Congratulations on Your New Home!

Closing on a new home is a huge milestone, and while moving is exciting, the to-do list can feel overwhelming. To help you with a smooth transition, we’ve rounded up the essential tasks you should tackle as soon as you get the keys.

Get to Know Your Home

Before you get into the nitty-gritty of unboxing, take a safety tour of your property.

• Locate Shut-Off Valves: Find the main water shut-off and gas valves. Knowing their location will be invaluable in an emergency.
• Label the Breaker Box: If the electrical panel isn’t labeled, take a few minutes to identify which breakers control which rooms.
• Organize Manuals: Gather all appliance manuals and warranties left by the previous owners and store them in a single safe location.

Change the Locks Immediately

Changing the locks is one of the most important safety measures for a new homeowner. You never know who has a key to the previous owner’s house. Whether you get a DIY kit from the hardware store or hire a professional locksmith, ensure your home is secure from day one.

Prioritize Safety: Test All Detectors

Your home inspector likely checked these weeks ago, but batteries can fail. Test every smoke and carbon monoxide detector in the house.

Pro Tip: Place a fire extinguisher on every level or your home, especially in the kitchen and garage. Make sure all family members know how to operate them in case of an emergency.

Perform a Deep Clean

It is much easier to scrub floors and steam carpets while the house is empty. Consider hiring a professional deep-cleaning service to sanitize the interior before your furniture arrives. This provides a fresh, blank slate feeling for your new home.

Tackle Renovations and Repairs

If you plan to paint walls, refinish floors, or install new carpet, do it before you move your furniture in. You’ll save time on prep work and protect your belongings from dust and paint splatters.

Get Quotes: If hiring contractors, aim for at least three quotes to ensure you’re getting the best value.

Home Warranties: Protect your budget from unforeseen appliance failures, consider investing in a home warranty.

Update Your Address

Avoid missed bills or lost packages by updating your address across all platforms:

USPS Mail Forwarding: Set this up online or at your local post office.

Financial Institutions: Banks, credit cards, and investment accounts.

Subscription Services: From streaming apps to meal kits.

With your administrative tasks out of the way, it’s time to step outside and begin the most rewarding part of the process: building a life in your new community.

Connect With Your Community

Once the boxes are mostly unpacked, take a walk around the block. Introduce yourself to your neighbors and explore local parks or shops. Feeling connected to your community is the final step in turning a house into a home.

Enjoy Your New Home!

Whether this is your forever home, or just a stepping stone, Southern Trust Mortgage is here to help you make the most out of your homebuying journey. If you have questions about your mortgage or future refinancing options, reach out to our team today!

Closing on a new home is a major milestone! While the transition can feel overwhelming, a proactive plan ensures your moving day is a celebration rather than a chore. But with the right plan in place you can make you move a smooth and easy experience. Follow this 30-day guide for a stress-free moving experience.

30 Days Out: Declutter and Strategize

With one month to go, your goal is to lighten the load. Moving items you no longer need costs time and money, so it’s better to start with a clean slate.

• Go through closest, drawers, and the garage (if you have one). Categorize items into keep, donate, or sell.
• When you visit your soon to be home measure your new floor plan to ensure your current furniture will fit the space.
• If you aren’t planning a DIY move, book your moving company now. Professional movers fill their schedules weeks in advance, especially for weekend slots.

Pro Tip: Start gathering supplies early. Beyond tape and bubble wrap, check local community groups for free recycled boxes to save on moving costs.

20 Days Out: Deep Packing and Logistics

Now is the time to get serious about packing. Start with non-essentials like seasonal clothing, books, and home décor.

• Label boxes by room and priority. Place heavier items at the bottom and fragile items on top.
• If you’re embarking on a long-distance move, take your car in for a tune-up. The last thing you want is a breakdown on moving day.
• Contact your service providers to schedule the transfer of electricity, gas, and water. Set these to activate on your closing date so you aren’t moving into a dark house.
• Visit the USPS website to set up official mail forwarding and update your billing address for credit cards and subscriptions.

Beyond the Post Office: Who Else Needs Your New Address?

Forwarding your mail the USPS is a great first step, but it’s a temporary fix. Take an hour this week to update your address directly with these institutions:

Employer & Payroll: Ensure your next W-2 or paycheck goes to the right place

Insurance Providers: Your auto, health, and life insurance policies need your new location to ensure coverage remains valid.

Bank and Investment Accounts: While your credit cards are critical don’t forget retirements accounts or 401k providers.

The DMV: Most states require you to update your driver’s license address within 30 days of a move.

10 Days Out: The Final Countdown

You’re in the home stretch! Focus on the “live-in” essentials and preparing the home for its next occupants.

• Pack a suitcase or clear bin with everything you’ll need for the first 24 hours: toiletries, chargers, basic tools, bed linens, and a few snacks.
• As rooms empty out, wipe down baseboards and vacuum floors. It’s a courtesy to the new owners and ensures you don’t leave anything behind in a dark corner.
• Empty the refrigerator of perishables and ensure all trash is scheduled for final pickup.

The Final 7 Days

As the countdown hits the one-week mark, the focus shifts from packing to logistics and living in the transition.

Confirm with the Pros: Call your moving company or truck rental one last time. Confirm the arrival window, the address of your new home, and any specific parking instructions for the truck.

The Essentials Grocery Run: Buy easy-to-eat, non-perishable snacks and paper plates for the first 48 hours. You won’t want to dig through boxes for a dinner plate or spend your first night grocery shopping.

Final Utility Check: Triple-check that your internet and cable are scheduled for installation. In a world of remote work, having wi-fi on day one is often just as important as having water!

Prepare Your Pets and Kids: Moving is a major disruption for the littlest members of your family. Pack a separate bag for them with familiar toys, favorite snacks, and any necessary medications to keep them comfortable during the chaos.

Moving Day

Perform one final walkthrough, lock the doors, and hand over the keys. Congratulations! You’re officially ready to start your next chapter.

The Closing Countdown: Red Flags to Avoid During Closing

While you are busy packing boxes, your mortgage lender is busy finalizing your loan. To make sure your loan stays on track for closing, avoid these four common pitfalls leading up to your move.

Don’t Make Large Purchases: It’s tempting to buy a new sofa or appliances on credit before the move. However, new debt changes your debt-to-income ratio, which could jeopardize your loan approval.

Don’t Open or Close Credit Accounts: Even if you’re just trying to consolidate debt, avoid opening new credit cards or closing old ones. These actions can cause sudden fluctuations in your credit score.

Don’t Change Jobs: Lenders look for stability. If you change careers or switch from a salaried position to a 1099/contract role during closing, it may require a brand-new manual underwriting process, delaying your move.

Don’t Make Large, Undocumented Deposits: If you receive a cash gift or move large sums of money between accounts, keep a paper trail. Lenders must source all funds used for your down payment and closing costs to comply with federal regulations.

At Southern Trust Mortgage, we’re here for more than just the loan, we’re here for the journey home. If you have questions about your upcoming closing or are ready to start your next application, reach out to our team today!