Post-Move Aftermath: Things To Do Right After You Move
The hustle doesn’t end after you have unloaded the very last box. After moving there’s still a lot of drama to deal with, and the post-move trauma might be more stressful than the actual moving house. But if you have a carefully laid plan and have executed it properly you’ll survive everything with sanity intact.
Preparing a checklist before moving out will reduce the after-move strain considerably. It is going to keep you totally organized even if there are about a hundred boxes to unpack! Even with a razor-sharp mind, it is still better to have a checklist to avoid missing things. Here are the things that should be on your checklist:
1. Bust out your home inventory
You might forget about those mugs you received last Christmas or the coffee maker (because you have two!) once you step inside this new home. Make sure that your possessions will come with you by making a home inventory sheet. Sort everything and list down the things inside a certain box. Make two copies, one should be taped outside each box and the other should be with you. To avoid confusion ask the movers to bring one box at a time.
2. Put things where they should be
You probably wouldn’t want to carry the refrigerator from the living room to the kitchen on your own. Ask the movers to place things where they will be used. (Offer your hardworking helpers some pre-prepared refreshments after.)
3. Do a quick visual sweep of large appliances and furniture
Make sure that the sofa bed still has complete feet, the dishwasher’s cord has not been pulled out and the flat-TV has not been scratched. Insurance is often limited so it is better to file a claim as soon as possible. Check if they are all working before the removalists leave!
4. Clean the new space
The last owner may have already cleaned the house but a quick vacuum will be good for your nasal cavities.
5. Arrange your furniture, ASAP!
While you have more hands on deck, maximising the time spent by asking for help, and arranging (and rearranging) heavy furniture by yourself is HEAVY work. Once every piece of furniture has been arranged you will be done with the unpacking process faster. Plus, there are fewer chances that your kneecaps will bump into something HARD while rambling around the house.
6. Gather emergency numbers
If you are now living hundreds of miles away from your best friends don’t expect them to be there at 3 am because you heard sounds downstairs. Get the telephone number of the local police station, fire station and hospital.
7. Notify everyone of your new address
Do not miss notifications, invitations and birthday cards. Inform your family and friends about your new address. With social media, it shouldn’t be too hard.
8. Don’t start unpacking like a lunatic
While seeing all of your things settled in this new house can be quite thrilling don’t rush into opening all boxes. The golden rule is to unpack one room at a time. If you have decided to unpack everything that belongs to the kitchen first don’t unpack for the living room until you are done. It is better to have finished one room than to have four rooms only 1/8 done.
If you are moving with your family it is encouraged to let everybody unpack his or her personal things at night in his or her own bedroom. This is going to help him or her adjust to the new surroundings.
9. Hire someone to unpack for you
Some moving companies not only have people that help you pack, but they also offer unpacking services. But, you have to ensure that they are highly trained, choosing the wrong person to help you unpack not only runs the risk of costing too much but also chances that there could be breakages. Hiring a company that has damage guarantees or insurance is a sure way to go for both packing and unpacking.
If you thought packing to move was overwhelming, unpacking will knock you out cold before you even set up your bed for the first night. So while there are still movers milling in and out of your home, do not hesitate to ask for assistance – they’d be more than willing to help.