Congratulations homeowner!!
So you got your keys to your new home, the moving truck is gone, and the boxes are stacked in their new rooms. That’s the most awesome feeling and should be celebrated, but I am going to add some homework to your list.. I know, I know… “fun sucker” but you are going to want to hear these.
1.FORWARD YOUR MAIL
Make sure that you are able to receive any information from Title, your mortgage company, or your mom(!!) by forwarding your mail to your new home. I used this when we moved and found that the all in one process was super easy. You can also change your voter’s registration card! Obviously, if the newly purchased property is not going to be your primary address then this step can be skipped.
2.REKEY YOUR DOORS
You never know if a relative of the previous owner or the well meaning, kooky neighbor still has a key, so just to be safe it is always a good idea to have your doors rekeyed. If you decide on a home warranty with your home purchase, check to see if this is a service that is covered within your coverage. If you have a keyless entry, reset this to factory settings and change the pass code too — don’t forget garage door openers and apps associated with any entry as well!
3.UPDATE YOUR ADDRESS ON ALL ONLINE BILLS
If you have anything on autopay make sure that your address is updated for these accounts, think car payments, investment accounts, and any regular bills. This goes for your credit cards, and your car insurance too! Correcting this will make sure that the companies can reach you, but also that your information is not sent to anyone else.
4.UPDATE PASSWORDS TO ANYTHING THAT CONNECTS TO WI-FI
If the home you purchased had a security system, thermostat, or anything that was connected to Wi-Fi in order to “run” make sure the password is updated. If you cannot update the password, reset the system to its factory settings for a hard reset. This insures that the previous owner does not accidentally change your thermostat instead of theirs for example, it has happened!
5.CHANGE YOUR ADDRESS TO SUBSCRIPTIONS
If you have a running subscription that ships to you – you will want to make sure they know you have moved. My sister had a few wedding presents delivered to her previous address, and that was before porch pirates were big. Double check this to make sure your packages get to you!
6.MAKE SURE ALL UTILITIES ARE TRANSFERRED OR CANCELED
This should be a known, but just in case, make sure that all your utilities are transferred- but more importantly make sure the homes that are not transferring are canceled. If your new home no longer has gas supply, a pool, or any other big difference make sure that you cancel whatever service that required so you are not paying for usage that you did not intend.
Again, congratulations on your new home!! I hope it brings you and your family years of joy, laughter, and memories. “Home” to me is space that holds my favorite memories. Finding that space, and being able to share in the processes that bring others to their meaning of home, is a true honor and privilege. If you are looking for that trusted agent in Texas, I would love to meet to discuss how I can be that for you!
Let’s get started!
