Relocating to your next home abroad is full of excitement, possibilities, and, yes, chaos. However, with a proper moving into a new house checklist, you’ll be able to keep in mind tasks you simply can’t afford to overlook. We’ve prepared a list of crucial to-dos – the ones that will make or break how smoothly you settle in. Let’s see what you need to achieve to turn your future house into a safe, functional, and comfortable home.
Prioritize tasks that matter the most, such as unpacking, changing the locks, and setting up utilities. Testing smoke detectors, getting familiar with local systems and HVAC setups, and ensuring your paperwork is in order should also be on the list of things to do when moving into a new house. Don’t forget about the tasks that will help you adjust quickly and make your house truly feel like home, such as personalizing your space with familiar items, introducing yourself to neighbors, and embracing the local culture.
First Things First – Top Priorities Upon Your Arrival
You’ve crossed oceans and navigated airports in order to move to a new home abroad, and now you’ve finally made it – and the adventure’s just beginning. However, before you pop open that celebratory drink or start exploring the country, there are a few critical things to tackle.
The first task on your checklist for moving into a new house should be changing the locks. The last thing you want after relocating across the world is a security mishap in your home. The reality is, you don’t know who might still have a copy of those old keys. It’s an inexpensive and quick way to ensure peace of mind.
Your second concern should be utilities. Different countries have different systems for connecting utilities, and what might take a few hours in one place could take days in another. So, make sure to research the local utility companies and get everything arranged as soon as possible – from electricity and water to internet and gas.
The Importance of Cleaning Your Home After Moving Internationally
Even if your future home looks pristine, a thorough inspection and cleaning are essential. Movers from an international moving company and anyone else helping with the unloading and reassembling will undoubtedly leave debris. Therefore, make sure everything is spotless before unpacking. You’ll also need to inspect your home for leaks, pests, or any potential maintenance issues – it will save you headaches down the road.
No matter how clean your home looks, there’s always hidden dust, debris, or even germs. Take the time to wipe down surfaces, vacuum corners, and disinfect high-touch areas like light switches and doorknobs. A deep clean not only helps you settle in but also makes the space truly start feeling like your own. In addition, it will be a great way to familiarize yourself with every nook and cranny of your new place!
Moving Into a New House Checklist for the Unpacking Process
Once you get international moving services and finally relocate to a new city abroad, the hardest part will be behind you. However, you won’t be able to relax just yet, at least not with boxes everywhere around your home.
While you had an option of getting packing services for boxing up all of your belongings, there won’t be anyone helping you with unpacking – it is a task that relies solely on you. Keeping your unpacking process organized, however, can make a world of difference.
The first things you need to unpack are your relocation essentials, such as:
- Toiletries,
- Change of clothes,
- Medications,
- Bedding,
- Important documents,
- Cleaning supplies,
- Other necessary personal items.
This box is your key to surviving the first stretch without feeling lost in the chaos of an international move. You don’t want to be digging through dozens of boxes just to find your toothbrush or that universal power adapter. By having your must-haves on hand, you’ll ease into your new space without the stress of scrambling for the basics.
Once you’re done with essentials, take it slow and go room by room, starting with the spaces that will make your day-to-day life functional and comfortable. Focus first on your bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom – the rest can wait. By prioritizing your most-used spaces, you’ll not only keep your sanity intact but also create a sense of home much faster.
Tackle the Paperwork and Address Change
When moving overseas, logistical tasks will also find their way to your home move-in checklist. For starters, ensure all of the documents needed to travel abroad, like visas, work permits, and residency papers, are in order. Keep them easily accessible because you might need them for formalities like setting up a bank account, registering with local authorities, or even getting a phone plan.
Once you start living overseas, you’ll also need to update your address – assuming you haven’t already done it before the relocation day. It’s not just a matter of forwarding mail. Your new country may have different procedures for things like banking, healthcare, and subscriptions. Start by updating your address with any international banks, ensuring your financial information is linked to your home. This is especially important for receiving statements, tax documents, or even ensuring your credit cards remain active.
Next, take care of local postal services. It’s essential to notify USPS about your move and set up mail forwarding. Don’t forget about your subscriptions too, whether it’s your favorite streaming service, magazine, or even regular deliveries from e-commerce platforms. Missing out on mail can be more than just an inconvenience. It can lead to lapses in service or unpaid bills, so make sure to change your address on time.
Address Key Maintenance Tasks Early On
Making sure your essential systems are working properly must also be one of the tasks on your new house move-in checklist. A few quick maintenance checks early on can save you from bigger headaches later, ensuring your space is safe and comfortable from the start.
