Moving to a New Home: 5 Things to Do First

by Ellen Garcia 03/10/2022

Moving to a new home is a long process, and it isn’t over after the actual move. There are many things you need to do in your new home to make it comfortable and functional for your needs. Rather than get overwhelmed by how much there is to unpack, consult this list of tasks to make the most of your moving day and the days to follow.

1. Clean

Even if you’re moving into a brand new house, it’s important to do some cleaning before you unpack. While you likely won’t need anything as extensive as carpet shampooing, mopping or window cleaning, take some time to clean major surfaces. Dust can accumulate quickly, even in an empty space, and clearing it out before placing any of your belongings will give you an excellent head start.

2. Arrange Primary Furniture

Start placing furniture, beginning with the largest pieces. This could be a sofa, dining room table, dresser or any other heavy items that are inconvenient to move. Once you’ve found a good spot for them, you can build around them and adjust as needed. Plus, moving the biggest and heaviest items first saves you needing to do it later when you might be more tired.

3. Unpack the Essentials

Make sure you have some basic supplies available. This includes things like toilet paper, hand and dish soap, paper towels, personal toiletries or medications. You may also want to plug in any devices that require charging, such as a phone or tablet. Start with only the bare essentials when unpacking, and you’ll make the process more comfortable without getting overwhelmed.

4. Finalize Paperwork

If you hired movers, make sure you finalize any paperwork and organize receipts. Consult the moving inventory and check for anything missing or damaged you might need to file a claim for. If you had a great experience with your movers, leave them a review online. Good reviews matter, and they’re easier to write when details are fresh in your memory. This is also true if you need to file a complaint—the quicker you do so, the easier it will be.

5. Make the Bed

Make sure you have a place to sleep already established before you get too tired. Find and unpack sheets, pillows and any other essential items for making your bed and make it ready for sleep as soon as possible. This makes it much easier to lie down if you need a rest and you will be thankful to have a freshly made bed waiting for you at the end of a long and strenuous day.

The moving process doesn’t end once you arrive at your new place. Luckily, by following these steps, you can make that process more efficient and comfortable.

About the Author
Author

Ellen Garcia

Ellen Garcia Broker, GRI, SRS, ABR, RSPS, SRES, RENE, MRP, LRS, LSE, LSS, AHWD, e-PROÒ Ellen believes that listening and understanding her clients' needs are the foundation of a successful business partnership. Her knowledge of the many unique communities in Fairfield County is an invaluable asset to clients new to the area, and she is able to help anyone moving to, from or within Fairfield County make an easier transition into a new home and community. For clients who are preparing to sell their homes, Ellen offers her first-hand knowledge of how to leverage the strength of a "brand" in showcasing and marketing their properties. Ellen offers a powerful advantage in bringing her skills and resources to work for her clients. With over 10 years, of full-time experience in the real estate industry, she is well-versed in the Fairfield County real estate market. Ellen has successfully completed: · Over 130 closed sales and rental transactions · Representing a dollar volume of over $65 million Ellen’s people skills lead the way in building a strong network to assist and support her clients in achieving their goals through every step of the real estate process: · Negotiations both local and global · New business development (sales & marketing) · Creative problem solving · Building partnerships · Tapping into Halstead Property’s network of 1100 agents in NYC and Lower Fairfield County Her career in Real Estate has been recognized with many awards including: "Agent of the Year” for Halstead Property Wilton and "Most Closed Sale and Listing Transactions” numerous times. Within Connecticut, Ellen has been recognized over the past several years as a "Connecticut Magazine 5 Star Realtor”. Awards 2016 & 2014 AGENT OF THE YEAR – HALSTEAD WILTON – HIGHEST GROSS SALES 2016 - 2011 CONNECTICUT MAGAZINE 5-STAR REALTOR AWARD 2016 - 2013 MOST CLOSED LISTINGS – Wilton Office 2016, 2014 - 2012 MOST CLOSED SALES – Wilton Office 2016, 2015, 2014 HALSTEAD PROPERTY PRESIDENT’S COUNCIL 2013, 2012 & 2011 HALSTEAD PROPERTY DIRECTOR’S COUNCIL 2014 HALSTEAD – PLATINUM CIRCLE 2016 HALSTEAD - GOLD CIRCEL 2015, 2013 HALSTEAD – SILVER CIRCLE 2007 COUNTRY LIVING ASSOCIATES OUTSTANDING RELOCATION SPECIALIST PRESIDENT'S AWARD (2005, 2006 & 2007). Leading Real Estate Companies of the World PREMIER CLUB – SILVER AWARD FOR REFERRAL ACHIEVEMENT (2006) Sales Associates Recognition Program Professional Associations: · Connecticut Association of Realtors (CAR) · National Association of Realtors (NAR) · Consolidated Multiple Listing Service (CMLS) · Connecticut State-wide MLS (CTMLS) · Mid-Fairfield County Association of Realtors (MFCAR) · Senior Advantage Real Estate Council (SAREC) · Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Council (REBAC) · Seller’s Representative Specialist Council (SRS) · e-PRO Professional Designations: · BROKER · ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative) · SRS (Seller’s Representative Specialist) · RENE (Real Estate Negotiation Expert) · GRI (Graduate Realtor Institute) · RSPS (Resort and Second Property Specialist) · MRP (Military Relocation Professional) · SRES (Seniors Real Estate Specialist) · LRS (LeadingRE Relocation Specialist) · LSS (LeadingRE Sales Specialist) · LSE (LeadingRE Service Expert) · AHWD (At Home with Diversity: One America) · REALTOR e-PRO · CONNECTICUT TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION