You’ve done the big step of finding a new home, calling your moving company, and moving into your new place. You even followed the pre-move checklist, but now what?
At Atlanta Peach Movers, our services don’t stop at the move. Let us help remove any extra stress from your moving experience by following these next steps for you post-move so you can stay organized and enjoy your new home.
In the first month after moving, we recommend that you:
Unpack
Start with the contents of your suitcase, kitchenware, bed linens, and other essentials. After you’ve unpacked these items, go room by room until you’ve finished unpacking the rest of the house.
Clean the new house
There’s nothing better than a fresh start in a new and clean home. During the first week after your move, give your place a good thorough cleaning. This includes mopping, vacuuming, and dusting all surfaces. If you don’t have the time, try hiring a professional cleaning crew to come and give it a deep clean.
Explore the new neighborhood
New to town? Walk, drive, or bike around the new neighborhood to get a good sense of the area. By exploring the new community, you’ll be able to find nearby grocery stores, parks, schools, museums, libraries, and pharmacies.
Change the locks
One of the best ways to keep your house safe and secure after a move is by changing the locks. There’s no telling who the former residents gave their keys to over the years. If changing the locks is too much at first, try installing an additional deadbolt or other security equipment instead.
Figure out trash pickup
To figure out pickup days, try asking a neighbor or calling your city’s sanitation department for details.
Check smoke alarms
Are your smoke alarms beeping? Do you know if the batteries were recently changed? You may need to change the batteries as soon as possible. In addition, you should purchase a carbon monoxide detector for each floor in your home.
Call pest control
Arrange for an exterminator to pay a visit to your new home to identify any potential bug problems.
Change your IRS address
Those moving should update their information with the IRS to ensure that they receive tax refunds and correspondence. You can do so by either writing your new address in the appropriate boxes on your tax return or by using Form 8822 to submit an address at any time.
Update driver’s license
If you have a car and moved to a new state, you’ll need to get a new driver’s license from your state’s DMV. Many states require new residents to obtain a driver’s license within a specific time window after moving. You may need an existing driver’s license, proof of residency, social security number, or an additional form of identification.
Register to vote
Visit or call your town hall about changing your voter registration. Tip: when you visit the DMV to get a driver’s license, you may be able to also register to vote.
Meet the neighbors
After you move in, introduce yourself to your new neighbors. Don’t be afraid to ring the doorbell and say “hi.” Most people will appreciate the gesture, and you might make new friends in the process.
Register your pet
Whether you’re moving out-of-state or across county lines, you should look into registering your pet during the first few weeks post-move. Requirements may vary depending on the state, many areas require owners to register their pets and purchase a license within a month of moving.
Schedule an electrician
Find an electrician to come to your new house to check any outlets that don’t work or are overheating. They should also be able to assist with hanging light fixtures, and assessing whether or not your electrical panel needs to be updated.
Sit back and relax
Now that everything on your list is complete you can relax and enjoy your new life in your new home!
Moving can be overwhelming and sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. Between cleaning, unpacking, updating documents, and getting your family settled in there’s a lot to do. If you follow our post-move checklist to tackle everything you’ll hopefully get settled in quicker. The faster you complete your tasks, the faster you get to start enjoying your new home.
Still in need to move? Reach out to request a quote on our moving services.
