Spring Into Action: 10 Things To Do After Moving

The spring is one of the best times of the year to move, especially if you get it done before the busiest moving period of the year, which typically is between Memorial Day and Labor Day. When you plan a home search and move before the end of May, you will have more housing options on the market before the competition begins to heat up. If you find a new property during this optimal time period, as you pack up your belongings and get the keys to your new home, there are a few things you need to do right after you move into your new residence that will provide peace-of-mind for years to come!

1. Take Pictures

Whether you are buying a new home or have locked down an awesome rental on one of the many luxury apartments in New Jersey, you should immediately take pictures as soon as you have your keys. Pictures of the bare floors and empty rooms are essential for many reasons. As a renter, the pictures can serve as a vital tool to get your security deposit back later down the road. As a homeowner (and a renter), the pictures can be used as documentation if the movers scratched the floors or accidently put a hole in the wall. The gallery of pictures can help you point out damage and get money for the repairs from the moving company.

2. Get Utilities Set Up

Unless you are living off the grid, you probably want to make sure you have water, electricity and gas up and running as soon as you move in. Call the utility providers to get everything hooked up! 

3. Inspect Your Belongings

As mentioned above, you may have hired a moving company to pack or move your belongings; if so, you only have a limited amount of time to report any damaged or missing items. Read your contract from the moving company and review the liability coverage, because they could owe you a replacement or reimbursement in the event something is broken or missing.

4. Swap Out Locks

Homeowners and renters should swap out their locks or request new ones from their property manager as soon as they move in. You probably don’t know who previously had keys to your new place, and no one likes that lingering thought of who else may have a copy. Instead, get some peace-of-mind and have them changed immediately for safety and security reasons.

5. Paint Before You Unpack Everything

Even if you move into a new construction home or luxury apartment that has some gorgeous features, you may feel inclined to add some of your personality into the space by painting the walls. With that in mind, consider painting before you are fully unpacked because the longer you wait, the harder it will become. Moving heavy furniture or working around big and bulky pieces can be tough, so try and get it done before everything is settled in place.

6. Note The Trash Pick-up Schedule

All those moving boxes are going to need to find their way to the garbage or recycling bin once you have everything unpacked. Determine the trash pick-up schedule because it'll make your life easier and clutter-free when you can get rid of all those empty boxes. Ask your landlord, check with the Homeowners’ Association or simply ask a neighbor so you don't have piles of cardboard lying around for too long.

7.  Update You License

Whether you moved from another state, or simply moved down the street, it is important to update your license or ID to match your new address. Call the local motor vehicle office for specific details about the process because there are certain documents you'll need to prove your residency for an updated address. Additionally, have all of your mail forwarded to your new address from the U.S. post office until you update all of your mailing addresses (bills, magazine subscriptions, etc.).

8. Update Vehicle Registration

Depending on the state rules, you may have a certain window of time to update your vehicle registration information. Since you'll be at the motor vehicle office for your new license, you might as well get it all done in one visit. After you vehicle registration has the new address, call your insurance company to provide them with the updated address.

9. Check Credit Reports

As soon as you move, your credit reports are typically accessed and you will want to check them a few months after you have settled in. This is because they will include your address and you want to make sure the newly listed address is accurate. If the credit report doesn't have it doesn't have it down correctly, just give that bureau a call and update it accordingly.

10. Update Voter Information

Just like above with updating your license/ID, you want to make sure your voter information is up-to-date because sooner or later, you'll want to exercise your right to vote. Whether you want to vote in the upcoming presidential election or simply want to weigh in on the local school board, make sure you are registered in your new town and your voter ID card has your new address.