Post Move Checklist

If it’s your first time living in New York, navigating the pace of the city, the boroughs, and the overall lifestyle adjustment can take some time. Even for locals moving within the five boroughs, transitioning to your new home and neighborhood is no small task. 

Once you've made your move, and your belongings have been delivered, it's helpful to have a checklist to ensure a smooth post-move settling-in process. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of everything you need to take care of after your move. 

Unpack and Sort your Belongings

The first thing to do is to ensure all your boxes and belongings have been delivered and are in good condition. If you have an inventory list, go through it as soon as possible. Any missing or damaged items can quickly be reported to your moving company.

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Next, give your new home a clean. Vacuum thoroughly, dust, and pay attention to bathroom and kitchen surfaces and shelves. Test batteries in smoke alarms and give your belongings a quick surface wipe. This will remove dirt and dust that was picked up during transit.

Moving day can be tiring and sometimes stressful. If you have energy at the end of the day to unpack all of your belongings then go for it. However, if you can only face the minimum, then unpack your essential items and toiletries then set up your bed. After a good night’s sleep, you’ll be in a better frame of mind to face unpacking the rest of your items.

When it comes time to unpack the rest of your belongings, small and steady progress will get everything done. Prioritize which rooms and areas you want to do first, and work on one room at a time. Collapsing boxes as you go and designating a space for packing materials will help prevent overwhelm. 

Unpacking Checklist:

• Check your delivery has been completed correctly
• Clean your new space
• Unpack essentials and make up your bed/s
• Check that furniture has been assembled correctly and in the right location
• Take pictures of your new space and record any damage or repair needs
• Get extra sets of keys made
• Install window coverings for privacy.
  

Confirm Utilities Set Up

Most likely you arranged utilities before you arrived. But you want to make sure things like electricity and heating are connected. As soon as you arrive at your new address, check that all your utilities are working. If anything is out of order, this gives you time to get it resolved before your first night in your new home. Once you are settled, contact each of your service providers to ensure your new contact details are on file correctly.

Utility Company Checklist:

• Electricity
• Gas
• Water 
• Trash
• Internet 
• Phone
• Cable services.
  

Change of Address Notifications

Updating your change of address is an easily overlooked but necessary task. To ensure nothing falls through the cracks set up temporary mail forwarding via USPS. 

Next, make an extensive list of all the institutions and organizations with your address on file. Work through the list and update each company with your new address.  

Change of Address Checklist:

• USPS mail forwarding
• Banks, credit card companies, and other financial institutions
• Subscription services, utilities, and service providers
• Employers and educational institutions
• Online accounts with shipping and billing addresses
• Uber, DoorDash, GrubHub, and other transport and delivery apps
• Government agencies for license and registration updates.
  

Update Insurance and Legal Documents

Contact your insurance providers to update your homeowners/ renters, and auto insurance policies. If you are moving from out of state — there are some extra steps you’ll need to take, such as updating your Driver's License and car registration, and bringing your car for an inspection with your insurance provider. 

Insurance and Legal Documents Checklist:

• Driver's license (if moving from out of state)
• Car registration (if moving from out of state)
• Auto lease or loan paperwork
• Homeowner's or Renters Insurance
• Auto insurance
• Tax-related documents.
  

Secure Necessary Permits and Passes

New York is a densely populated but large city. Getting around requires some mode of transportation. Whether you own a car or use public transit, you’ll need to obtain the required permits or passes.

Permits and Passes Checklist:

• Parking permits for street parking;
• Public transport passes;
• Pet licenses and registrations;
• Building permits for renovations or modifications to your residence.
  

Update Medical and Emergency Information

When an emergency strikes, whether major or minor, you don’t want to be frantically searching for the nearest medical facility or police station. Research and update your emergency contact information list as soon as you move and keep it on hand. 

Medical and Emergency Checklist:

• Set up new doctors, dentists, and other healthcare providers
• Write down the local non-emergency police line
• Find the closest emergency and after-hours care
• Update your regular prescriptions to your nearest pharmacy
• Determine your family’s emergency meeting point
• Locate the nearest veterinary services and kennels
• Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures and nearby medical facilities
  

Explore Local Amenities

Your quality of life in New York City will be greatly affected by your access to neighborhood amenities. One of the things New Yorkers are proud of is the vibrancy of each neighborhood. As you settle into your new home, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the amenities and build your community. 

Engaging with local organizations and online forums will be a great way to stay informed about events, resources, and opportunities. If you have kids, then researching clubs, sports, or educational programs is a great way of integrating into the neighborhood and building your group of friends.

Local Amenities Checklist:

• Nearest grocery stores
• Pharmacies 
• Public transit options
• Parks and recreation areas
• Nearby restaurants or cafes
• Kid-friendly programs
• Sports clubs or other special interest programs
• Local community and online organizations.
  

Conclusion

Adaptability and resilience are key traits in adjusting to a new environment. Although you may be ready to go and live your new life, it’s well worth taking care of these important details as soon as possible after your move. With patience and determination, you'll find yourself at home amidst the hustle and bustle of New York City's streets.

Contact us today for the best moving supplies and visit our website for more information.