Starting your new chapter the right way

Turing the key for the first time to your new house is an overwhelming experience, finally after all the negotiating, paper work and packing you can move in. You will probably want to go around all the rooms screaming with joy but there are a few things you should do before you start unpacking to ensure that you start your new chapter correctly.

• Check the conditions: make sure you go around and check if there is any damage by the previous owners. If you are renting then you have to make a more in-depth check and record it so that in the future you can ensure you did not cause the damage. You could also take photographs so you have evidence.
• What has been left: when you are going through your house see what has been left. Make sure if you have made an agreement for anything to stay that it is still there and if anything has been left which was not in the agreement, you should contact either the previous owner or the estate agent to make sure it was not a mistake.
• Check the meter- make sure before you start settling in that you measure the meters as you don’t want to have to pay for others electricity. So when you have read them make sure to call the electricity company.
• Rooms- I bet before you even move in you know whose bedroom is where and what each room is going to be used for but just makes sure that everyone who is helping does so that the boxes can go straight into the specific room. Also make sure you make a so called 'dumping area' which you can place items boxes which you are unsure where they will go. Of course before you start unpacking all the little things, make sure you have the main furniture set up such as, beds, sofa, and table to ensure that you can have a somewhere to sleep and eat which you will need as you will be exhausted.
• Meet the neighbours- this may not be the best when you are tired and hungry but its best to do it on the first day as otherwise you might get complacent and find yourself not really knowing them. Of course I'm not suggesting to have a big fancy meal but just to introduce yourself could be beneficial and you never know they could help with the unloading- if you are lucky.

The author has written and published articles on a wide range of topics including Small Business Advice, Tax and Accounting, Interior Design, House Renovation and Project Management.