The first days after you move into a new home are probably going to be a bit of a blur. It’s not exactly been the easiest time to buy or sell a new property over the last couple of years, has it? At first, it seemed like prices were just going up and up as everyone suddenly wanted to move, and now with the rising cost of living, it’s become increasingly difficult to sell. So, if you have managed to find yourself a new home and you’re about to move in, you probably deserve a few days of just relaxing and taking it all in.
However, there are still going to be a lot of jobs to do now that you’ve got the keys and you’re all ready to go. Just because you’ve signed the contracts, that does not mean that it’s all plain sailing. Some of the tasks are pretty simple and only really need you to find the momentum to get them done, but others are a little more complicated and may require more planning and money.
Sort Out Your New Home Insurance
This might not be the cheeriest point to start off with, but it is very important. You’ll always hope that you’ll never actually need to use your home insurance, but it’s much better to have it and not need it than the alternative. If you have had home insurance at your old place, you need to update it as soon as you can. You might think that the policy should be the same, but most providers take the building itself and the area that it’s in into consideration when deciding on their premiums. If there’s anything incorrect or out of date on your policy, that might mean that they won’t pay for any damage, theft, or loss. It shouldn’t take too long to update, and it will definitely be worthwhile.
Say Hi To Your Neighbours
Moving on to a bit more of a fun one! It can be a bit isolating when you first move to a new neighbourhood, especially if you have come a long way. Even if you’re someone who likes to keep themselves to themselves, it is always going to be worth introducing yourself to your new neighbours. First, it’s a nice way to make sure that you’re seeing some familiar faces as soon as you can. Second, if your neighbours know who you are, then they are going to be more likely to let you know if there’s anything or anyone near your house that shouldn’t be. And third, it’s always a good idea to create a good relationship nice and early so that if you do need to do anything like to ask them to turn the music down on a weeknight, it should be a less difficult situation.
Identify Anything That Needs Fixing Fast
A surveyor will have taken a good look at your new property before the contracts were signed so you should have an idea of any issues that need addressing already. Hopefully, the list won’t be too long, but you should really make sure that you don’t put off dealing with them for too long. Remember that they are not going to be going anywhere, and even if the house is OK for the moment, you don’t want to be in a situation where something completely falls apart, and requires an urgent fix. Issues with your roof are a classic example. It’s one thing to notice a loose tile or two or worry if that’s a patch of dampness on the ceiling or just the way the light is catching it. But these things can really escalate, and it’s always a good idea to have a professional take a look at it. If you are looking for roofers near you, it’s important that you can see what other people have said about the quality of their services. At MyBuilder, you can put out your job for local roofers to bid on and then look at their reviews. More than 90% of jobs receive interest, so you know that you’ll be getting feedback sooner rather than later.
Get On Top Of Your Paperwork
It doesn’t matter how long the process of moving takes or how long you’ve given yourself to get all the admin done beforehand. There is always going to be at least one person or company that you haven’t notified about your change of address. With some people, it maybe doesn’t matter as much, but there are going to be several very important services that you need to sort out. To start with, think about whether you want to switch your energy supplier (and whether you could save money by switching or staying) or simply transfer it to your new place. It can sometimes take much longer to get your internet connection set up than you think so you should make that a priority. Don’t forget about getting set up for council tax at your new place too! From your TV license to your work, it’s best to notify people of changes of address as soon as you can. And if you want to ensure that you don’t miss any post from the old address, get a mail redirect set up.
Don’t Take Too Long Unpacking
Packing your home up is such a long and stressful process that the idea of taking it all back out again isn’t always too appealing. All you’re going to want to do is sit down and order a takeaway. But unpacking is one of the best ways that you can feel settled in. From filling your bookshelves and wardrobes to finding the perfect spot for your family photo, it’s a way of taking ownership of your new home. You may be living with a few boxes dotted around your house for a little while, but if you are still tripping over them a couple of months into your stay, then it will be hard to tell your subconscious that the moving period is really over. However, remember that you don’t necessarily have to stick to the layout that the previous owners had. This is your house now!
Get Your Friends And Family Over
Following on from the point above, one of the things that can really make you feel settled in is bringing the people who matter to you over to your new home. The first time you cook dinner for someone there or bring someone a drink as they sit out in the garden will be moments that you may not remember but will have a major impact. This is particularly important if you have moved a long way and are feeling a little bit isolated. It’s tough making new friends in a new city, so make sure that you stay in touch with your loved ones and tell them how you’re doing. Remember that everyone has had a tough time recently and if you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, you’re not alone. Moving home is a huge deal, so if you feel like it would help to see some familiar faces, don’t be afraid to reach out and tell them so.
