What are the first important DIY jobs after moving?

From planning and budgeting for your move, down to preparing for life in your new apartment, the list of things to do before and after moving almost never ends. While many of the important tasks after moving will require the services of professionals such as changing your locks and setting up an alarm, some others are DIY tasks and will require just little effort from you.

Moving into a new home? Here is a list of important tasks you can do yourself to ensure that you settle in smoothly.

Setup basic utilities

Ensure that all your services and utilities are running smoothly.

Arriving at your new home and later discovering at night that the lights don't work can be very frustrating. Move around the house and ensure that all the basic utilities are working properly.

Check if major appliances are still working

If you moved major appliances such as stoves, refrigerators and dishwashers, after you settle down, you should check to see if they are still working and not damaged, especially if these appliances were prepared by the mover.  Damage may sometimes occur, particularly if you are moving internationally.

Some movers specialise in international moving (specifically between New Zealand and Australia). Make sure to get more info when engaging their service.

Research and find a moving company that can handle the locations involved in your move.

The timing which you have to make a claim on your insurance policy may be limited and since these appliances are high priced items you should immediately check to be sure they are in working condition and inform the moving company as well as your insurance company if there are damages.

Check all furniture and boxes

See to it that nothing was damaged during the move by checking all pieces of furniture and boxes. Also, you should ensure that every item arrived at your new home and nothing is lost, this can be done by conducting a home inventory. If while checking you discover that your items may have been damaged, contact your insurance company and the mover to make a claim.  This should be done immediately after moving or you may not be reimbursed by the insurance company.

Update your mailing address

Register your new address and ensure that your mails are being forwarded to the new address by checking with your old residence and the post office. This can be done within the first week of your move.

Connect with your neighbourhood

Subscribe to a community magazine or local newspaper, this will keep you updated on the local happenings and contacts.

Also, as soon as possible you should reach out to your new neighbours with a friendly gesture, as this will help neighbours to get acquainted and look out for each other. Establishing a good rapport with your neighbours will also give you access to valuable insider information such as the best roofing company in the area and the plumber to avoid.

Clean Air Conditioner Condensers and Evaporators

This does not require the help of a professional, and although this will require some effort from you, the impact will be felt later, when the summer heat sets in. First, you have to switch off the electricity to the unit, after which you’ll use a soft-bristled brush to clean the outdoor condenser’s fins. Once this is complete, you should clear away, weeds, bushes, and long grass growing close to the unit. Inside the house, the blower compartment should be vacuumed, the furnace filter on the evaporator unit should be replaced, and ensure that the condensation drain is cleaned out.

Locate security sensitive power and control areas

Areas such as the fuse box, oil shut off, and/or propane, as well as the main water supply control are major areas of focus. You need to know where the power and water to your home can be shut off in case you have an emergency. Also, you should familiarise yourself with how the furnace and gas are shut off. This will be helpful when handling serious situations such as a fire.

Register your vehicle and get a new driver’s license

If you have moved between countries, provinces, or states ensure that you register your car with the local authorities and get a new driver’s licence, number plates and tags for your vehicle.

These processes can be done in a day and can all be done at once, as it is impossible to register a car without getting a driver's licence. Also, ensure that you have carried out your research beforehand so you know the requirements and documents you need for identification and proof of residency. If you haven't moved out of your current state you may not need to get a new licence, however, it's mandatory to register your vehicle in the new area.

Register as a voter

If you have moved between cities ensure that you are listed as a registered voter in the new area. This can often be done at the same time as your car registration, just be sure you have access to the paperwork while it’s done. If you are unable to do it when doing your car registration, you can do it later in a local town office or online.

Collect and keep receipts safe

Ensure that all receipts and documentation involved in your moving are carefully collated and filed. While doing this, also ensure that you are in possession of your bill of lading and payment receipts. If you plan to claim your move during your next tax return, all of these documents will be necessary.

Research and find new service providers

After moving into a new area, you need to find new service providers in that area such as a dentist, a doctor or a vet.  This will help you to contact the right people in the event of an emergency.

Review your insurance

Find out if your current insurance policy covers you in your new area or if new insurance such as health, household and car will be needed. This is important if you are moving to a new state or province.

Transfer your medical records

Hopefully, you will not be needing them. But, just in case, find a new primary health care provider and transfer your medical records to them. Depending on the area you move to your old provider may take up to a month to complete your paperwork, and the process can be discouraging, but keep following up with them and ensure that it is done.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, 13 important DIY tasks you can carry out after moving. If all of these tasks are properly checked off your list, you would have done a great deal to ensure your smooth move to your new home. If you run into difficulties at any point, do not hesitate to involve an expert.