August 9, 2023 Posted in Housing Tips

Setting the Stage – 7 Things to Do When Moving to a New Home

Moving to a new home can be both exciting and overwhelming, but it’s the perfect time to set the stage for a fresh beginning. From unpacking boxes to adding personal touches, there are a few essential things to do when settling into your space. Whether it’s organizing your belongings or exploring the neighborhood, these seven tips will help you create a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere in your residence. Let’s get started.

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When you are relocating to a new place, update your address, transfer your utilities, and plan a cleaning session. Have a thorough walkthrough of the premises and get ready for the arrival of your movers, unpack your belongings, and decorate the space. Get to know your surroundings and neighbors for a fresh start.

What to Do When Moving Into a New Home?

Relocating to another house can be an overwhelming experience, as there are so many things to do when moving into a new home – from dealing with paperwork to discovering your local area and getting acquainted with the nearby facilities. But where should you start? To avoid relocation stress, follow the list below with seven helpful tips.

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#1 Make a Moving-To-A-New Home Checklist

To help you stay on track and ensure a smooth transition, it’s essential to create a comprehensive relocating-to-a-new-house checklist. One of the best relocation hacks is having these on your hand, as they can help you plan out your relocation and settling-in process to a tee. Here are some key to-do lists to have:

Organize and Prioritize Tasks Before Moving Across the Country

To stay on top of things and skip headaches when you reach your destination, organizing and prioritizing tasks beforehand is a must. Highlight essential tasks such as choosing the right cross-country moving company, picking the right long-distance moving services, transferring utilities, and updating your address. Break down large tasks into smaller manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed, and set deadlines for each of them to ensure everything is done before you leave.

A person making a checklist before cross-country moving
Creating checklists will keep you on track and organized

#2 Update Your Address and Transfer Utilities

One of the greatest relocation tips we can give you is to not forget to change your mailing address and transfer your utilities. This may appear to be a minor operation, but it is critical to guarantee that your mail is delivered to the correct location and key services are not disrupted. You don’t want to deal with the inconvenience of missing bills, important mail, or interrupted services. Inform your internet, energy, water, gas, and other providers of the alteration.

Begin by notifying everyone from the post office, insurance, to bank of your address change so that your mail can be forwarded. United States Postal Service (USPS) even offers you the option to update your address online. Then, contact your utility companies to transfer or create new accounts for you. Finally, be sure to notify your family, friends, and coworkers with your updated info so they may contact or visit you once you’ve settled in. This will help maintain a hassle-free transition.

#3 Have a Thorough Walkthrough of Your House

The first thing you should do when you relocate to another state and reach your destination is to have a thorough walkthrough of your house. It’s amazing how much you can notice just by taking a closer look at each room. You might discover items that need organizing or fixing.

Additionally, you can spot any areas that require deep cleaning or redecorating. A walkthrough allows you to familiarize yourself with each corner of your residence while making notes of everything that should be fixed, changed, or tackled before your belongings arrive.

Check Installations, Locks, and Security Systems

The second thing on your walkthrough adventure should be checking your installations, locks, and security systems. Taking a few minutes to inspect these aspects can go a long way in safeguarding your property and loved ones.

Be sure that all doors and windows are properly secured, and take note of any signs of wear or damage. Test your alarm and surveillance systems to ensure they are functioning correctly. By being proactive and vigilant, you will have a piece of mind knowing that your property is well-protected and nothing needs to be upgraded.

When it comes to arranging the setup of essential services, it’s important to be sure that everything is in place for smooth operations. Start with electricity – check whether the power supply is connected, and ensure enough outlets are available for all of your lighting, appliances, and gadgets.

Next up are water and plumbing. Ensuring there’s a clean water supply, proper plumbing connections, and sewage disposal in place is crucial for everyday functioning. Lastly, you should set up the internet and phone services and check if your services are appropriately transferred.

An electrician repairing a fuse box
Have a security check for a piece of mind

#4 Deep Clean Your Residence Before the Long-Distance Moving Company Arrives

Every relocation symbolizes a perfect mix of excitement and stress. To ensure a smooth transition, it’s essential to deep cleanse your residence before movers arrive with your possessions. Now it’s the best moment to leave behind the dirt and grime of the past and start afresh.

Begin by tackling each room, dusting furniture, wiping down surfaces, and vacuuming carpets. Don’t forget those hard-to-reach spots like ceiling fans and baseboards. Pay special attention to the kitchen and bathroom, thoroughly scrubbing countertops, appliances, showers, toilets, and fixtures.

Wiping down walls and windows will give your place a polished look. Deep cleaning not only ensures a clean, organized space but also makes unpacking less stressful. By investing some time and effort now, you’ll be able to settle down with ease and enjoy the beginning of this chapter of your life.

