Mistakes To Avoid When Moving Into A New Home

Purchasing a home is very exciting, but it can be stressful, with so many things to organize, including the move. That's why it's never a good idea to rush the moving process. As you transfer all your belongings from one property to another, there are many logistics to keep in mind. To ensure the move goes smoothly, you need to know the most common mistakes to avoid.

Some of the most common mistakes new homeowners make when moving into a new home include forgetting to change the mailing address, neglecting to sign up with utility companies, not changing the locks, and forgetting to deep-clean the home before moving in. Don’t save packing for the last minute. Try to keep only the belongings you need and love, and avoid performing landscaping tasks in the wrong season.

Moving into a new home is a monumental and exciting time in your life. It’s an experience you will remember for a long time. Do everything you can to make it a smooth and enjoyable process, rather than a stressful nightmare. If you are planning to move, keep reading to learn how to avoid making mistakes.

13 Mistakes To Avoid When Moving Into A New Home

1. Forgetting To Change Your Address

It’s easy to forget this important step when there are so many other things to think about, but having an up-to-date address is essential when you move. You often receive important mail before and after you move from one home to another. To ensure you never miss a correspondence, consider having it held until you move. It can take the post office 2 weeks to start forwarding your mail to your new address, so plan accordingly.

2. Not Changing The Locks

One of the first projects you should complete on any new home is changing all your exterior locks. Just because you have the keys to your new home, it doesn’t mean there aren’t other keys floating around. Even if you purchased a brand-new home, there’s a chance that contractors and real estate companies have copies of your keys. To ensure your home is secure, immediately replace the locks to ensure you’re the only person with the correct set of keys.

3. Rushing To Buy Furniture

Once you purchase a new home, it’s easy to get carried away with buying new items for your home. While there is nothing wrong with buying some great pieces of furniture when they are on sale, avoid rushing to get everything furniture right away. When you buy furniture impulsively, you are more likely to have items you don’t love and products that aren’t built to last. Focus on buying essentials, and take your time selecting furniture that you will love for many years to come.

4. Failing To Measure Spaces

As soon as you have access to your home, start taking measurements of every room. Even if you have blueprints and accurate square footage, you should take your own measurements to ensure everything will fit where you want it. Notice where the return vents and electrical outlets are, since you don’t want to block these features with furniture. Neglecting to measure rooms and doorways can lead to major headaches when you move.

5. Not Reading Community Guidelines

Before you start packing or even close on a house, read and understand all the rules and guidelines in your community. If you’re moving into an HOA, you should know these organizations often have strict rules you must follow. Even without an HOA, many communities have rules about what you can install in your yard, and even what kind of fence and paint colors you can use. Ensure you are familiar with all regulations so you don’t break any rules after moving in.

6. Not Registering With Utility Companies

Don’t be one of the many homeowners who enter a new home to find there is no electricity or running water. While many homes have working utilities when you move in, you must establish an account with all utility companies before you move in. It can take some time for utilities to be fully functional, so contact all companies as soon as possible, and inform them of your move-in date so they can ensure your service is active before you move in.

7. Ignoring Your New Neighbors

Moving can be an involved and loud experience. There are often many vehicles and utility companies taking up space on the road and making noise in your yard. While you might not notice all this chaos, your neighbors probably will. To ensure you don’t get off on the wrong foot, take the time to introduce yourself. You can bring a small fruit basket and inform them of any potential noise or trucks in the area. Having open communication with your neighbors is a great way to make a good first impression. 

8. Forgetting To Deep Clean Before Unpacking

With all the packing and moving logistics, it’s easy to forget that your new home might not be squeaky clean. Before you move in the boxes and furniture, deep-clean your home. It is much easier to mop floors, wipe walls, and dust rooms when they are empty. While you will need to perform another deep clean after unpacking, don't forget to clean the entire home when there is nothing in it.

9. Not Locating Emergency Valves And Switches

Emergencies can happen in your home as soon as you move in, especially if you aren’t familiar with the inner workings of the house. Before you move in, ensure you know where all the emergency shut-off valves and switches are located. Finding them is easy, especially during the home inspection. Understanding how to operate them will help prevent major issues like flooding.

10. Packing Without Labels

Packing is an art form that can take many moves to perfect. While you might not be an expert, you should never make the mistake of rushing to pack and simply throwing things into boxes. Do your best to organize objects by the room they will go in. Label each box so it’s easy to unload and place it in the right location. Taking the time to organize and label while you pack properly will save you a lot of time and frustration once you arrive in your new home.

11. Not Getting Rid Of Items You Don’t Want Or Need

In addition to organizing your items when you prepare to move, avoid packing items you don’t want or need. If an appliance is broken or never gets used, don’t bring it to your new home. Avoid taking duplicates or clothing you never wear. Use the packing experience to get rid of all the clutter and junk you no longer need. By weeding through your items, you will find it easier to keep your home tidy and organized.

12. Planting Trees And Shrubs At The Wrong Time Of Year

If you’re moving into a new home with unattractive or limited plants and landscaping, you might feel the urge to fix it immediately. If you’re moving in the spring or fall, you can grow plants that will have the time to establish themselves and survive. If you move in the middle of the summer or winter, you should avoid gardening if weather conditions aren’t favorable. 

13. Not Packing A Suitcase With Necessities

Lastly, remember to pack one suitcase or box with essentials. The day you move in, you’ll need some towels, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and tools. If they are packed in separate boxes, it can take hours to locate the essentials you need to get through the day. Pack as if you’re going on vacation, and remember to include some basic tools you’ll need to assemble furniture and perform basic DIY tasks.

Final Notes On Mistakes To Avoid When Moving 

Moving into a new home is an exciting, although stressful time. To ensure it goes smoothly, there are several common mistakes you need to avoid. Don’t forget to register your change your address, change the locks, and get all utilities under your name. Ensure you know all the rules in your community, and remember to introduce yourself to your neighbors. Don’t rush your packing. Take the time to organize and label each box, and get rid of junk to avoid clutter in your new home. Before you move in boxes, deep clean your home while it’s still empty.

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• 11 Money-Saving Tips When Moving
• What To Pack First When Moving?
• Eight Tips To Get Settled Into A New House