Congratulations on your new home! Now that you’ve finally moved in, it’s time to get comfortable. You may be feeling overwhelmed with all the tasks that need to be done, but don’t worry—we’re here to help. We’ll walk you through the essential first steps you need to take after moving into a new house so that you can start settling into your home sweet home. When planning a move, we recommend contacting the moving company Milvus Moving.
Change the Locks
Your security should be top priority, and one of the best ways to ensure that your family is safe is by changing the locks as soon as possible. If you haven’t already done so, make sure to hire a reliable locksmith or use a DIY kit to change out all exterior door locks and deadbolts. This will help protect you from any potential intruders or previous owners who might still have access to your home. Plus, this will give you peace of mind as soon as you move in!
Update Your Address Everywhere
Don’t forget about updating your address everywhere – both online and offline! Start by notifying your bank and credit card companies, then make sure that your local post office has your new address on file for mail delivery. Don’t forget about other organizations such as health insurance providers, employers, schools (if applicable), car registration offices, etc. Lastly don’t forget about websites like Amazon, eBay and social media accounts which also require updates with contact information.
Order Utilities Setting up utilities like gas, electricity and water should be done before or shortly after moving into a new house if possible. Contact utility companies directly or visit their websites for more information about setting up services at the location of your new home. Don’t forget about internet services too – having fast internet is important for streaming movies/shows and working from home these days! Additionally setup trash removal services if needed since most municipalities offer waste management services which are very convenient when moving into a new house.
Conclusion:
Moving into a new house can be an exciting experience but it can also be quite overwhelming too due to all the tasks that need to be done right away in order for everything to run smoothly in your new home. We hope this article provided some helpful tips on what steps should be taken first after moving into a new house – from changing locks to updating addresses – so that everything runs smoothly during this transition period! Good luck with getting settled into your new place!
When you mentioned changing the locks, do you recommend using a professional locksmith over a DIY kit for better security, or is a kit usually sufficient? I’m trying to figure out what’s best for a relatively new home.
For a relatively new home, a high-quality DIY lock kit can be sufficient if you feel comfortable installing it and the doors are standard. However, hiring a professional locksmith can offer extra peace of mind—they can spot potential security issues and ensure everything is installed correctly. If security is a top priority or if your doors have more complex locks, a professional is the safer choice.
After setting up utilities like gas and water, what’s the best way to handle potential service hiccups or outages in a new neighborhood? Are there resources or contacts you suggest lining up right away in case something goes wrong early on?
Once your utilities are set up, it’s smart to save the emergency and customer service numbers for each provider—these are usually found on your bills or their websites. You might also want to join local community groups or social media pages, as neighbors often share updates about outages or issues. Having a list of local repair services and your city’s public works contact info can also help you get quick assistance if something unexpected happens.
When you mentioned changing the locks right away, do you recommend rekeying existing locks as a cost-saving alternative, or is fully replacing them generally safer for most homeowners?
Rekeying your existing locks is often a practical and cost-effective alternative to replacing them entirely, especially if the current locks are in good condition. It ensures that old keys no longer work. However, if the locks are outdated, damaged, or you want to upgrade security features, replacing them might be safer. Consider your home’s specific needs and security concerns when deciding.
If I’m moving from out of state, are there additional first steps I should take, such as transferring my driver’s license or registering to vote, that aren’t covered in your article?
Yes, moving from out of state does add a few extra tasks. You’ll need to transfer your driver’s license and update your vehicle registration at your new state’s DMV, usually within a set timeframe. It’s also a good idea to register to vote in your new area. Updating your address with tax agencies and banks is important too.
When you recommend changing all the exterior locks after moving in, do you think it’s safer to hire a locksmith or is a DIY lock kit just as secure? I’m also wondering how much a typical locksmith charges for this.
Both hiring a locksmith and using a DIY lock kit can improve your home’s security, but a locksmith ensures everything is installed correctly and can spot issues you might miss. Locksmiths usually charge $80 to $150 per lock, including labor and parts. DIY kits are more budget-friendly but require careful installation; if you’re handy, they’re a solid option, but for peace of mind, professional help is often worthwhile.
When you suggest changing all exterior door locks and deadbolts, do you recommend replacing just the hardware or is it enough to rekey the existing locks? I’m trying to figure out which option is best for both security and keeping costs down after my recent move.
Both replacing the hardware and rekeying your existing locks will ensure previous keys no longer work. Rekeying is usually more affordable and, if your locks are in good condition, offers solid security. However, if the locks are old, damaged, or you want upgraded features like smart locks, replacing the hardware might be a better choice. For most new homeowners, rekeying is a practical way to balance security and cost.
