1. Get a Professional Deep Clean.  While many homes may look pretty clean, you can’t be really sure just by looking. Sellers are only obligated to leave a home “broom swept” so it’s a good idea to get a professional deep cleaning before you move your belongings in or very soon after. You probably don’t have the time or inclination to stick on your cleaning gloves and grab a mop after a big move, so consider calling in professional cleaners instead.  Starting life in your new home with a clean state is more than worth it!  

Don’t Forget the Outside!  Keeping your outside clean and the curb appeal appealing takes some work, too!  Pressure washing is a valuable part of home maintenance that keeps your home in tip-top shape. I compare it to getting your teeth whitened—it just brightens up everything.

2.  Set Up Utilities, Cable, and Internet.  If you haven’t already, set up your cable and internet to your new home.  You will also need to contact the local water, electric, and gas (if applicable) companies to have services turned on or transferred to your name. Some you can set up prior to closing so it’s a seamless transition, and some (i.e. Water) you will need to set up immediately after Closing once you have the final documents. 

3. Change the Locks.  Even if you are buying a brand-new home from a builder you need to have the locks changed.  You never know how many spare keys are out there and who has them, and that can be scary.  Re-key the locks on all doors leading between the interior and exterior of your home.  Get your garage doors reprogrammed so they only work with the remotes you have.  It is possible that someone out there got their hands on an extra garage remote at some point.  This is definitely one of those areas where it’s better to be safe than sorry.

4. Update Your Contact Information and Mailing Address.  Of course, people want to tell all their friends and family when they bought a home, especially first-time home buyers. Don’t forget to notify others of your move as well — your bank, your credit card company, subscription services, and anyone else who sends you regular correspondence or bills. You’re also going to need to contact your department of motor vehicles to arrange for a new driver’s license and an updated vehicle registration.  Don’t forget to submit a change of address form to the post office so that all your mail will get forwarded to your new address. 

Note: this is a fabulous time to also file your Homestead Exemption to save money on property taxes! (And possibly income taxes, as well, make sure you talk to a licensed tax professional.)

5. Set Up Your Home Security System.  Most homes these days come with a security system installed.  However, it will not be active when you move in.  You’ll need to contact a home security company to come out and get you set up.  

6.  Understand How the Florida Climate Can Impact Your Yard.  If you are new to Florida, it’s important to understand how the harsh Florida climate can affect many things.  From sprinkler blowouts, to which grass to plant or which plants thrive (or don’t survive), there are great resources to learn more about the Florida climate.  Just because they sell it in a big box store in Florida, doesn’t mean it will survive in a Florida yard.  

Don’t forget to check which days you can water, as sometimes there are limitations in Sarasota County or even within certain communities.

7.  Make Your House Feel Like a HOME.  This is your chance to create the space that personifies you! Bright, white kitchen?  Cool slate showers? Book nook? What have you recently seen on Pinterest or Fixer Upper re-runs that gets your blood pumping?  Making a house a YOUR home is gratifying and fun, whether you are a DIY-er or an outsourcer. But if hiring someone to help, DO make sure that whoever you use is licensed and ensured. 

8. Put Together a Family Emergency Plan.  When you’ve just moved into a new home is the perfect time to get everyone in your household aligned on what to do and where to go in an emergency since there are no habitual behaviors to fall back on. Start with making your home safe, then identify what to do if safety due to weather, or otherwise, becomes an issue.  Buy fire extinguishers, one for each floor and/or, if your home is large, one for each side of the house. Equip upstairs bedrooms with escape ladders.  Create your emergency plan — Identify two exit routes (front door and back door) and two meeting points (one on your property and one off your property). In case the emergency is a hurricane, locate your home’s best weather room and know your evacuation routes, should you need to evacuate.  Also put together a hurricane survival kit that includes first aid items, nonperishable food, and water. If you have a home generator, know how to turn it on. And finally know where your storm shutters are if you don’t have impact windows and doors and have a plan for how they will be put on and by whom.

Visit https://www.floridadisaster.org/info/ for more information if a hurricane hits your area.

9. Meet Your Neighbors. It’s always good to get out and meet your neighbors.  It is also easier and less awkward to do right when you move in.  See who has kids your age, get inside information about the “neighby” and make some friends.  In addition to getting yourself off on the right foot in your new neighborhood, meeting your neighbors is helpful for starting to learn about your community and for getting recommendations for local services.  You don’t need to go door to door but do make a point of introducing yourself the first time that you run into a new neighbor. They can also be a friendly extra set of eyes on your house when you are away. Bonus! Have a dog? That is THE perfect way to meet your neighbors — so make sure to allot a little extra time when walking Fido right after you move in to allow for neighborly introductions.

10.  Capitalize on the “Florida” Lifestyle.  There are so many opportunities to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle of Florida.  From the beaches to boating to golfing and live entertainment, we have it all!  I highly encourage you to get outside to enjoy our great weather, outdoor activities and beautiful scenery.  Here is an awesome website to take in all there is to offer in our great state www.visitflorida.com. Here is a great website for local events www.heraldtribune.com/entertainment.