Possession Day – Moving Into Your New Home

The period between your offer being accepted and when the deal actually closes to getting the keys on possession day is a busy one. You may have asked for a  couple of walk-throughs of your soon-to-be home with your real estate agent during this time. (The details of this would be included in your Agreement of Purchase and Sale.) Use these appointments as an opportunity to measure for window coverings and appliances, and assess the home’s condition with fresh eyes. 

You’ll also use this time to take care of pre-move tasks, like arranging for movers and setting up utilities among other things. Staying organized is essential during this hectic time – which is what this post is going to help you with.

What are the first things you should do after taking possession?

Possession day is an exciting milestone in the home buying process. It’s the day the keys to your new home are handed to you and you can start moving in – congratulations! It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and forget some important things, so here’s a convenient list for a seamless move.

SECURE YOUR HOME

Changing the locks should be done right away; after all, you have no idea how many people have spare keys. It’s just a smart thing to do. Don’t forget to update the security alarm system for your home too.

TRANSFER SERVICES

Make sure to transfer your utilities like telephone, cable, Internet, gas, and hydro to your new home. Find out the local garbage and recycling schedule of your new area

CHANGE OF ADDRESS

Updating your driver’s licence, credit card billing address, and subscription information can be done before you move. You will also want to advise schools, dental and medical offices, and your employer (including CRA) of your new address. These things are quite obvious because your address is a regular ask for these services. But, there are some things that won’t stand out right away. Signing up for mail forwarding at the post office will help to avoid missing mail. When mail arrives with the forwarding markings (either printed on the envelope or with a yellow sticker), contact the sender and provide your new mailing address. 

CHANGE BATTERIES AND FILTERS

You’ll have no idea how fresh the smoke detector’s batteries are. Change them right away for peace of mind. After replacing the batteries in both your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, test them to make sure they work. The same goes for your home’s HVAC system. Install a fresh filter and clean out the air returns. This will also reduce allergens, particularly pet dander from the previous occupants. You might even consider having your ducts cleaned to improve your new home’s indoor air quality.

START WITH GOOD MAINTENANCE

The home inspection report can become your maintenance to-do list over the following months. Start with the small, quick cosmetic fixes that don’t take much time or money to address. You may also want to conduct preventive maintenance, like pest control or gutter cleaning so you have full peace of mind. If you did not have a home inspection as part of subject removal then this is the time to have things like your plumbing, electrical, roof and HVAC systems inspected. This will give you a better idea of what you’re dealing with and potential expenses on the horizon. 

IF YOU HAVE THE LUXURY OF TIME…

You might want to do a couple of things before the movers arrive. You should expect the property to be in similar condition as when you bought it, but there is nothing that requires a seller to clean the property to a certain standard. Now would be the best time to have your new home thoroughly cleaned while it is empty.  If you want to paint or make any renovations then you’re in the perfect position to do this now before you add furniture and décor getting in the way.

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