Homebuyer Tip: We’ve Moved – settling into your new home
Aug. 13, 2013
You’ve just finished moving into your new home. It’s been hectic, stressful and exciting, but now it’s time to kick back and enjoy the new digs.
Alas, the settling-in phase involves more than arranging furniture and unpacking boxes.
Here are some must-dos when you move from A to B, according to the HGTV FrontDoor and ZipRealty websites:
1. Change your address: You can visit the local post office – it’s handy to know where it’s located
– or go to the U.S. Postal Service website to complete a change of address form. Contact banks
and financial companies to let them know you’ve moved.
2. Transfer utilities and services. Change electricity, gas, water, cable, phone and Internet to your
new address.
3. Secure your home. Have a locksmith switch out outside door locks; change the garage door
opener codes; and keep valuable papers in a secure location or off site.
4. Check safety features. Make sure devices such as smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors,
fire extinguishers, etc. are working.
5. Locate the main circuit breaker. Make sure it’s clearly labeled so you know which breaker turns
off which area. Also, find water shutoffs.
6. Explore the area. Check out the nearest grocery store, park, gas station, bank, hospital, library
school, etc.
7. Research services. Find out who provides trash or recycling services and the schedule for your
neighborhood.
8. Vehicle information. Locate and contact your local DMV to change your driver’s license and
vehicle information.
9. Be civic. Register to vote.
10. Be neighborly. Meet the neighbors.
