What should I do to make my move in go smoothly?

You've worked long and hard for this - the day you turn the keys on the front door of your new condominium. Congratulations! Following are some suggestion on where to begin:

Day 1

Get the pets settled

• Set out food and water.
• Let them sniff around their new surroundings.
• Choose a spot not too far from you to put their bedding.
• Try not to leave your pets in the new yard by themselves until you've had a few days to acquaint them with the new territory.

Unpack the essentials

• Unpack your Waiting-for-the-Moving-Van Survival Kit.
• Don't worry about unpacking everything the first day.
• Unpack your Open Me First box.

Check the house systems

• Be sure the heating and/or air conditioner work and set the thermostat
• Try out the electricity, phone, and water to confirm that you have service.
• Be sure all major appliances are plugged in and turned on.
• If you have gas, check the pilot lights on gas appliances.

Go grocery shopping

• Get provisions for breakfast and other easy to prepare food

Quickly clean up

Be sure you are safe

• Cover the windows. Statistics show a higher incidence of burglaries just after move in.
• Check all the locks on the house and vehicles

Week 1

• Unpack boxes
• Check with the building manager about how to dispose of empty boxes
• Choose an "all unpacked" date to drive you on
• Consider throwing a small housewarming party a few weeks after you move.
• Walk through the neighborhood
• Make a list of service calls to make
• Check the paint and note anything to be touched up or changed
• Make a list of fix-it jobs and needed supplies
• List people you still need to let know about your change of address