Let’s face it: move-in day is an exciting, chaotic, and stressful 24 hours. You’re either lugging things up the stairs to your new place or coordinating with movers and trying to save them a parking space on the street. Whichever way you slice it, you’re going to be busy and eager to settle into your new place. That’s why we’ve put together a short list of things that are easily forgotten during the hustle and bustle of a move. Here’s what to do once you survive move-in day.
1. Make Sure Utilities Are Set Up
Once you’ve moved your things in, call your utility providers (if you haven’t already) and have the electricity, gas, heat, and water turned on and placed in your name. Remember to schedule your trash pick up, too. It’s usually processed through the city, so check your local government’s website and get in contact with them, unless your landlord takes care of it for you. Cable and internet are also important, but aren’t necessarily a top priority, so you can probably get away without those for a few days.
Pro Tip: Shop around for local internet and cable providers as opposed to big-name companies. These lesser-known businesses often provide the same services at a cheaper price.
2. Unpack
Start with the necessities, and work your way to the smaller items that don’t get much use. Hopefully you’ve followed some smart packing advice and packed a bag with the things you’ll need the first night you move into your place and have organized your moving boxes by category.
Once you’re ready to start unpacking, begin with the items you know you’re going to need as opposed to things like books and keepsakes that you can unpack much later. Set up your bed, unpack and put away your kitchen necessities, and take your bathroom essentials out of their boxes. Keep in mind that things will be a bit of a mess for the first few days (or weeks!), so make sure you prioritize the things you actually need when unpacking.
3. Get Renter’s Insurance
Out of all the things you should do after move-in, this one might be the easiest, thanks to Lemonade. Renter’s insurance is recommended for every renter, and you never know when it will come in handy. From thunderstorm and fire damage to vandalism and theft, your valuables will be covered if you have insurance. Sign up with Lemonade in just 90 seconds and protect your belongings for as little as $5/month. It’s a no-brainer.
4. Mail Forwarding and Change of Address
This one usually gets put on the back burner for a while, but it’s one of the most important things to do after move-in. In fact, even before you move to your new apartment, you should request for the post office to forward your mail through their online portal. Change your address on your online delivery services, like Amazon and Caviar; the last thing you want is to accidentally ship your latest Amazon purchase to your old address. Once you’ve moved in fully, you can officially change your address. While you’re at it, it would be a good time to register to vote in your new county, city, or state.
5. Meet the Neighbors
Did you know that meeting your neighbors can actually save you money? It’s true! But even if you don’t do it for the financial perks, it’s still a great idea to get to know the people who live around you. Who knows when you’ll need a spare battery for the remote during a late-night binge-watching session or someone to get your mail for you while you’re on vacation. Plus, knowing your neighbors will create a sense of community, and you’ll feel safer knowing the people who live next to you.
We get it, moving day can be a headache. Once you’ve settled in and put the move-in stress behind you, begin checking things off this list and your new place will start feeling like home in no time.
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