Congratulations! Purchasing a new home is an exhilarating experience, and you will have plenty of things on your to-do list from here forward. While you may be ready to start moving furniture immediately, consider doing at least the following five things between your closing date and move-in date:

Arrange your utilities – Call ahead to set up a time for your cable, internet and power to be turned on or installed. It could take a couple of weeks for someone to come to your home, so making these appointments early will ensure everything is active when you are ready to move in.

Update your contact information – Change your address online with creditors, financial institutions, schools and publications. While updating your address at the post office is necessary to have your mail forwarded, be sure your correct address is on file in other important places, too. Also, consider sending out an email to family members and friends with your new contact information.

Change the locks – When you are handed the keys at closing, remember that you don’t know how many people have keys to your home. By changing the locks before you move in, you are ensuring that you are the only person with access.

Try deep cleaning – If the former owners haven’t done so, give the house a good cleaning while it’s still empty. There’s no better time to steam clean carpets and polish hardwood floors than before the furniture arrives.

Paint – One way to avoid extra, unnecessary stress is to finish up painting projects before you move in. When the house is empty, it’s the perfect time to paint or touch up rooms. This task will be much more daunting after the move because you will have to work around furniture.

When you are ready to buy a home, I would love to help steer you down the path toward ownership. Call me today to set up an appointment!