Moving into a new house is both exciting and challenging, especially when you’re setting your sights on a retirement destination as wonderful as Fort Lauderdale. Known for its stunning 23 miles of beaches and an expansive canal system stretching over 500 miles, this Atlantic Ocean gem is often called the “Venice of America.”
But before you get lost in the allure of your new city, remember that a successful move requires careful planning and attention to detail. From sorting your belongings to ensuring your utilities are up and running in your new home, numerous steps need to be taken.
This guide offers you a detailed checklist to make your move to Fort Lauderdale as smooth and stress-free as possible. Armed with these tips, you’ll be enjoying your new home—and the beautiful surroundings—in no time.
Choosing a reliable mover
One of the first steps in moving is choosing a reliable moving company. As you may already know, more people are moving to Florida every year. Fort Lauderdale itself has a population growing at 0.93% annually.
However, moving to Fort Lauderdale isn’t all that easy, especially with the high temperatures and humid climate. With that in mind, it is advantageous to go for local movers as they have they know the area and the climate well, which can make your move more efficient. Start your search by looking up Fort Lauderdale cross country movers online to find services that cater to your specific needs.
Online reviews and testimonials can offer great insight into a company’s reliability and customer service. Take your time to compare different companies, their services, and pricing. Consider getting quotes and speaking directly with potential movers to gauge their professionalism.
Inventory Your Possessions
Taking an inventory of your possessions before a move offers you a lot of advantages. Start with one room and move through your home systematically. As you go, make a list on paper or use a simple spreadsheet on your computer.
Break down your belongings into three categories: essentials, optional items, and expendable things you can part with. Essentials include items you can’t do without, like your ID, essential clothing, and medications. Optional items might be extra furniture or books you’d like to keep but could live without.
Expendable items are things you haven’t used in a long time and can donate or sell. Having this list in hand helps you prioritize what to move and what to part with, ensuring that your new home won’t be cluttered from day one.
Get Quality Packing Supplies
Choosing high-quality packing supplies is crucial when you’re preparing for a move. You might think all boxes and tapes are the same, but there’s a big difference between quality products and cheaper alternatives.
So, what should you get? Opt for sturdy boxes that can hold the weight of your belongings without falling apart. Double-walled boxes are especially good for heavier items like books or kitchenware. Packing tape should be durable, too. Don’t use masking tape or duct tape, as they might not hold up during the journey.
For delicate items, bubble wrap offers the best protection against bumps and shocks. Consider packing paper to wrap around fragile items before placing them in boxes. Using these higher-quality supplies ensures that your belongings reach your new home in the same condition they left the old one.
Deep Clean Your New Home
Cleaning your new home before your belongings arrive is essential for a fresh start. Deep cleaning is all about creating a sanitary, welcoming environment for you and your family. Start with the floors.
If your new home has carpets, consider hiring a professional carpet cleaning service. Hardwood or tiled floors? A simple mop and a good floor cleaner should do the trick. Next, focus on high-touch surfaces like door handles, light switches, and kitchen countertops. Using a good disinfectant, wipe down these areas to eliminate germs.
Don’t forget the bathrooms, as they need thorough scrubbing, especially the toilet, sink, and shower areas. If your new home comes with appliances, clean the insides of the oven, refrigerator, and microwave. One thing that is often overlooked is the windows, but a good wash can let in more light and make the space more inviting.
Inspect and Perform Necessary Repairs
Before you finalize your moving date, make sure to thoroughly inspect your new home for repairs that might be necessary. Whether it’s a leaky faucet or a faulty electrical outlet, these issues can become major headaches if left unaddressed.
Walk through each room and test everything: turn on all lights, run the taps, flush toilets, and check the locks on doors and windows. If you find any issues, you should arrange for repairs right away. Hiring professionals to fix these problems before you move in will save you time and the hassle of living in a construction zone.
In addition to this, getting repairs done beforehand allows you to unpack and settle into a fully functional home, making the transition smoother and less stressful for everyone involved.
Notify Change of Address
Informing important institutions and people about your new address is a crucial step in the moving process. This ensures that you won’t miss out on any important mail or services after you move. Right off the bat, make sure to update your address with utility companies for services like electricity, gas, and water. It’s equally essential to inform your bank so they can update their records and continue to provide seamless service.
Don’t overlook other entities that might need your new address, like magazines or online subscriptions. Set up mail forwarding through the postal service to ensure that any mail sent to your old address reaches you at your new one. The same goes for government documents—don’t forget to update your address with the Department of Motor Vehicles, voter registration, and other essential services.
Set Up Home Security Measures
Securing your new home should be high on your priority list. Right after moving in, walk around your property and assess the locks on all doors and windows. It’s often a good idea to replace the locks as you don’t know who else might have copies of the keys from the previous owner.
Also, consider installing a basic security system if one isn’t already in place. While some people opt for advanced systems with cameras and alarms, even a basic setup can offer peace of mind. Alongside this, you should establish an emergency exit plan. Sit down with your family and decide on safe exit routes from different points in the house in case of emergencies like fire or natural disasters. Make sure everyone knows the plan well.
Conclusion
In wrapping up, moving into your new house doesn’t have to be a nerve-wracking experience. With a well-thought-out plan and a step-by-step approach, you can handle this big life change in an organized and efficient way. The checklist above can serve as your guide to avoiding unnecessary stress and making your move as smooth as possible.