You finally did it! After what seems like a long and lengthy process, you found the home that you’ve been waiting for, made an offer, and after a few months of waiting, are now ready to move in. While this can be an extremely exciting time for you and your family, it can also be incredibly overwhelming. Especially since this is your first home!
We’ve created a list of 7 things that we recommend to all of our clients, that helps them feel a little more organized, at ease, and ready to move. So, if this is your first home, congratulations! Feel free to read through our 7 tips below as we’re sure it will help the overall process go a lot smoother.
Before Moving:
1. Plan Out the Basics
Before you move into your new home, you’ll want to plan and prepare a few things to ensure your home is ready for your arrival. Of course, this includes booking the moving truck and scheduling the movers, but it also entails items such as calling to set up your hydro, scheduling your wifi and cable to be installed, and of course getting ready to forward all your mail to your new address.
This should all be done at least 2 weeks before you move!
2. Purge Your Belongings
This is essential! A move also signifies a fresh start, so it’s a good time to go through your belongings and purge what you don’t need, no longer want, and don’t want to bring into your new space. This is definitely ideal if you're moving from your family home and into a small space such as your own, first condo.
It’s best to do this before the move, to help make the packing and unpacking process a lot easier.
3. Pack a First Day Box
It doesn’t matter how much stuff you have or are moving into your new home, moving is a long and tiring process. The last thing you want to be doing is sorting through boxes and looking for your sheets, pillows, pj’s, or toothbrush at the end of the day. So, do yourself a favour and pack what we like to call a first-day box!
Have all of your essentials, such as your sheets, sleepwear, and clothes for the next day, ready to go in one box so that when it's time to hit the hay, you have everything laid out and easy to find.
During the Move
4. Clean Before Bringing in Your Things
A great plan is to be able to grab the keys and visit the space a few hours before moving your things in or having your movers arrive. That way you can ensure the place has been left in a broom-swept condition and get some cleaning done. We recommend washing the floors, wiping down the handles, dusting if need be, and simply preparing the home for all your things to arrive.
5. Plan Out Where Everything Should Go Before Unpacking
To make the process a lot easier, it’s best to plan out which cabinets and rooms everything will go into before you start the unboxing process. This will cut down some of the unpacking time and will make you feel a lot more organized during the move.
After the Move
6. Change the Locks
At the end of the day, you never know how many copies of the key were made or have been circulating around. For added peace of mind and as a safety measure, be sure to change the locks within the first week of moving in.
7. Meet Your Neighbours and Explore
Odds are, this new home also means new people and a new neighbourhood to get to know. Spend some time meeting your neighbours, trying out new restaurants in the area, and going out to explore. This will help you get a great sense of your surroundings, as well as adjust quickly to this new place and lifestyle. Plus, it always helps to know some people in and around your neighbourhood that can help you if you need to borrow a shovel or some sugar!
This is a fun and special time in your life that you opt to be proud and excited for! While we know it can be a little nerve-wracking, these few tips will be able to help you move and adjust easily into your new home.
And if you’re just starting out in the buying process, well we have some resources for you as well! Check out our free Buyer’s Guide here, and before you know it, you’ll be planning to move into your new place as well.
.png)