparing all the correct documents, meetings with the bank and transfer of utilities, there are a lot of things to remember. Here’s a list of 7 things to do once you close on your home.

1. Switch over utilities.
   Contact your energy and gas providers to transfer the services from the builder to your name. This can be done before the closing to ensure everything is ready to go once the home is officially yours.
2. Update your address.
   Notify the post office of a change of address and ensure that all mail is forwarded to your new address. You should also inform your bank, government entities (including the DMV), magazine subscriptions, credit card companies and insurance agencies. You can register your new address with the United States Postal Service online here: http://bit.ly/1Wmd4uU
3. Familiarize yourself with the home.
   You will have a final walk-through with one a builder representative before the closing, but it’s important that you are comfortable with the home once you are there alone. Check the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, make sure you know the location of the water shut off and the circuit breaker.
4. Organize all important documents.
   It is easy for things to get lost or misplaced during a move. Keep a file of all documents pertaining to your new home in one place, including receipts, builder information, closing documents and mortgage papers. Also, keep all instruction manuals and warranty documents for all of your new appliances. You may need them in the future.
5. Review the HOA Guidelines.
   Moving into a community with a Homeowners Association is new for some people and it is crucial to know the rules and regulations. Read over the HOA guidelines and be sure that you are familiar with what is allowed and what is not.
6. Introduce yourself to your neighbors.
   Don’t wait for your neighbors to come to you — go out and introduce yourself! They will help you get acquainted with your new community and introduce you to others who live there.
7. Remember the little things.
   Now that the home is officially yours, make sure you take preventative measures for the future. Replace your furnace filter, install gutters on your home, set up your garbage service, program your sprinkler system and water your shrubs.

Give yourself time to settle in and make the house your home. Most importantly, enjoy your new home!