Moving into a new home is often equally exciting and overwhelming. Many people move to upgrade their living situation, neighborhood or job, which is the exciting part. However, Moving all your worldly possessions from one location to another is no small feat. It takes a lot of coordination and planning.

Use these tips to get your new home set up before you move in so there’s less to worry about on moving day.

Tips on Setting Up Utilities

The most utilitarian need of a home is utilities. Without them, a home would provide shelter but little else. Running water and lighting are also important to have on hand on moving day.

• Schedule to have the utilities moved on at the new house at least a day or two before the move.
•  Schedule to have the utilities shut off at your old house the day after you move.
•  Find out who provides utilities for the area if you’re moving out of town. Your realtor or the city utilities department should be able to provide information.
•  Consider getting an energy audit. This can tell you how much energy the home will likely use and ways to decrease energy consumption.
•  Now is a good time to also get cable, phone and Internet service set up at the new home.

The most important decision is which utility provider and plan you’ll use. Some providers have numerous plans while others only offer one or two. For example, with EPCOR Edmonton, residents have just one plan to choose from, but it’s straightforward and competitive. Comparing your options is the only way to ensure you get the best deal.

Tips on Installing Home Security Features

Before you officially move in it’s a good idea to set up home security systems and change out the locks. You never know who could have an old key.

• Replace all of the locks on the exterior door.
•  The lock on the door is the first line of defense. Use a deadbolt for the best security.
•  Look for deadbolts that have a Grade 2 or Grade 1 rating and hardened steel pins.
•  Replace the lock on the door that connects the house to the garage.
•  Change the garage door keys and security codes.
•  Test all of the windows to make sure they lock securely.
•  Consider adding motion sensors to each door and window.
•  Add Wi-Fi connected cameras in areas like the front and back door.
•  Use motion detector lights outside near windows and doors.
•  Install a tamper-resistant cover over the front porch light.

For the most comprehensive home security, you’ll need a Wi-Fi connected monitoring system. These smart home security systems allow you to check on your home from anywhere. You can even use an app to turn on the outdoor security lights, lock the Door and more.

Tips on Setting Up Mail Service and Bills

Once the move is set in stone, it’s time to start updating your address. You’ll need to let the post office and a number of others know where your new home is located.

• About two weeks before the move change your address at the post office or online at www.usa.gov/post-office.
•  Update all of your financial institutions with your new address.
•  Update all auto-pay systems with your new address.
•  Talk with your insurance companies to get your policies updated.

Your address goes beyond snail mail. Make sure to get on top of the updates early so important pieces of mail don’t end up at your end address.

Tips on Making Energy Efficient Improvements

The best time to make eco-friendly renovations and Energy efficiency improvements to a home is before you move. Nothing is in the way and you aren’t using a whole lot of energy yet.

• Weatherize around all of the exterior doors and windows.
•  Check the insulation in the attic and add as needed.
•  Get the HVAC system serviced.
•  Replace all the AC filters and clean the air vents.
•  Replace single pane windows with energy efficient double pane windows.

Taking a few steps before moving day can help you save a lot of time, stress and money. Give yourself as much time as possible, and don’t forget to make a few more memories in the old home before you move.