Moving into a new-build home is an exhilarating chapter in life, brimming with the promise of fresh beginnings and the joy of making a space truly your own. Unlike moving into a previously lived-in home, the unique advantage of a new build means you can skip some conventional steps like changing locks or deep cleaning.
However, there are still critical first steps to take that ensure your transition into your new home is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Here are the first five things we recommend you do to set the stage for a happy, organized, and efficient home life.
Do These Five Things First
1. Notify the Post Office
One of the first and most important steps is to change your address with the post office. This ensures that all your mail will be correctly redirected to your new home, avoiding any interruptions in important communications, such as bills, subscriptions, and personal letters. It's a simple step that can save a lot of hassle later on.
2. Set Up Utilities and Home Services
Next, you’ll need to ensure that all your utilities and home services are set up and in your name. This includes water, electricity, gas (if applicable), internet, and trash collection. Doing this before you move in ensures that your transition is comfortable and you’re not left without essential services.
3. Plan Your Space
Before you unpack, take a moment to plan out your space. Consider the layout of your furniture, the organization of your kitchen, and where you want to store items. Moving into a new build home gives you the unique opportunity to design your living spaces without the constraints of previous layouts or storage solutions. Planning before unpacking can create a flow in your home that suits your lifestyle and preferences.
4. Register & Familiarize Yourself with Your Home and Appliances
Take the time to get to know your new home and its workings. Familiarize yourself with the HVAC system, water heater, and any smart home features your new build might include. Grab the model # and serial # of each unit. Head to their manufactuer’s website to register each appliance in your name. Review the manuals for your appliances to understand their features and maintenance requirements. This step not only helps you make the most of your home’s features but also ensures you know how to maintain them properly.
5. Make a List and Do All Your Changes of Address
While notifying the Post Office will ensure your mail gets redirected to you for a time, you still need to tell these companies about your change of address as soon as possible. Here’s some of the most essential:
- Notify your employer, Arizona Corporation Commission, IRS, and local tax authorities as applicable
- Update crucial IDs, such as your driver’s license
- Update your address with your bank, credit card company, any loan companies, retirement and investment accounts, etc
- Notify insurance providers of your change of address (note that this may cause your premiums to go up or down, if your location impacts their quote)
- Update companies you have ongoing expenses with, such as subscriptions, professional organizations, non-profits you support, clubs, etc
- If you do not need to find new healthcare providers, then update your doctor, dentist, and any other specialists you see regularly
Bonus: Celebrate Your New Beginning
Finally, take a moment to celebrate this significant milestone. Whether it’s a quiet evening with a glass of wine on your patio, a small gathering with close friends and family, or simply taking a moment to breathe and soak in the realization of your new home, acknowledging this achievement sets a positive tone for your life in this new space.