Tips for Moving into a Newly Built Home
Moving into a newly constructed house provides an exciting opportunity to start fresh in an untouched space. You will be the first tenant to call it home, so you can completely customize it to your liking.
However, a newly built home can also pose unique challenges to the moving process. Your house may not have all the finishing touches of a lived-in space, so it will be up to you to make sure it is ready for you, your family and your movers.
Here are eight tips to seamlessly make this house your own:
1. Set up your utilities far in advance.
In previously inhabited homes, your utilities are likely already set up for you, and all you have to do is transfer the account and billing to your name. But with a completely new home, you may need to allow extra time for new utilities hookup. Start contacting providers as soon as possible to make sure your electricity, water and other essentials will be up and running by the time you move in.
2. Inspect every nook and cranny.
Before closing, you should walk through the house at least twice to look for any details the builder might have missed. Check your ceilings, cabinets, light fixtures, walls, drawers, countertops, windows, floors, faucets and other appliances. Make sure you keep a running punch list of any repairs you will require after you move.
3. Build flexibility into your move-in timeline.
Constructing a home takes time, and the estimated date for its completion can change often and without notice. Obstacles such as poor weather or site conditions can cause delays, hindering the progress of your house and pushing back your move-in timeline. Stay flexible with your plans by ensuring you can stay in your current home a couple weeks after your official closing date, if needed.
4. Find a reputable relocation partner.
Choosing the right moving company is vital for a successful move. Armstrong Relocation has experience moving thousands of families and will give you an easy start to life in your new home. Our experts can handle the entire process for you, including decluttering, staging, packing, transporting, unpacking, installing, organizing and more.
5. Take your time to furnish your new space.
A new home requires more furnishing than you may expect. In addition to moving in your own furniture, you may need to take care of details like adding a fence to your backyard or a mailbox to your front stoop. Instead of trying to complete everything at once, spend some time in your space and slowly cross items off your to-do list. For example, your home’s measurements may vary slightly from the provided floor plans, so wait to buy new furniture until after you’ve physically seen each room.
6. Look into short-term storage options.
If you’re not sure which items you’ll want to keep or pitch, ask an Armstrong expert about our full-service storage pickup and delivery. With our storage solutions, you can keep excess furniture and heirlooms safe while you get to know and plan each space in your new home.
7. Ensure your movers have parking access.
Even if your home is finished by the time you move in, your driveway may not be. Talk to your relocation partner about where their vans will be able to park on moving day and whether your area is still a construction zone. For example, is your driveway not yet paved? Avoid any day-of delays by mentioning that now to your Armstrong move coordinator.
8. Document all files and repairs in a central location.
Begin a file where you can keep track of all your homeowner information, including your builder’s contact information, floorplans, dates of repairs, appliance manuals and other details. Keep your file in a secure, accessible location, and continue to add to it over time.
Whether you are moving into a newly constructed or existing home, you need a relocation partner dedicated to protecting your property as if it were their own. Let Armstrong Relocation handle the details of your move so you can focus on getting settled in your new space. Call our experts today at 800-288-7396 or request a free quote online.
