by CAPE TOWN LUX 
Purchasing a home for the first time is an exciting milestone, however, after finally finding the perfect home and navigating the purchase process, there are still a number of things to take care of before you move in and it can be quite overwhelming.
“After all those stressful months, once you’ve signed on the dotted line and finalised the transaction, you’re looking forward to the next big step which is to move into your new home,” says Cobus Odendaal, CEO of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in Johannesburg and Randburg.
“However, there are still a few items to cross off on your to-do list which are essential to making a smooth transition and settling in as quickly and seamlessly as possible.”
He adds that it can be easy to overlook important tasks, so making a checklist is the best way to ensure you don’t drop any balls and add unnecessary stress to your life.
Odendaal lists the following as crucial checklist items:
Notify work and schools
As soon as the deal is done (if not sooner) you must notify the school if you’re planning to move to a new area and you should also book sufficient time off work on both sides of moving day. Make sure all the paperwork is in order if your kids will be attending a new school.
Plan your move and hire movers
It’s important to plan your move well in advance to ensure that everything goes smoothly. This includes hiring a moving company, packing your belongings, and coordinating the move-in date with the seller or landlord.
Update your address
Make sure to update your address with the post office, banks, credit card companies, and any other important contacts. You may also need to update your driver’s license and voter registration information.
Inspect your new home
It’s important to inspect your new home before moving in to ensure that everything is in working order. This includes checking the plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling systems, and any appliances that are included in the sale. If you notice any issues, make sure to address them with your real estate agent or the seller before moving in.
Secure homeowners Insurance
Homeowners insurance is essential for protecting your investment and your personal property. It’s important to shop around and compare policies to ensure that you’re getting the best coverage for your investment.
Notify your insurance company of your move
If you are securing homeowners insurance through a different company, you need to let your existing insurance company know that you – and your insured possessions – will be moving to a new address.
Deep clean the home
Before moving in, it’s a good idea to deep clean the home. This includes cleaning the floors, walls, cabinets, and appliances and, depending on the age and the state of the house, you may also want to hire a professional cleaning service to ensure that everything is thoroughly cleaned.
Change the locks
For security reasons, it’s recommended that you change the locks on your new home before moving in. This ensures that previous owners or tenants no longer have access to your home.
Connect utilities
Before moving in, make sure to contact the utility companies to set up the necessary services such as water, electricity and internet. You may also need to set up trash and recycling services.
Keep important documents safe
You should think about keeping documents safe as your move approaches. This includes: birth certificates, contracts and passports. The last thing you want is for critical paperwork to get lost or perhaps mistakenly thrown away in the move. It’s worth considering a safe box to keep all your important documents safe.
“Finally, take some time to enjoy the fact that you are now a homeowner and look forward to being part of a new community and making new friends, exploring your new neighbourhood and creating new memories,” says Odendaal.
In an article published on 9 Oct 2023 Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, shared: “Buying a home is one of the biggest purchases a person can make, so you want to be sure to make the right choices throughout this process”.
Here to help make this process a little easier, RE/MAX of Southern Africa shares their top three practical tips for house hunters:
1. Be open to compromising
No home is ever going to be 100% perfect. Being willing to compromise is essential – especially for first-time buyers who are still learning what their money will actually afford them within the current market. Compromise is also an important aspect for couples who have differing ideas on what the house needs to offer. Being able to agree on the essential must-haves versus want-to-haves in a home is a crucial first step before starting the house hunting process. Keep the list of must-have items short and realistic and be open to compromise on any item that falls under the ‘want-to-have’ list.
2. Give every home a fair chance
Making viewing appointments for multiple properties is a must for anyone who is house hunting. Not only will this help buyers narrow down their search criteria, but you might just be surprised by how much you like the property once you see it in person. It often takes walking through a home to realize the property’s full potential. Apart from this, considering multiple properties can help to avoid getting overly attached to one particular house – you can never be certain that your offer will be accepted, so it is a good idea to keep your options open.
3.Work with a real estate professional
Listing portals make house hunting much more accessible to buyers, but you are losing out on so much value if you fail to involve a real estate agent right from the very beginning. Not only will a real estate agent bring a wealth of local knowledge, real estate expertise, and negotiation skills to a transaction, but they are also likely to be privy to new listings before they even hit the market. The best part about this is that their services are completely free for buyers!
Embarking on the journey of finding the perfect home can be an exciting process, especially when you have the right support and guidance at your side. “From setting realistic search criteria to thoroughly exploring all options, the key to success lies in working with an experienced RE/MAX professional who can help you carefully plan and make informed decisions. Armed with these practical tips, your house hunting can become a stress-free, rewarding experience,” says Goslett.
