Steps You Need to Take After Your First Big Move to Halton

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Published January 8, 2019 at 3:00 pm

So, you’ve just moved out of your parents’ house for the first time, or you’re downsizing, or have recently made a big move to the Halton Region and are wondering what to do next.

So, you’ve just moved out of your parents’ house for the first time, or you’re downsizing, or have recently made a big move to the Halton Region and are wondering what to do next.

Some may think that the obvious next steps would be to go out and buy some furniture, meeting your new neighbours, or getting some groceries (because moving can be tiring and make you hungry).

However, according to a recent Zoocasa blog post, there are some things you need to do before planning your first meal in your new home.

Here, in no particular order, are the top things you should do after your first big move.

Register to vote

Regardless of your opinion on politics, registering to vote is important. Your new city or town may have stricter registration requirements then where you moved from so it is important to take care of this before it is too late.

Also, as noted in the blog post, registering to vote can tie in with getting and having a new driver’s license (which may be the main identification piece you need in order to complete the voter registration process).

Register your car/get a new license 

If moving to a new municipality or province, you will typically be given some time to register your car and/or get a new license but you can face a fine and/or tickets if you don’t get it done. This step usually involves a trip to the DMV. 

Transfer all your medical records

Ensuring that you transfer all your medical records from old health care providers to new ones will help you avoid unnecessary and/or duplicate tests (such as dental x-rays).

Update your address information

This one may seem like a no-brainer, but after you make a big move one of your top priorities should be updating your address information (if you didn’t do it before the move). This can easily be done online or at your new local post office. 

“You want to be sure that any mail sent to your previous residence is forwarded to your new location,” notes the blog post.

“Don’t think that this happens automatically, and if you rely on the mail or credit card bills, you don’t want any late payments because you didn’t get a recent statement.”

Find all of the utility cut-offs

If the words ‘utility cut-offs’ scare you, you’re not alone but they are very important when it comes to moving because what could be worse than having a plumbing leak and not knowing how to turn off the water supply?

Ensure that when you first arrive at your new home you locate the gas/propane on and off switch, the main circuit breaker box, the internet and cable connection, as well as the water on and off switch. 

It will also be in your favour to make a list of the customer service phone numbers should anything go wrong with these utilities.

Install home security 

We live in a day and age where anything can happen, both good and bad. Installing a home security system will ensure that you are being proactive about your (and your family’s) safety.

Have you recently made a big move?

Have you taken these steps?

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