Moving to Your First Place?

Moving to Your First Place? Start Your Planning For A Smooth Transition. 

This is exciting, moving to your very first place, Congratulations! Moving to a new place gives you a chance to decorate, design, and make the place a home that represents you. We hope the following will guide you along smoothly; now let’s get packing!

Here are some helpful items to help with your transition:  

Cancel the prior utilities & auto-deliveries (if applicable)

Figure out your mail situation – For a mailbox with a lock, you will need to go and visit your nearby post office to secure a mailbox key. And if you want your mail forwarded to your new place, be sure to complete the necessary form for this service.

Change your address – Along with forwarding your mail with the USPS, remember to notify your bank that you’ve moved, along with your credit card companies, the Dept. of Motor Vehicles, your employer, tax agencies, social security administration, loan providers, telephone company, auto, health, life Insurance companies, your doctors, and your friends and family. 

Set up utilities – Contact your utility service providers and inquire with them about what is needed to set up an account. Give them your move-in date to ensure you have utilities when you move in. Utilities include the following: internet, water, trash, sewer, phone, gas and, electricity. 

Locate the fuse box, water, gas & electric main shut-off points – In case of emergency, you’ll need to know how to turn off the power, gas, and water to your home. Let’s hope you never need to use this knowledge.

Get an extra set of keys made – It’s a good idea to keep an extra set of keys with a trusted friend or family member in case of emergencies.

Replace batteries in the smoke detector and carbon monoxide – As soon as you move in, replace the batteries with new ones. It’s the safe thing to do since you don’t know when was the last time they were changed out.

Meet your neighbors – Introduce yourself to the new neighbors. You will both appreciate the sense of community and those neighbors can help you with the ins and outs of the community.

Figure out trash pickup days & your street sweeping day – Since trash and street sweeping days vary from city to city, either ask your neighbors or inquire with the appropriate department for more information.

Explore your neighborhood – Get out of the house and explore your new neighborhood to get a good sense of where you are and what’s around you. Make a point to locate nearby grocery stores, parks, schools, museums, libraries, hardware stores, hospitals, and pharmacies.

Get a toolbox – Get a small portable toolbox that includes, screwdrivers, hammers, wrenches, nails, and hooks for use around the house for hanging pictures, hooks, and putting together your furniture. 

Purchase furniture – Before going shopping for a couch, bed, tables, etc., be sure to take measurements of the rooms so you know for sure everything will fit nicely.

A once-over cleaning – Give your place a good cleaning before moving your items in. We suggest you vacuum and mop all floors, dust surfaces, and clean bathrooms and kitchen cabinets thoroughly. Don’t forget about the outside and spray for bugs to keep them out of your home.

Here’s a list of items of basic necessities you’ll need to begin your new adventure:  

Furniture

• Couch, chairs, stools, futon, etc.
• Bed frame, mattress, dresser, nightstand
• Coffee table or ottoman
• Lamps, bedside lamp
• Side tables
• Bookshelf
• TV and TV stand (don’t forget a tv in the bedroom too)
• Kitchen table & chairs
• Desk & chair for office use (if applicable)
• Vacuum cleaner
• Décor, picture frames, mirror, area rug (for the whole house) 
• Drapery or blinds
• Clocks

Kitchen & more:

• Microwave, coffee maker, mixer, blender, toaster
• Pots and pans, cookie sheet, oven mitts
• Trash can, recycle can, broom, dustpan, mop, step stool
• Plates, cups, glassware, cereal bowls, mixing bowls, Tupperware 
• Canisters for dry goods, salt & pepper shakers
• Utensils, utensil tray, cutlery set, cooking utensils, measuring cups & spoons
• Strainer, grater, peeler, paper towel holder, napkin holder, toothbrush holder, soap dispenser, sewing kit
• Hand soap, dish soap, dishwashing soap, body soap, laundry soap, disinfectant spray & wipes, bug spray, lightbulbs, flashlight, batteries, sponge, paper towels, paper napkins, toilet paper, extension cord, surge protectors, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, storage bags, trash bags, medicine cabinet supplies, first aid, toothbrush & cleaning supplies
• Dish towels, placemats, welcome mat
• Pantry supplies, i.e., mayo, mustard, ketchup, flour, sugar, salt, pepper, spices

Bedroom / Bathroom items:

• Comforter, blankets, bedsheets, pillows
• Bath towels, hand towels, washcloths
• Shower curtain and liner, bath mat
• Closet shelving, shoe storage, clothes hangers
• Hamper
• Iron & ironing board
• Wastebasket, plunger, toilet brush & holder

We are the "Ultimate" in property management and would be pleased to have the opportunity to work with you and exceed your expectations! 

Phone: (805) 324-4801
After Hours Emergency Phone: (805) 618-5226
Email: [email protected]

This article is not intended to be exhaustive or a substitute for qualified legal advice. Laws and statutes are always subject to change and may vary by county or city. You are responsible for performing your research and complying with all laws applicable to your unique situation.