6 Simple Things to Do Before Moving Into a New Home

Congratulations! You signed on the dotted line, you said goodbye to landlords forever and you knocked that SOLD sign into the ground – the house is officially yours.

Enjoy it and bathe in the sweet success of equity!

Without being a party pooper, things are going to get very real very soon and there are a few things that you might want to do before you move into the house and make it your own.

These are what experts say are the six things to do before moving into your new home:

#1 — Borrow your real estate agent’s contacts

Well, it might not necessarily be as cheeky, but let’s face it: your real estate agent is like a walking network, so you might as well put him to good use for old times’ sake.

You are probably going to need the plumbing, electricity, and telephone lines to be sorted out, and you can bet that your agent has some contacts in those areas.

Ask him for a list of preferred providers that they trust and keep the list for future reference. That wouldn’t be too much to ask from him, no?

It will be one less thing to stress about and it will be a comfort knowing that they are recommended by the very person that led you to your dream home.

#2 — Time to get an energy audit

Besides doing the home inspection, an energy audit is a great way to save on your electricity bill.

During such an audit, you will be told how energy efficient your home actually is and what all there is for you to do in order to save more energy in the long run!

Besides the prospect of any additional spending, this audit will also identify shortcomings and inform you of what needs to be attended to, thereby saving you money.

#3 — Make sure to keep every receipt

As if you hadn’t figured it out by now, homeownership means you’ll have to start getting organized about everything!

During a move, important papers are the first things to go missing and you definitely don’t want to stress out over any slips that you might have lost along the way, especially if you are setting up a home office. Plus, you will be surprised at how many things are tax-deductible!

Make a folder and keep it with you, if possible, during the move!

Then when you get to your new home, file it in a safe place in the room where your office is going to be.

#4 — How about a doggie meet-and-greet

This is a great way for you to get to know the neighbors and for your dog to get to know the neighborhood, pick up on new smells, and get used to his or her new surroundings.

Hand out your details and let your neighbors get to know your dog in case he or she ever escapes the yard.

Plus, they might also be more forgiving when your beloved pup starts barking in the early mornings, all confused where it is, hours before it’s time for the world to wake up.

#5 — Hold off on painting those walls just yet

Living in your home unpacked may be something that you don’t necessarily want to do, but this will help you to see how light reflects the walls.

This is why you shouldn’t rush to paint the walls immediately:

• You might paint it a color that doesn’t suit the room and that you end up hating.
• Experts also note that light bulbs can change the hue of the color.
• Whilst walls are important, they can wait: it is far more important for you to repaint the ceiling before you unpack the boxes.

#6 — Throw a house party

Last, but not least, throw a good old fashioned house party!

See it this way: throwing a house party 4 weeks after moving in will give you a deadline to unpack those last few stubborn boxes before guests arrive.

And wow your guests with your efficiency and enjoy the evening in your very own home!