Moving Checklist: How to Prepare for Possession at Your New Home
Are you prepared to take ownership of your new home, or do you not even know where to start?! I've got you covered! Here is my checklist of considerations and organizational tips for home buyers to consider before & during possession:
1. Choose A Lawyer or Notary
Research or ask your real estate agent for advice on selecting a Lawyer or Notary.
Learn more about how to navigate real estate as afirst-time-home-buyer
2. Moving Logistics
Book your moving truck! Research and hire a reputable moving company or plan for a self-move. I recommend doing this right away, especially if your possession is at the very end, or start of a month. You don't want to compete with everybody else who is moving at this popular time.
Gather packing supplies and label boxes to make unpacking easier.
Notify your strata (if applicable) of your ownership. Read your strata bylaws to see how you should notify the strata manager, and when they want this notification by. Some strata's ask for two weeks notice and others 48 hours.
Book the elevator. When you notify your strata manager of your new ownership, you should also book the building elevator for your move.
3. Utilities and Services
BC Hydro- set up, or move, your electricity with BC Hydro. You can do this anytime before moving.
Fortis Gas - If you have a separate gas bill, set up your Fortis account. You can do this anytime before moving.
Utilities Bill- detached houses will require paying utilities.
Cable & Internet - Know which cable and internet provider is available in your region/building. I recommend pre-booking your appointment so that you can have cable & internet access soon after taking possession.
Other - do you have any other new services at your place that you can work on setting up (Home Security, Alarm, Mysa bills, etc.)
4. Home Owners Insurance
Research and purchase homeowners insurance to protect your new property. I always recommend having the policy start on your completion date, just in case you obtain the keys to your new home prior to your possession date.
New to BC? These are a few companies I'd recommend considering obtaining home insurance quotes from: Intact, BCAA, Wawanesa.
5. Renovations & Updates
If you plan on conducting any renovations or updates, get your trades organized and booked so you don't encounter any moving delays. Even if you are only considering redoing the floors or repainting, get this done before moving in. You will thank me later!
If you are not moving into a home with management, I would recommend creating a maintenance schedule to keep track of routine tasks, such as: HVAC servicing, gutter cleaning, lawn care, garbage & recycling days, etc.
6. Change of Address:
Update your address with the post office, banks, insurance providers, and any relevant subscriptions or memberships.
Notify government agencies, including the DMV, IRS, and voter registration office.
Inform your employer and update your address for payroll and tax purposes.
7. Security and Safety:
Change the locks - you never know who else may still have keys to your place. I always suggest hiring a locksmith to change your locks, even if purchasing in a high rise building.
Ensure that your home has a functioning smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
8. Setting Up Your New Home:
Order furniture - if you need furniture, consider ordering it before moving in. There are usually long delays!
Make a list of any other essential items you may need to purchase for your new home.
9. Neighbourhood and Community Information:
Familiarize yourself with the local area, including schools, healthcare facilities, shopping, and recreational amenities.
Join local community groups or online forums to connect with neighbours and stay updated on local news and events.
If you need advice or a contact for any trades-worker, moving companies, or anything else related to your possession, I would be happy to provide my recommendations!
Please don't hesitate to get in touch with me.
