When you’re getting ready for the big move, it can seem like there’s a million things to do in just a few days. If you have a pet and kids, or if you are moving far from helpful friends and family, the stress can be even greater. I’m sure you’ve remembered to go over your packing list the eighth time and have a special box or three for the essentials that will be last into the truck and first into the house, but here are a couple things you may not have thought of.

First Time Home Buyer: Preparing for the Big Move - Patrick Murray - Real Estate Agent Calgary

Window Coverings. It’s one of those things many new homeowners don’t think of until they’ve arrived. However, I’ve met very few people who like to sleep without window coverings or don’t mind all their possessions being on display through the living room window.

It can be a luxury to order your window covering ahead of time and have them up and ready for the big move. However, if you don’t have time or the window measurements, don’t worry. You can just pin up a couple old bed sheets in the mean time.

New Locks. When you take possession, you’re given a set of keys to your home. However, that doesn’t mean that every spare key the old owners gave out over the years suddenly disappears. It’s a good idea to have the locks changed within the first couple days of moving in.

Deep Clean. Have access to your new home a couple days before everything arrives? This is a great time to do a thorough deep clean! It’ll be the only time you can sweep, dust, mop, and scrub without having to navigate around rugs and furniture. It’s also a fun opportunity to begin discovering the nooks and crannies of your new home. Before you get cleaning, you may want to get a bug bomb or have an exterminator go through. You’ll be able to get rid of any hidden critters, and you won’t have to worry about the furniture, pets, or kids because they won’t move in for another week!

Safety Features. There are some important safety features in your home that you just shouldn’t leave to anyone else. Buy a new fire extinguisher for your home. Replace all the batteries in the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and make sure they’re working. You may even want to hire a plumber, electrician, and other technicians to come in and take a look at everything. When you’re buying a home in Canada, having your new furnace inspected and tuned up is a must!

There are a lot of things to get done when you’re preparing for a move. Some of the work will be fun, some will be stressful, and some of it will just have to get done. There may be a hundred things buzzing around your mind (Did you call the post office to have your mail forwarded? Are the utilities on at your new home?), but a great real estate agent can help you through the process. I’ll help you to keep track of what needs to get done and make sure all the important bits are stayed on top of. If you’re searching for a partner you can trust on your real estate journey, contact me today!