Make Your Move Easier With These Quick Tips

Getting ready to move? These simple tips are helpful when planning to switch utilities over, informing various companies, packing & unpacking and more! Kendra Wolfgram, Agent with The Solomon Group, explains the ins and outs of what to consider when moving to a new home. 

Whether you're a first time buyer or a veteran "mover" - keep these things in mind to have a smooth transition into your new home. So, you're getting close to closing and you're thinking, "What should I be considering?" Today, we are diving into a list of common things to consider when you're making your move.

1.) Getting your electric / natural gas service switched to your name.

It's a good idea to call the service provider in advance of closing to let them know the date of closing and when the services should be rendered in your name. 

If it's an LP tank - talk to your agent if the tank is leased or owned and who previously filled the tank. At closing, you'll often pay for the remaining fuel in the tank. If the tank is leased, you'll want to call to make sure the company has your information on file. If the tank is owned, you don't need to worry about having your information "on file" - you just call when you need a fill and can select a company of your choice to fill your tank depending on the rates.

2.) Switching the water / sewer utility.

Most of the time, if you're closing at a title company, the closer will take care care of emailing or faxing the water / sewer utility company the change of ownership form. Traditionally, the utility company will conduct a final water reading the day of closing, so the seller will get a bill for the final amount due, and the new owner will start fresh for that current billing cycle.

3.) Make sure to forward your mail.

You can visit your local post office or you can go online to make sure your mail is forwarded to your new address. Hint: plan to do this 2 weeks before you move so you have time to grab any old mail that may still go to your current address.

4.) Don't forget about garbage & recycling.

If your garbage is municipal, that means the municipality has a contract with the garbage / recycling company that any residents in that specified area have to pay for that service, that's included as a line item on your annual property taxes. If you are purchasing a home in the country or one that doesn't have a municipal service, ask you agent about which local companies in the area area available, so you can call around to get receptacles & service set up.

Don't forget to ask what day is "pick up day" or just keep an eye on your neighbors to know when to put your garbage out. In our area, that often is early in the morning, so do that the night before can help you get your receptacles out in time for pick up.

5.) Homeowner's Insurance.

It's good to get started on this early. Similar to shopping for car insurance, there are a lot of options out there and weighing your options can help you make an educated decision / save you money in the long run.

6.) Connect your "tech" - getting your internet, cable, landline, etc.

Make sure to get your internet set up! Hint: some companies require the current owner to transfer their service or cancel prior to the new owner setting up service, so make sure to coordinate with the current owner / your agent on the timing of this.

7.) Think through who else may need your new address.

Upate your bank, your employer (for work / tax documents), your credit card provider, student loan provider, doctor, dentist, veterinarian, or other important contacts that have your address on file and use that for mailing documents to you.

Once you finally move in - these are small tips that area helpful that are often overlooked, but very important.

If you have pets or young children, go through the home room by room and "child-proof" or "pet-proof" the home to avoid unnecessary injury.

Change out your locks incase the previous owner gave out any keys to family / friends / etc. Know you are the only ones with those keys.

Schedule any pertinent maintenance to be done on the home. If you recently had an inspection done and there were a few small things you wanted to take care of before you get everything moved in, now is the time.

Be aware of your surroundings. Make a plan in case of an emergency. What are the best escape routes? Where is the nearest police station, fire station? Does your street have ample street lighting? All of these things are important to keep in mind and be thoughtful of as you transition to a new place.

If you have questions or are getting ready for a move, our team would be happy to help. Thanks for reading this resource!