6 Important Things to Do Once You Move into Your New Home

There’s no getting around the fact that there’s a lot to do when you move. Too often, immediate moving tasks take precedence and some crucial changes get forgotten in the process. With that in mind, here are six important things to do once you move into your new home. Read over this list so that you make sure that you don’t forget any of them on moving day.

Things to do once you move into your new place

1. Change your locks.

Usually, when people move into a new home, security is among their top concerns. If the security of your family is a major priority for you, you should consider changing the locks as soon as you get a copy of the keys. After all, otherwise, you will have no way of knowing who has access to your home.

We suggest hiring a locksmith on move-in day. Typically, for just a few hundred dollars, you can have all of your locks and deadbolts changed over to new versions. However, if you are on a tight budget, you can also change the locks yourself after purchasing new ones from your local home improvement store.

2. Update your address.

The next thing to do is to update your address. First, you will want to do so with the post office in order to ensure that all of your correspondence will find its way to you. Fortunately, they have an online form that makes the process incredibly easy.

That said, beyond just changing your address with the post office, you’re going to want to update your address with any subscription services you have in your name. These services can include newspapers, meal kits, magazines, and delivery services like Amazon.

3. Get a new license and registration.

In the event that you move out of state, you’re going to need to get a new driver’s license. Different states have different timelines for when this needs to be done, but you are typically required to have a new license in hand within the first 30 days after you move. In some states, like California, for example, the time frame is as short as 10 days.

Notably, different states also have different requirements for providing proof of residency. With that in mind, it’s important to do some research before heading to the DMV. In most cases, you will also be required to provide proof of your identity and pay a fee.

On the other hand, if you are only moving across town, you may not need to get a new license right away. You’ll have to check with your state’s requirements to be sure, but either way, you’re still going to be required to update your car’s registration to reflect your new address.

4. Verify your voter registration.

Unless you’ve literally moved right around the corner from your former residence, there’s a good chance that you’re going to have to update your voter registration. In this case, you will likely be in a new district, which means you will have a new polling place and may eventually be voting for different candidates.

You may have the option to update your voter registration while you are at the DMV sorting out your new license and vehicle registration. However, if not, the odds are that you’ll have to go to your local municipal building or to fill out a form online through their website.

5. Research new providers.

It doesn’t make any sense to wait until you’re in a medical emergency to find a team of doctors in new your area.

Still, for many of us, finding medical providers is only one piece of the puzzle. You’ll also want to think about finding new service providers like a hairstylist or a local housekeeper.

To make things easier on yourself, consider making a list of all the service providers who you visit regularly before you move. That way, you’ll have a handy reference for when it’s time to find providers in your new area.

6. Transfer your medical records.

Lastly, once you’ve taken the time to find new medical providers, you’re going to want to transfer your medical records. Though this can be a little bit of a pain to handle logistically, it’s worth it to ensure that your quality of care and any existing treatment plans continue seamlessly from one doctor to another.

Usually, this process involves filling out a HIPAA form or two for both doctors’ offices. Once they have all the proper paperwork in place, most providers can either fax or mail your records to your new physician. However, in some cases, the records will be released into your care and then you can bring them to your new doctor at your next appointment.