Make a List of Things You Should Buy for Cleaning Your Home

If you want to spruce up your residence, here’s the best cleaning list of what to buy when moving into a new home. Trust us, having the right supplies can create a world of difference. So here’s what you’ll need:

  • All-purpose cleaner – perfect for tackling multiple surfaces,
  • Degreaser – fabulous solution for tackling stubborn grease on kitchen tiles, elements, and floors,
  • Microfiber cloths – great for dusting and polishing,
  • Broom and dustpan – essential for sweeping away dirt and debris.,
  • Vacuum – a must-have item for floors, carpets, and hard-to-reach areas,
  • Mop and bucket – for shiny, squeaky-clean floors,
  • Window cleaner – handy for streak-free crystal-clear windows,
  • Scrub brushes – ideal for scrubbing away tough stains,
  • Toilet brush and bleach solution – keep that throne sparkling fresh,
  • Gloves – protect your hands from hard chemicals.

Now you’re all set to make your castle shine like never before. Happy cleaning!

Clean Your Backyard and Garage Space as Well

Cleaning your backyard and garage space is important for maintaining a tidy and organized outdoor living area, and it provides numerous benefits. That’s why you should check these things:

  • Paint the boards of your patio,
  • Fix railings,
  • Unclog your grooves,
  • Rid your pathways of dirt and weed,
  • Mow your law,
  • Gather fallen leaves,
  • Inspect your roof,
  • Wash your walls.

With a clean backyard, you have the perfect space to unwind, entertain guests, or simply enjoy some fresh air. Additionally, a grease and dirt-free garage allows for an easier unpacking and sorting process of your tools and equipment and, in the end, parking your vehicles.

woman-cleaning-a-home
Let it all shine for a bright and fresh beginning

#5 Prepare for the Arrival of Your Movers From Seattle to California

After meticulously cleaning everything, you must protect all your hard work from being destroyed during the unloading process. That is why you should go above and beyond by using coveralls or leftover cardboard to protect your floors and carpets.

If you’ve got a house, designate a toilet on the lower level of the property where the long-distance movers can freshen up. Finally, depending on the time of year you are relocating, you should provide appropriate beverages and snacks to keep your hired cross-country movers energized.

#6 Unpack Your Belongings Efficiently

In case you are handling the unpacking yourself, to do the job efficiently, it would be helpful to have a plan in place. Begin with organizing your boxes by room, which should be labeled on your boxes. Begin with unpacking the moving essentials, such as setting up your bed and furniture, and organizing your kitchen essentials.

This will give you a sense of familiarity and make the rest of the unpacking process more manageable. As you unpack, try not to get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of stuff. Take breaks when needed and reward yourself with small treats. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your items don’t need to be completely unpacked in one go.

Take things slowly, prioritize what’s most important, and tackle one room at a time. By staying organized and focused, you’ll be able to unpack efficiently and turn your place into a cozy and comfortable space for living. If you want some guidance, watch the video below to learn some tips for an easier unpacking process.

Make the Space Feel Like Home

When it comes to making the area feel like yours, bare walls, floors, and empty counters are a no-no. This is the right moment to channel your inner artist and interior designer. Put some greenery around the perimeter of the space, hang some art pieces, set decorative cushions on your furniture, and light some colorful candles.

Place large mirrors on your walls to collect natural light that seeps in through the windows, or decorate them with artistic wallpapers. Finally, cover your floors with strategically placed rugs, and you’ve got yourself a place to call home.

Kitchen decorated after long-distance moving
Allow your inner artist to shine and style the space to make it uniquely yours

#7 Get Familiarized With Your Neighborhood

Exploring and getting familiar with your neighborhood is an exciting adventure waiting to happen. Take strolls through the streets, discovering charming and hidden gems you never knew existed. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, absorbing the sights, sounds, and flavors that make your neighborhood unique. Whether it’s enjoying a picnic in the park or attending community events, embracing your surroundings fosters a sense of belonging.

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Check the Proximity to Amenities

When looking for a place to live, it’s important to check the proximity to amenities. Having essential services like grocery stores, pharmacies, parks, schools, coffee shops, and restaurants nearby can greatly enhance convenience and quality of life.

Imagine being able to walk to the grocery store in minutes or easily access recreational activities without traveling long distances. It’s worth considering the location and ensuring that all the amenities you frequently use are within easy reach.

Meet Your Neighbors and Connect Socially

Getting to know your neighbors can be a great way to foster a feeling of community and meet people. Reaching out and introducing oneself opens the door to potential social relationships and a local support network. Participating in community activities or simply starting up a conversation may result in lifetime friendships.

View of a neighborhood
Set aside some time to get to know your neighbors and familiarize yourself with the environment

Enjoy Your Location and Let Our Movers in California and Seattle Handle Your Relocation

Be sure to fully immerse yourself in your surroundings as you embark on this exciting journey. Let the stunning scenery, dynamic culture, and vibrant life captivate you and leave the daunting task of relocation to the trusted California-Seattle Express. With our professional packing services and vast experience in this field, you can leave the logistics of your relocation to us while you enjoy every moment of this adventure. Contact us today, and let us support you and cheer you on your exciting journey.

Diana Road

A talented writer from Wichita, Kansas, with a passion for helping people navigate the stressful process of moving. With her extensive knowledge of the moving industry, Diana has become a go-to resource for useful info

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