Ready to Move in?

The offer has been accepted, the papers have been signed, the money has been transferred and the keys are in your hands.  You are now the proud owner of your new home.  Now what?  Of course it is time to start moving into that home and making it yours.  But, before you move your boxes and furniture in, take a moment to prepare your home for putting your stamp on the place.  The first thing you need to do with those ever important keys is to get rid of them.  In other words, you should have all the locks changed in your new home.  Who knows who still has a set of those keys and has access to your new abode?  What if the old owners had given sets to servicemen, babysitters, pet sitters, neighbors, etc. and didn’t inform them that they are moving?  To avoid any awkward walk ins, or the hassle of trying to track down every key, the best thing you can do is head things off at the pass and just change the locks.  It will give you piece of mind and will make you and your family safer in the long run.

          Ok, locks are now changed, so now you are ready to move in.  Not quite yet.  While the house is empty, now would be the best time to do a few things that all those boxes and furniture around would make more difficult.  Does the whole house need a thorough cleaning?  It will be much easier to get this done without all the clutter of unpacking all around.  What about painting, repairs, or renovations?  Things will be easier for you or professionals if you don’t have your whole family around underfoot.  I know you are anxious to move in, but what will it cost to wait a few more days in the bigger scheme of things.  Taking the time to plan and prepare before you move into your new home will make things easier and smoother for all in the long run.  But try to remember to avoid the real nightmare of moving into a new home, having to wait for internet or cable/satellite installation?  Are you and your family willing to move in on a Saturday when your installation isn’t scheduled until the following Tuesday?  If your family is anything like mine, dealing with a teenager with no internet and TV for four days is absolutely frightening.  So please plan ahead.