Moving is a dream for list makers, but even if a to-do list isn’t normally your style, this is a time to adopt it. There are so many details to keep track of, chances are you are going to forget one or two. To help, we have put together our own list, of some helpful things to keep in mind when moving into a new home whether you’re a renter, a first-time homebuyer or selling and moving up.
Renting
The Old
If you are looking to get that security deposit back, take the time to start packing early so you are able to tie up the loose ends like that hole in the wall from the TV mount, or the scratch on the floor.
If it is in the budget, call your local cleaning company, we love Philly Maid Green. Professional cleaners will get the nooks and crannies and leave the place spotless and ready for the next tenants while impressing your landlord.
Change your address with the post office two weeks before your moving date.
On that last look goodbye, take photos of the old place, so you have proof of the condition you left it in.
The New
Call the cable/internet provider and schedule at least 2 weeks in advance. If you are able to get into your new digs before the move, double win. It is easy for the technician to be in and out with setup, and you’ll already be hooked up the day you move in! If you aren’t able to pop in early, try scheduling for the day after your move. Often moving takes hours longer and you don’t want the stress of needing to meet the installer while lugging boxes.
Transfer your utilities about a week before so all is switched over for the move-in date. Don’t forget to pay the bill at your old place, otherwise, it will come back to haunt you!
Before moving a box into the new address, take a quick tour with your camera out. Snap overall pics and close-ups of anything that stands out. Save them away in a file, so if you need in the future you know where to find them.
Buying a New Home
The Old
If you are a first-time homebuyer take a peek at the list above for leaving your rental and moving into your very own home.
Switch over your electric and gas to the new home about a week in advance. When you receive a water bill at the new address, whether it has your name on it or not, it belongs to your home’s account and is yours to pay. Remember that the title company reconciled the account at closing, paid the seller's current bills and credited you for the usage and rents during those days of the billing cycle that wouldn’t have been billed until after closing. In other words, you won’t be overpaying.
The New
Purchase a home warranty. You may not need it, but it’s nice to have a little padding. Just in case something goes wrong with the deluxe washer and dryer your realtor arm-wrestled the sellers to leave behind.
Unlike a rental, this is YOUR home. Be present when the cable/internet technician arrives. You have a say in where the box is installed, how the wires are run throughout the house. This is the time to be picky because once your belongings are moved in, it makes it that much harder to make adjustments.
Call the locksmith. Who knows what keys are out there, it is worth changing the locks when you move in. Look into your home warranty, some do cover new lock hardware.
Research security systems. It may be easier for your alarm company to install in an empty home. If you want to keep it easy, try a plug and play system like Simplisafe. Starting off with the system on day one will get you in the habit of remembering to turn it on and off before leaving the house.
Take measurements of each window (don’t assume they are exactly the same) before heading to get your cordless blinds cut. Don’t trust your eyes to ballpark that the pull-out couch is fitting in the new office. It’s better to know now before loading it onto the moving truck.
If you have the luxury of time, even a few days, paint, sand, or expose the brick before moving in. P.S. You won’t believe how brick dust travels!
Spring for a deep clean before you move in. Nothing feels better than moving into a thoroughly clean home. It’s worth knowing you don’t need to break out the cleaning supplies before loading up your kitchen cabinets when unpacking.
The best thing about Philly? The people! Take a moment before the moving truck pulls up to wave hello, introduce yourself, and meet your neighbors. Many families have lived on the same Philly block for generations, so take the time to start off on the right foot and become part of the community.
Join social groups on FB or Next Door for your neighborhood. This will be a great resource to find out when trash day is, get involved in community clean-ups, and any other buzz around the neighborhood. It is also a great place to give away or sell anything you aren’t taking to the new place.
Selling a Home and Moving Up
The Old
Leave your old home broom swept. That means clean and with no items left behind unless previously discussed with the buyer’s agent.
Change your address with the post office two weeks before your moving date.
Say goodbye to the neighbors. Provide someone you trust on the block with your new address, just in case important mail or a package arrives at the old address.
Leave a treat: Be it celebratory champagne in the fridge, a list of your favorite haunts in the neighborhood, or a story from the heart about your beloved home. Nothing soothes the stress of moving day for the new buyers than a thoughtful moment.
The New
You’ve done this before, but it doesn’t hurt to review. Don’t be shy about adding some of the points in the above sections to your list!
The key to smooth moves is keeping it organized and letting it be perfect enough. Unless you are a superhero, you are going to forget something, no biggie. Don’t worry about the little things and instead, celebrate the new and exciting opportunities for making your new pad your own. Know that your team at Philly Home Girls is here to help if you have any questions!
