Today, it’s my pleasure to bring you a guest blog post from a fellow Keller Williams agent. Her name is Sherri Williams, and she is from Austin, Texas. Sherri has been in the business for over 30 years and brings a wealth of insight to any real estate discussion, so be sure to check out Sherri’s website for more great articles! Also, learn more about Sherri by reading her personal bio at the end of this article.
You did it! You bought your new home and you are anxious to rush right over after the closing and start moving in. But, wait…there are a few things you may want to consider doing first. These tips might just make your move in experience a lot easier.
Your New Home Checklist
1. Re-Key Your Home - The first thing you should consider is re-keying the house. The previous homeowners may have given keys to neighbors, family, contractors, etc…and you won’t know who does or doesn’t have a key. Re-keying will give you the option of giving keys to your trusted friends, family, and any of your hired professionals who may be helping you during this phase of the process (see below).
2. Remodel - Next, consider what changes you want to make to your new home. Large projects like additions or major renovations should be planned out carefully to avoid delays (and your ultimate move-in date). You will also want to consider your budget very carefully as well.
If you’re moving into an older home you may want to consider electrical upgrades. These can include: adding GFI outlets to kitchen and baths, installing additional outlets, ceiling fans, extra lighting, etc.
Painting and flooring changes are other common updates that will be much easier to do before all of your belongings make it into the house.
3. Unpack In An Organized Fashion – This sounds like a “no-brainer” – right? But, when you’re excited about your new home, it is easy to say, “I’ll just put that over there and find a place for it later.” Then, later seems to never come. Why not plan where you want your items BEFORE you unpack? You have a brand new space so plan it out. Maybe the kitchen plates worked really well next to the sink in your old home, but is that going to be the best for kitchen flow in your new home? Plan before you start taking items out of boxes and suitcases.
And, you have a new closet space as well. When you’re unpacking and getting things situated in your new house wouldn’t it be nice to have organized closet systems where you can put your clothes and shoes away neatly and forget about it? If you wait to do it until after you have moved in, you’ll have to hassle with moving everything out and living out of suitcases (or piles on the floor). It is much easier to do it first and be done with it. There are choices to fit almost any budget from DIY closet systems to elaborate high end combinations that will turn your closet into a luxurious suite! Again, please think ahead and your unpacking will go smoothly and the result will be neat and organized.
Moving Day!
Congratulations on your new home! Now, it is time to settle into it. Remember these tips and your move should go smoothly so that you can sit back and enjoy your wonderful new space.
Happy Moving!
Do you have a great moving tip that works well for you? Do you pay professional movers or do you ask your friends to help (while you supply the pizza)? I’d love to hear from you!
About Sherri
Sherri Williams was born and raised in Texas and has been an Austinite for most of her life. Austin has a very hot real estate market right now and Sherri is proud to say that she has a proven track record as a top real estate professional since 1984. When she is not representing clients, Sherri loves to be involved in her community by helping with projects such as organizing Home and Garden Tours, 4th of July Parades, etc. Sherri can be reached at www.sherriwilliams.com or, when you are in Austin, please take a moment to visit with her in person.