How to Move Into Your New Home Safely

There are many things to remember when moving into a new home, and many things that can easily be forgotten. Getting yourself organized before the move will help to eliminate forgotten tasks and misplaced items and make the move into your new home that much easier. Here are some steps to moving into your home safely.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Tape
• Boxes
• Storage bins
• Blankets and newspapers for packing
• Markers
• Scissors
• Cleaning supplies

1. Gather moving supplies such as boxes, tape, markers and other packing materials and pack up your goods. Mark each box with which room it should go to in the new home, such as Kitchen, Bedroom, etc. Keep your valuables with you, and be sure to have an inventory of them to double check.
2. Hire a reputable moving company, if you are not moving the items yourself. Ask for references and proof of insurance. See what their policies are on broken or lost items.
3. Contact the utility companies (gas, water, electric), telephone, cable/satellite and Internet providers about transferring service to your new address two weeks before your move, providing them with the date you'll be moving in. Also, fill out a change of address card at the post office.
4. Get all of your keys together from the old owner, even the ones hidden under the doormat. Have the locks changed at your new home immediately.
5. Move all your possessions into the new home. Do not leave high-priced items like televisions or stereos alone where they might be tempting to would-be thieves. Also, keep these items out of plain sight, so some thief “casing” your house will not know what is inside.
6. Inform your service providers that you have arrived and make sure all services have been transferred and are working properly.
7. Check smoke detectors and fire alarms for proper functioning.

Tips & Warnings

• Create a packing checklist and/or home inventory check list so you're sure not to forget any important items.
• Keep necessities clearly marked with "Open First" so that they will be readily accessible when you need them.
• Be sure to thank friends and family that help you in your move.
• Pack tools separately so they are easy to find when needed, such as for assembling beds and hooking up appliances.
• If you have small children, pack special boxes for them with some of their own clothes and toys. Not only will it make them feel part of the move, it will help keep them out of the way as you unpack the rest of the house.
• If using a moving company, be sure to check the condition of your inventory before and after the move, noting any discrepancies so that you are covered in the case of any damaged items.
• Don't go with the first moving company you find. Call around, bargain shop, and find the best deal.
• Don't forget to clean any appliances that will be staying behind.
• Don't forget to leave all copies of your old keys with the real estate agent or landlord.
• Bend your knees when lifting heavy objects.