When You Arrive at Your New Home

The work continues once you pull up to your new home for the first time. Here are some details you need to consider:
  • If you have access to the new home a day or so before the moving van arrives, you could set off a bug bomb or spray. (Even if you don't see bugs, there may be some.) This way, you won't worry about your family, your pets, food, or furnishings during the spraying.

  • If you've hired a professional mover, make sure you have the payment ready for the mover when the truck arrives as specified in the contract.

  • Check your list of contents against the list of what is delivered, and inspect all cartons for damage.

  • Unless you've hired the movers to help unpack, don't try to unpack everything at once. Sort your carefully labeled boxes so that you only have to unpack what is absolutely necessary. This gives you the time to organize your space as you go, instead of being forced to toss things randomly into cupboards and closets.

  • If possible, hire a cleaning service to help you clean the house either before the movers arrive or after they've left.
Once you've done the first essentials after arriving in your new home, you can begin making the gradual transition. These details are covered in the following section.