Setting up trash removal services sounds important, but is this usually handled by the city or do homeowners need to choose a private company? How would I find out which option applies to my new address?
Whether trash removal is handled by the city or a private company depends on your location. In most cities, municipal services handle trash pickup, but in some suburban or rural areas, homeowners need to arrange with private providers. To find out, check your city or county website for waste management details, or ask your neighbors or real estate agent what service is used at your address.
Do you have any advice on the best way to schedule utility setups so there’s no gap in service? I’m worried about moving in and not having internet or electricity working right away since my family depends on both for work and school.
To avoid any interruption in utilities, contact your providers at least two weeks before your move to schedule service transfers or new installations. Aim for electricity and water to be active the day before you arrive. For internet, book the earliest available installation date, and confirm with the provider a few days prior. Having backup mobile data or a hotspot can help bridge any unexpected gaps.
Do you have any advice on choosing a reputable locksmith for changing the locks, or should I just go with whoever is available quickly after moving in? I want to make sure my family is safe but I’m not sure how to vet the options.
It’s wise to be cautious when choosing a locksmith. Ask for recommendations from neighbors or your real estate agent, check online reviews, and confirm they are licensed and insured in your area. Avoid unusually low quotes, and make sure the company provides a written estimate. Taking a little extra time to vet your options can help ensure your family’s safety and give you peace of mind.
When it comes to updating my address, is it enough to just notify the post office, or do I have to contact every individual company and service provider separately? I am worried about missing something important.
Notifying the post office is a great start because it forwards your mail, but it doesn’t update your address with individual companies or service providers. It’s important to contact your bank, credit card companies, insurance providers, employer, and any subscriptions or memberships you have. This ensures you don’t miss important documents or services. Making a checklist can help you keep track of who you’ve notified.
About setting up trash removal, do most cities automatically provide bins and pick-up schedules when you update your address, or do I have to sign up with a private company? I’ve never had to arrange this part before and don’t want to miss garbage day.
Whether your city provides trash bins and pick-up schedules automatically depends on your location. In many cities, municipal waste services deliver bins and set up collection when you update your address with the city or utility companies. In other areas, you need to contact a private waste removal company to arrange service. Check with your local city or town office to confirm how it works in your neighborhood so you don’t miss your first garbage day.
I like your point about changing locks, but does it make sense to rekey existing locks instead of replacing them completely? I’m trying to keep my budget in check after the move.
Rekeying your existing locks is a practical and budget-friendly option. It involves changing the internal mechanism so old keys no longer work, but you keep the same hardware. This usually costs less than replacing all locks and still ensures your home is secure. Just make sure your current locks are in good condition before rekeying.
Do you have any tips for changing the locks myself versus hiring a locksmith? I’ve never done it before and I’m not sure which option would be better for someone with little DIY experience.
If you have little DIY experience, hiring a locksmith can save time and ensure the job is done properly, especially if your doors or locks are complex. Changing basic locks yourself is possible with a screwdriver and a new lock set, and most kits come with instructions. If you decide to try it, start with an interior door for practice. If you feel unsure partway through, don’t hesitate to call a professional.
I see you recommend contacting a locksmith to change locks, but is that something I could realistically DIY to save money? Are there any risks or codes I should be aware of before trying to swap out deadbolts myself?
You can absolutely change deadbolts yourself, and many homeowners do it to save on locksmith fees. Most hardware stores sell user-friendly lock sets with instructions. Just make sure your new locks match the existing holes and door thickness. In some areas, rental properties may have codes requiring locks to be changed by professionals or landlords, so check your lease agreement or local regulations first. Also, ensure you install the locks correctly to avoid weakening your door’s security.
Is there any way to safely forward packages from my old address if I realize too late that I forgot to change an online retailer’s shipping info, like with Amazon or eBay purchases? I’ve heard package rerouting can sometimes be tricky after moving.
If a package is already on its way to your old address, you can try contacting the carrier (like UPS, FedEx, or USPS) directly to request a reroute or hold for pickup. Success depends on the carrier and how far along the shipment is. For future orders, update your shipping info on retail sites as soon as possible to avoid similar issues.
The article mentions updating your address with several organizations. Is there an order that’s most important, or a checklist you use to keep track of everyone who needs to be notified?
Prioritizing your address updates can be helpful. Start with government agencies like the post office, DMV, and your bank, since these impact your mail, legal documents, and finances. Next, move on to insurance providers, your employer, and utility companies. To stay organized, make a checklist including each: post office, DMV, bank, credit card companies, insurance, employer, utilities, subscriptions, and any clubs or memberships you have.
