Seventeen Things You Must Do When You Buy A New Home

• Go through all the rooms and de-clutter. Toss out broken or worn out items. Donate clothes that are useable but that you no longer want to charity. 
• Start packing seasonal or infrequently used items as soon as possible.
• Reduce the amount of food you need to move by making meal plans that use up the ingredients you have in your pantry, fridge and freezer.
• Keep toiletries and clothes in separate bags for each person, especially if moving over a period of several days.
• Take photos of household arrangements that you like and want to replicate at the new house. This also goes for setting up electronics; it’s easier to remember where all the cords go when you look at a photo. 

• With a new house comes a new home insurance policy. Comparing policies takes a good deal of time. But, it can save you thousands of dollars long term.
• Choose a moving company. Ask friends and colleagues for referrals.
• Print out a map of your new neighborhood and note places you’ll frequent.
• Read reviews of service providers (hair dresser, fitness center, daycare, dry cleaner, grocery stores, auto shops) to find new ones if you’re moving too far from your current ones.
• Fill out a change of address form on the United States Postal Service website.
• Update credit card and bank account information on their respective websites. 

• Update your Will with your new address and other information which has changed.
• If moving far away, close out bank accounts, library cards, fitness center memberships.
• Return borrowed items to friends and family, especially if moving out of the area. 

• Do a thorough cleaning, or hire a service to clean for you. You’ll sleep so much better knowing the house is spic and span.
• Change your driver’s license.
• Meet your neighbors by paying them a quick visit to introduce yourself, if they haven’t done so first. 

No matter how sudden or well-planned the move is, remember that the unexpected sometimes occurs. If you have kids, hire a babysitter or ask a family member to watch them on moving day to free up your mind and hands to get the work done quickly and efficiently. 

Do you have other tips for things to remember when moving? Comment below and share ideas!