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Congratulations on purchasing a new home! But finding the perfect home is just the start. Once you’ve moved in and the moving truck is gone, there are a few more things that still need to be done. Ernest Homes caters to a range of buyers and while they are all different, we’ve provided a guide for moving into a new home that is fit for everyone. Whether you’re moving to a new town or state or just need general moving tips, here’s a checklist of things to do after moving. Read on to learn more!

Tips to Transitioning to a New Town or State

1. Set Up Utilities and Services

One of the first things you’ll want to do after moving is make sure all of your utilities, services, and accounts are connected and working. This includes electricity, gas, water, sewage, cable, phone, and internet. If you’ve moved far, you may even need to update your bank accounts if your current bank is not offered in your new area. Then, make sure everything is in working order so you can enjoy the simple luxuries of modern life.

2. Schedule an Appointment at the DMV

If you’ve moved to a new state, stop by the DMV to get a new driver’s license and new tags for your vehicle(s). If you’re still in the same state, make sure you update your ID and tags with your new address. To avoid the hassle of a potentially long wait at the DMV, consider scheduling an appointment. You can also check online or call to see if there’s anything you can do online to speed up the process, such as prefilling out necessary forms.

3. Update Your List of Emergency Contacts

Now that you’re in a new location, having an updated list of emergency contacts is a great way to have peace of mind in case of an emergency. Make sure your list contains local phone numbers and addresses for the police department, nearby hospitals, the fire department, and other emergency services.

4. Update Your Address

Along with the post office, you’ll want to update your address in a few other places. Change the address for any previous subscriptions you may have participated in, as well as your frequently used online shopping sites and mobile apps.

5. Transfer Medical Records

Along with finding a new health provider, you’ll want to make sure all of your records are transferred to them. Any new insurance updates should also be included, so you’re well-prepared in case of an unexpected health issue.

6. Don’t Forget About Children & Pets

If you have small children and pets, make a note to organize what you’ll need to prepare for their transition as well. This could include registering your kids for school, baby-proofing the home, finding a new vet, and getting pets acclimated to a new home and area.

7. Keep Tabs On Moving Receipts

Gather moving receipts and documentation and put them in a safe place. Include items from the sale of your old home (if applicable), papers from the moving company or truck you used, and everything you accumulated from the purchase of your new home. This information may be helpful during tax time.

8. Learn Your New Surroundings

It’s important to get familiar with your new area. While you could simply Google search for local goods and services, physically getting out of the house and experiencing them is much more fun! It’s also a great chance to meet new people and establish potential friendships.

General Moving Tips

1. Clean and Assess Your New Space

Before you start unpacking, it’s worth taking some time to make sure your home is as clean as you like. Especially the kitchen and bathrooms. You may also want to assess your living spaces and think about potential furniture arrangements.

2. Always Unpack Essentials First

It’s understandable to want to rush and unpack everything all at once. However, start with the most essential items. Having things quickly accessible for your morning and nightly routine will help to avoid endless searching when you’re too exhausted from moving. 

3. Take Inventory of Your Things and Check for Damage

Once you’ve gotten your furniture and moving boxes piled in, it’s time to make sure there are no damaged or missing items. Take inventory of your things as you unpack to confirm. If you’ve used a moving company or purchased insurance, you can easily file a claim or lodge a complaint for the damages.

4. Decorate and Organize

This can be one of the most fun parts of moving! Unpack things one at a time and get all of your belongings in their proper places with organizers, racks, and storage bins. Then, you can start putting up your previous decorations or have fun shopping for new decor that better fits your new home better.

5. Meet the Neighbors

Developing a community is an important part of living a full and healthy life. Start by getting to know your neighbors. This is a great way to create a sense of belonging and shared identity in your local area.

Having a checklist ready to go is a great way to prepare for moving. If you’re looking to make a move, but not sure yet where you want to live, Ernest Homes offers beautiful communities in Coastal Georgia. When you’re ready, contact us to get started.