About updating your address everywhere, do you have any tips for handling subscriptions or memberships that aren’t as obvious as banks or Amazon? I always worry I’ll miss something important after a move.
It can be easy to overlook less obvious subscriptions and memberships when updating your address. Try reviewing recent bank or credit card statements, which can jog your memory about recurring charges. Also, check your email for past order confirmations or renewal notices. Making a master list as you go helps ensure you don’t miss things like magazine subscriptions, streaming services, loyalty programs, or local club memberships.
I noticed you recommended ordering utilities before or right after moving in. How far in advance should I reach out to set up things like electricity and internet? Is there ever a risk of being without basic services if I wait until move-in day?
It’s best to contact utility providers like electricity, water, gas, and internet at least 2 to 3 weeks before your move-in date. This gives them enough time to schedule activation or installation. If you wait until move-in day, there’s a real risk of delays, and you could be without power or internet for days. Setting things up early helps avoid any gaps in service.
You suggested ordering internet service as soon as possible, which makes sense for working from home. Do you have any tips for comparing providers or ensuring installation appointments are scheduled quickly after moving in?
When comparing internet providers, check coverage in your area first, then compare speeds, prices, contract terms, and customer reviews. Some providers offer online tools to see availability by address. For faster installation, contact providers before your move and schedule an appointment for your move-in date or as soon as you get keys. Having your new address and any previous account information handy can speed up the process.
When you mention changing the locks, is it better to hire a locksmith or use one of those DIY lock kits from the hardware store? I’m not very handy, so I’m wondering what’s more cost-effective and secure for someone without a lot of experience.
If you’re not very handy, hiring a locksmith is usually safer and guarantees that the locks are installed correctly for maximum security. While DIY lock kits can be more budget-friendly, they do require some basic tools and confidence in following instructions. If you value peace of mind and don’t want to risk installation errors, a locksmith is the better option, even though it costs more upfront.
How soon after moving in should I expect utility services like internet or water to be up and running? Are there any common delays I should plan for, especially when setting up in a new neighborhood?
Utility services like water and electricity are usually active right when you move in, assuming you’ve arranged for the account transfer ahead of time. Internet setup can take longer, often a few days to a week, depending on provider availability and scheduling. In newer neighborhoods, delays are more common, especially for internet, so it’s wise to book installations as early as possible and confirm with providers before your move.
For the part about changing all the locks, is it better to rekey existing locks or fully replace them? I’m a bit concerned about costs after moving in, so I’d like to know which is more secure and budget-friendly.
Rekeying your existing locks is usually more budget-friendly than fully replacing them, and it still provides good security—as long as the locks are in good condition. Rekeying changes the internal pins so old keys no longer work. Full replacement is only necessary if the locks are damaged, outdated, or you want to upgrade security features. For most new homeowners on a budget, rekeying is a secure and cost-effective option.
When you mention changing locks right after moving in, do you recommend rekeying existing locks or completely replacing them? Are there security benefits to choosing one method over the other for new homeowners?
Both rekeying and replacing locks are good options for new homeowners. Rekeying is usually cheaper and ensures previous keys won’t work, which is a solid security step if the existing locks are in good condition. Replacing the locks gives you the chance to upgrade to newer, more secure models if you’re concerned about outdated hardware or want features like smart locks. The best choice depends on your budget and desired level of security.
Does the article recommend setting up all utilities before moving day or is it okay to handle some of them after you move in? Internet especially is super important for me since I have online classes.
The article suggests arranging all essential utilities, including internet, before moving day. This ensures you have everything you need as soon as you arrive, especially if you rely on internet access for online classes. Handling utilities ahead of time helps avoid delays or interruptions, so it’s best to set up services like electricity, water, and internet in advance.
About updating your address, is there a recommended order in which to notify institutions, or should I just tackle them all at once? I’m worried about missing someone important.
It’s a good idea to start with the most critical institutions first, like your bank, employer, credit card companies, and government agencies such as the DMV and post office. After that, tackle insurance providers, utilities, subscriptions, and any clubs or services you use. Making a checklist can help ensure you don’t miss anyone important.
If I move in and discover that a previous owner or tenant still has access to my home, what are the best immediate steps to take besides changing the locks? Should I notify anyone specific or take legal action?
In addition to changing the locks, it’s important to document any evidence of unauthorized access or anything suspicious. Notify your landlord or property manager if you’re renting, or inform your homeowners association if applicable. If you feel your safety is at risk or notice signs of break-ins, contact your local police to file a report. Legal action is usually only necessary if there are ongoing issues or if your safety has been compromised.