How to avoid issues moving: keep up with small tasks
Whether you’re moving across the country or one street over, there are a million things to do, think about, and pay for that can stress out even the most easy-going people. Packing boxes, moving them up and down stairs, and then unpacking those boxes takes a lot out of you. When it’s all said and done and you’re in your new home, you probably just want to get on with your life. Totally understandable! However some small steps now can help to avoid major issues down the road. Here are some things you should do once you’re settled into your new place:
Have your home’s systems cleaned and serviced.
While you’re at it, just have everything cleaned. Moves can get really dirty. Dust and grime has likely emerged and settled in all different places. So it’s a great idea to give it a thorough cleaning before you settle in. Also, though things may have been recently upgraded, you’ll still want to make sure to have a professional check, clean, and service your systems. Consider having your air ducts cleaned out to remove allergens – old and new – from the vents and ducts around your home. This will not only improve air quality, but will make sure that there is no mold growth, pests, vermin, or clogs that might be polluting or hindering your indoor air circulation. Once the professional has done all of their work, be sure to change filters, clean and dust the vents around your home, and adjust temperature settings to make sure your systems are running properly and operating efficiently throughout the year.
Check seals on windows and doors.
Whether your home is a new build, newly remodeled, or a fixer upper, you’ll want to examine the seals around doors and windows. If you find any that are cracked or incomplete, you can fix them yourself using caulk. Those cracks or incomplete seal jobs can cause a major headache when it comes to air flow, pests, and weather elements seeping into your home, so it’s important to get them taken care of as soon as you notice them!
Find your fuse box.
If the previous owners didn’t already do this, it’s a great idea to immediately locate your fuse box and label what fuse connects to what area of the house. This way, when you’re working on small electrical projects, or discovering some faulty wiring, you know exactly where to go to prevent any serious accidents. There’s no glamourous way to do this other than flipping a switch and checking to see what area of the house doesn’t have power (hint: it’ll take much less time if you have someone to help you, but is also a good cardio workout should you want to get your step count up for the day).
Find your water shut off valve.
You should also make sure to find your water shut off valve in the event that there’s a plumbing emergency, severe weather en route, or you’re simply heading off to your lake house for the summer. 
- Find the valve.
- Turn it until it’s all the way off.
- Check to make sure no water comes out of a faucet.
It may take a moment for water to stop flowing based on what might be left in your home’s pipes.
Set up and familiarize yourself with your new utility accounts.
Though you’ve likely gotten accounts shifted to your new address and gotten everything turned on before you start the move, taking a closer look at the utility bills and the historic usage at your new home can help you make a plan to budget for and save on energy costs.
Check your appliances.
If you moved your appliances from your previous residence, you’ll want to make sure they’re in the same working order they were before they were packed. Depending on the complexity of your move, even the slightest damages could become costly later down the line. If you used movers – especially if they packed the items up for you – damages could likely be covered under an insurance policy. If the appliances came with the new home, you’ll want to do an even deeper discovery as to how well they function to maintain efficiency and safety.
Prepare for everything.
Research service professionals and contractors in the area so you have a list of contacts should anything happen. You should also consider reassessing your insurance, home warranty, and security needs to give you more peace of mind as you settle into your new home.
We’re here to help.
When you’re an IGS Home Protection customer, if something goes wrong, we do the contractor search for you. Our home warranty plans protect your inside and outside utility lines, wires, and pipes, as well as your HVAC systems. When something fails, we’ll send one of our trusted and specialized contractors to investigate your issue, cover the cost of the service call, pay for the covered repairs or replacements, and guarantee repairs for a full year.