Moving into a new home in Albany or Corvallis is such an exciting time, with so much to look forward to as you settle into your new community. Of course, getting settled in is much easier when you take care of the priorities quickly and make sure that your new home is ready for you in all of the most important ways. Our real estate agents are here to help, with a closer look at 5 essential things to do when you move into a new home.

1. Secure Your Home
   Securing your home is an important first step, and there are a few things to keep in mind here. Make sure that all keys are accounted for, have locks re-keyed if needed, and make copies of keys if needed for other family members. If the home has a security system, garage door passcode, or passcodes for any doors, setting and memorizing any necessary passcodes is also essential. If the home doesn't have a security system and you wish to add one, there are often deals available when installing a system for the first time.

2. Do a Thorough Walkthrough and Clean
   The early stages of moving in are the best times to do a thorough walkthrough of the home, when there's little or no furniture present. This will allow you to see areas that will eventually be covered by furniture, check that everything is in order with the home, and make sure that there are no maintenance tasks that you need to take care of before moving in fully. For many of the same reasons, this is also an ideal time to give the home a thorough cleaning. Even if the home was cleaned to a high standard before you started moving in, doing your own cleaning provides peace of mind and helps your new residence start feeling like home.

3. Set Up Essentials
   Of course, moving into a new home is much easier when you have all of the essentials ready to go. These include things like electricity, water, and internet service, all of which can typically be set up in advance of moving into the home. Entertainment is also worth thinking about, especially if you're moving with kids. Having WiFi, streaming services/TV, or their favorite gaming consoles set up can help kids feel more comfortable while adjusting to their new surroundings.

4. Get Organized
   A new home is a blank canvas in terms of how you store and organize things, so getting organized now can ultimately make life much easier in the future. Storage is key when thinking about getting organized, whether we're talking about closets or larger, long-term storage spaces like the garage or attic. By unpacking and storing items in an organized, efficient way, you'll be off to a great start in keeping your new home organized for the long haul.

5. Connect with the Community
   Getting to know your new community is one of the most fun parts of moving into a new home, so why not get started right away? Walk through the neighborhood, visit local businesses, discover fun attractions, and learn where all of the necessary services are found. Joining clubs or organizations related to your favorite hobbies can be a great way to meet people, connect with the community, and learn more about the neighborhood.

Still searching for a new home that you'll love? Our local team is here to help you achieve your real estate goals. Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the Albany and Corvallis, OR area.