Tackle this List Before You Close on Your Home

The home buying process is both exciting and sometimes a little stressful too! Between negotiations, mortgage paperwork,  home inspections and the number crunching, it can leave you feeling a bit overwhelmed. Of course, it eventually calms down and you find yourself nearing the closing date. Up to this point you probably have not thought about the little things that need to be done before you close on your home, but now you are in a time crunch trying to finish up the last minute to-do’s. To stay on top of it all and keep a little organization throughout the process we have provided a checklist of things to do before signing on the dotted line.

1. Clear your calendar– This may seem like a no-brainer but closing day is not always a quick process and feeling rushed can make it stressful. Clear your calendar of any meetings or appointments, let your co-workers know you may not be easily available. When you don’t have other obligations you can actually take the time to enjoy this moment!
2. Book the movers– Once you have the closing date in hand, you want to book your movers! During the busy moving months (i.e, June-September), moving companies book up quickly. If you are planning to do the move yourself you still need to reserve the moving truck and any additional equipment or supplies you need.
3. Hire a Babysitter/Pet sitter–  An antsy or screaming child is something you do not want to have to deal with on closing day. They may not understand what is going on or how important it is and that is understandable, they are kids! To save you a little headache, consider hiring a babysitter or have a family member watch your child while you close on your home. This is also something to consider on your moving day for your kids AND your pets; it can stress them out. This will also help them with the transition too!
4. Call the locksmith– No matter how trust-worthy the last home owners may seem, changing your locks will give you peace of mind. It is important to have this booked and ready to go once you close on the home so it can be done soon.
5. Start collecting take-out menus– This one may not make sense at first but trust us when we say, you do not want to have to worry about cooking and digging through boxes for pots and pans while you are still unpacking. Gather take-out menus from the new area you are moving to so that you know phone numbers and have a menu to order from. Convenience is key!
6. Research security systems– Whether your new home already has a security system or you want to set one up for the first time, this is something you need to do before you move in. Your family’s safety and security is number one! Look online and compare prices/services. Some systems are better for single-family homes while others are best for condos, which is why you need to research them. If the home already has an alarm system, you need to call the company when you do get the keys and switch over the account.
7. Transfer your utilities & services– You want to make sure you have the electric, gas, water and even cable ready to go when  you move to your new home. Get these utilities transferred as soon as possible. Do you have a monthly housecleaning service? Law mowing or snow shoveling? You will want to make sure these monthly services you pay for also know about your new home.
8. Book the contractor– Do you plan on getting right to renovating when you close on your new home? If so, book your contractors now. Planning ahead for this will help tremendously! Finding a good contractor is important and you want to take the time to read reviews and get feedback before you just choose one online.
9. Order new furniture early– Let’s not confuse this with going out and buying a completely new living room set while the home is in escrow, but one nice new sectional (especially if you pay for it in cash) will go great in your new home, especially if it arrives within a day or two of moving in! You don’t want to be sitting on lawn chairs in your living room because your couch is on back-order!
10. Hire the painters– If you are not doing this yourself, you will want to book these up fairly quickly. It is much easier to get the painting done before the furniture is moved in.

Tackling this list before closing day will ensure that your moving day will be less stressful. Having peace of mind knowing these items were already taken care of can help you relax and enjoy this moment in your life.