6 Things people forget when they move into a new home
Published on Wed Jun 13 2018 in Lifestyle
Whether it’s into a new home or switching units, moving house can be a big undertaking. Weeks and sometimes even months of planning may go into a move. There are so many things to check off your to-do list before unpacking that first box. Understandably, you might forget a thing or two in all the excitement.
To help make moving day a bit smoother, here are six steps that people often overlook.
1. Bring a first night bag
Even with careful preparation, a move may not go exactly to plan. Things get left behind, boxes go missing and you may not completely unpack for weeks (maybe even longer!). A “first night” bag could help prevent a few headaches on moving day.
Your first night bag (or bags—one for each member of the family) should contain any essentials you’ll need right away. Include things like pajamas, toiletries, toilet paper, bed linen and a change of clothing for the next day. This could save you from searching boxes late at night for a toothbrush or needing to rush to the shops to replace items you already have but can’t find.
You may also want to make a “first morning” box, as well. Pack everything you’ll need for a quick breakfast—dishes, cutlery, a loaf of bread, butter, tea bags, the kettle—so you can have a peaceful morning before unpacking.
2. Pack an unpacking box
An “unpacking” box is for all the supplies you’ll need to start making your new house a home. Include some basic tools for putting together furniture (screwdrivers, spanners, hex or Allen keys), along with plastic baggies containing the hardware from each piece and their assembly instructions. A tape measure, scissors and glue may also be needed.
Cleaning supplies might also come in handy. Dust cloths, dish towels, soap and a few cleaners can take care of small spills, scuffs or marks left by movers, a handy man or your family. Taking care of these issues right away will help keep your new home looking great for as long as possible!
3. Remember your pets
Moving can be stressful for humans, but may be even more so for pets. Dogs, cats and other animals don’t understand what’s going on, and may become anxious as a result. They might express their fear through undesirable behaviour that can make your move even more of a headache.
Being extra mindful of your pet’s needs whilst moving could help them settle in to their new home faster. With so much going on, it may be wise to arrange a sitter or short kennel stay until everything is moved in. When they do come home, it will be to a calmer environment. It may also be a good idea to keep cats indoors for a few days to adjust, and take dogs on plenty of walks to explore their new neighbourhood.
If your new place had previous owners, a floor to ceiling scrub could be in order. This can help remove any human or animal scents that might still linger. It could also reduce the likelihood of dogs or cats marking their territory to hide these scents themselves!
4. Do a safety check
The first night in your new home will likely be a busy one. However, you may want to make sure it’s a safe one, too. A quick safety check could give you some peace of mind in the weeks and months to come.
Replacing batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors is a quick and easy way to help keep your family safe. At the very least you’ll put off the annoying beeping as the batteries die. You might also want to buy a fresh fire extinguisher and decide where it will be kept in your new home.
Childproofing may be easier to do before you move in. Place safety locks on cabinet doors in the kitchen and bathrooms. Add electrical outlet covers throughout the house. As you assemble furniture, secure bookshelves, dressers and other items that could topple firmly to the wall.
5. Recycle packing materials
In the rush and excitement to unpack, you may find it easier to just throw used packing materials away. However, consider doing the environment a favour by reusing and recycling all you can.
Boxes that were damaged and can’t be reused should go in the recycling bin. Ones that are in good shape can be saved for future use or given to a family member or friend who needs them now. Non-recyclable material, such as bubble wrap or packing peanuts, can be saved for shipping gifts or storing breakable items.
6. Review your life insurance policy
People typically remember to arrange homeowner’s or contents insurance before moving homes, but may forget to update their life insurance policy too. A new house could mean it’s time to review your policy, as well as update your address details.
Higher mortgage payments may mean that the insurance benefit you first selected no longer meets your financial needs. You might want to consider reviewing your life insurance policy and making any changes before moving, so this doesn’t get forgotten in the shuffle!
Happy Moving Day!
Starting over in a new home or apartment can be a stressful, but exciting time. Overlooking important steps is common. However, with some smart planning and a little luck, your move could be celebrating as soon as you’ve moved in the last box.
About Author: Momentum Life is a leading provider of Life insurance and Funeral insurance in New Zealand.
The content provided in this article is for information purposes only. The information is of a general nature and does not constitute financial advice or other professional advice. To the extent that any of the content constitutes financial advice, it is limited to Momentum Life products only and does not consider your specific financial needs or goals. You should consider whether the information is appropriate for you and seek independent professional advice, if required.
All product information is correct at the time this article was published. For current product information, please visit the Momentum Life website.