While moving into a new home can be stressful, it is also one of the most exciting experiences for homeowners, especially for first-timers. Here are seven valuable tips that can help make the entire process less stressful and more efficient.

Start early

Moving houses goes beyond unpacking boxes of clothes and furniture, as you need to accomplish multiple tasks before settling in comfortably. Planning early can help make everything more organized so that the move can run smoothly. Create a realistic checklist of your tasks and set a deadline for each one. Categorize them accordingly, pre, during, and post move.

Declutter

Decluttering means fewer items to bring, significantly saving you precious money, time, and effort. List down all your must-brings and those you can secure at your new location. For instance, instead of bringing all your furniture, check online and look for reputable furniture companies such as PeraDesign, which offer high-quality furnishings at affordable and even discounted prices. For your decluttered items, you can either hold a moving-out garage sale or donate them to charities.

Pack strategically

Packing can be overwhelming and highly stressful, especially if done at the last minute. Since you have already decluttered and downsized, you can now start packing. Invest in quality and durable packing materials such as moving boxes, bubble wraps, plastic bags, packing paper, markers, packing tape, and box cutters.

To simplify the process, create an inventory of everything you’ll bring and pack by each room. Ensure that the moving boxes are correctly labeled, and pack all your necessities in a separate box to easily access them.

Transfer utilities

Moving into a new house without electricity and water can be disastrous. Call all your utility providers before moving to transfer your services to your new place. You might also need to cancel some of them, especially if they don’t operate in your new location.

Some essential utilities include water, electricity, telephone, internet, gas, cable TV, and trash collection. Most utility companies require service transfers or installation appointments, so remember to do this a few weeks before moving.

Inform important individuals

In addition to notifying your utility providers, you should also inform essential parties about your move to prevent miscommunication and conflicts. Inform your bank, credit card billers, employers, post office, recurring retailers or services, and other relevant parties of your new address to ensure that important communication or packages will be sent to your new home.

Change locks

Unless your house is newly constructed, it is best to change locks after moving for added security. No matter how pleasant or trustworthy-looking the previous owners seemed, they might still have copies of the keys or have given some to their friends or family. If you’re confident with your skills, you can do this yourself or hire a professional locksmith. Not changing house locks can compromise your family’s safety, so make sure to accomplish this immediately.

Explore your neighborhood

Even if you’re not yet done unpacking, take time to check your new community and explore the surrounding areas. Go for a walk or drive and look for essential establishments and spots that will interest you and your family. Introduce yourself to your neighbors to help yourself get off on the right foot with the people you’ll be living next to for the succeeding years.