Top Ten Things You Should Do After A Move
You’ve signed the papers and moved in the boxes – but are you forgetting something? Use this list to make sure that your transition is as seamless as possible.
Get your address changed. At the very minimum, you will want to register your change of address with the USPS. Stop by your local post office and fill out an official change of address form. You should also notify any creditors or magazine subscriptions directly. (The web page of your local Rocky's location has links to town post office.)- Contact utility companies. Usually you will need basic services placed in your name before you move in. You will need to contact electricity, gas, cable, telephone, internet, garbage, sewer and water.
- Put a first aid kit in the house. The moving process has many opportunities for minor and even major accidents. Make sure that you and everyone in your home knows where the first aid kit is located, as well as emergency contact numbers for your town.
- Find the main circuit breaker. You should know where it is located and understand the labeling. It is also good to check the labeling for accuracy. If you are moving into a new home and it is not labeled, you should figure out what each breaker controls and label it yourself as soon as possible.
- Find the water shut-offs. You should know how and where to shut off the main water control, as well as how to shut off the outside water. If you can, ask the previous homeowner or builder before you move in.
- Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. During your move-in inspection, smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors should have been installed to comply with state requirements. Make sure that you know where they all are and install new batteries if they are older units. Plus, you should install more if the minimum does not seem sufficient. Also, make sure that there is a fire extinguisher in the kitchen and on every floor.
- Create an emergency exit plan. Everyone in your household should know how to get out of each room in the house during a fire. Set a meeting place outside the house where people can go if there is a fire. For more information to home safety, visit American Red Cross.
- Make sure your street number is visible. Not only will it help friends, family and delivery people find your new address, it is also important for safety. Visible house numbers will help first responders find your home quickly in the case of an emergency.
- Change your locks. During a house sale, many people can be given keys to your home before you move in, so it is a good idea to change your locks as soon as possible.
- Update your driver’s license, car registration, and/or voter registration. This is an easy process, but is also one that people usually let slide for too long. Most of it can be done right at your local Department of Motor Vehicles.
Find your local Rocky’s and become familiar with the services it offers. Many of our services, like key duplication, can be of great help to new homeowners.