For starters, make sure to test all the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms in your new home right after moving in. These systems can be lifesaving, but they’re only effective if they’re working properly. In some countries, regulations may differ, so if your future home lacks alarms, it’s worth installing them immediately.
On top of that, you don’t want to find yourself frantically searching for the water shut-off valve during a leak or struggling to find the circuit breaker when the power goes out. Every country has different systems, and what seems standard at home could be in a completely different place in your next residence. Take the time to locate these critical features as soon as you arrive. Knowing where these are – and how they work – can save you from a stressful situation in the middle of an emergency.
Get Your HVAC and Appliances Checked
Moving abroad often implies relocating to a different climate, and that can come with some surprises. Make sure your HVAC system is ready for the local weather conditions, whether you’re moving to a warmer climate or a colder one. Different countries may use different systems for heating and cooling, so getting familiar with how everything operates is crucial.
Whether you plan on bringing your appliances (such as a stove, washer, dryer, and fridge), or buying new ones, it’s also a good idea to check if they are functioning correctly. If something’s not up to par, it’s better to know early so you can avoid a sudden breakdown when you least expect it.
Make Your New House Feel Like Home
Once you move, it can leave you feeling disconnected from your usual comforts, especially if you’re relocating abroad alone. Luckily, there is a way to ease the transition – by personalizing your space. Adding familiar touches to your old home can transform the place into your true sanctuary. Here are some ideas on how to do so:
Display Family Photos and Artwork
Bringing along your favorite photos or artwork is one of the simplest ways to make your house feel more familiar. Whether it’s framed family pictures, cherished artwork, or even posters from your old place, hanging these pieces on the walls can instantly add warmth and personality to a new space. Therefore, before movers from a reputable company (such as Schmidt International Relocations) come, make sure these items are safely packed in boxes and ready to go.
Use Your Favorite Bedding and Blankets
Nothing feels quite as comforting as slipping into your own bed, even if it’s in a brand-new country. Bringing your favorite bedding, pillows, and blankets with the rest of the relocation inventory can instantly make your bedroom feel cozier and more like home. Familiar textures and fabrics have a way of bringing a sense of calm and comfort, making it easier to adjust to a different country.
Incorporate Fragrances You Love
The scent is a powerful way to evoke memories and create a comfortable environment. If there’s a particular scent that reminds you of home, whether it’s a candle, essential oil, or a favorite air freshener, bring it with you. It’s an easy way to settle into your new space and create a welcoming atmosphere.
Adjust to Your New International Surroundings
Getting comfortable in your new surroundings takes time, but it’s one of the most important things to do when moving to a new home abroad. One of the most exciting parts of moving from the US to Europe or some other continent is the opportunity to immerse yourself in a different culture. Whether it’s breaking the language barrier by learning a few key phrases, trying regional dishes, or participating in local customs and traditions, embracing the culture will help you feel more connected to your new surroundings.
At the same time, the sooner you start exploring, the quicker you’ll feel at home. Walk around, find the nearest grocery store, coffee shop, and park, and start building your mental map. Additionally, take some time to research local services such as healthcare facilities, public transportation, and waste disposal methods. It’s also wise to familiarize yourself with emergency numbers and procedures, which can vary from country to country.
Start Building Local Connections
Relocating to another country can feel a bit overwhelming and, at times, isolating. However, making friends abroad is one of the fastest ways to feel more at home. While it might seem daunting, introducing yourself to your neighbors and locals is a great first step toward integrating into your new community.
Getting to know your neighbors can help you understand the rhythm of the local culture and give you insight into the day-to-day life in your new area. Your neighbors can also offer helpful tips, whether it’s recommendations for the best places to eat, local markets, or advice on navigating the community.
Beyond neighbors, don’t hesitate to join local groups or clubs that align with your interests. Whether it’s a sports team, a book club, or a language exchange group, these social spaces provide a welcoming environment to meet new people. At the same time, don’t forget about expat communities – connect with people who share the same experiences.
Hiring Movers – An Essential Pre-Moving Task
The relocation journey starts way before you arrive at your next home abroad and start checking off the tasks one by one. Before boarding the plane, you’ll need to opt for a reliable company experienced in overseas moves – and you’ll make no mistakes with Schmidt International Relocations. Our reputable movers will help you manage the logistics, safely transport your belongings – and take a huge load off your shoulders. We will handle these details before you even set foot abroad, so you can focus on making your space feel like home. Contact us today for expert moving services and ensure a seamless transition from start to finish!
