Breckenridge, CO Realtor Tips: The Homeowner Checklist
You’ve just bought a new home in Breckenridge, CO. Congratulations! I’m very happy for you. It’s a wonderful feeling to have a property that’s all your own. However, as a long time Realtor in Breckenridge, I can tell you there are still some important things you need to accomplish before getting settled.
In today’s post, I put together a checklist of items to keep in mind as you make the transition to your new Breckenridge property.
Talk With the Previous Owners
The previous owners were not just the last people to live in your current home. They are the holders of essential information about this residence and the surrounding community.
This means you should take advantage of any opportunity to ask them as many questions as possible. If you like the way they’ve painted the walls, for instance, find out if they’ve saved the old cans or if they remember the exact shade.
Furthermore, make sure to get all of the owner’s manuals for the appliances and see if any warranties are transferrable to your name. Also, see if they can give you an overview on any installed security systems, cable television service and other kinds of media hookups.
Finally, they may have trusted contacts that may be of great help to you with your home maintenance needs. Request any names of contractors, handymen or other repair professionals who know the house and are aware of possible upgrades that have been done.
Organize Your Packing
Packing (and unpacking) your moving boxes can be a stressful part of moving. However, if you approach it in a methodical, organized fashion it can be less overwhelming. Start with gathering all of the materials that you need, including:
- Boxes
- Packing Tape
- Newspapers
- Scissors
- Permanent Markers
Once you’re ready to pack, begin by sorting through your belongings and packing your belongings in the order in which you’ll need them. Pack low priority items first, and items you use all the time last. A reasonable goal is to pack 5 boxes per day. If that is too much because you have a hectic schedule, feel free to alter that number. However, you want to keep yourself focused on doing at least some packing on a daily basis. It will help you from feeling buried by all of the tasks involved in moving your life to a new location.
As you pack, make sure to keep a master list and label each box. That way, you know what you’ve placed in every box and you’ll be able to keep better track of your possessions.
Set Up New Services
If you’re new to the Summit County area, take it from a long time Breckenridge home owner…planning ahead helps when you’re scheduling services and having your mail forwarded. Although the services are the same as they would be in most other parts of Colorado, scheduling your phone or cable company ahead of time will ensure prompt delivery of service. This process can be time-consuming, but it’s important to tie up all the loose ends as soon as possible.
If you have a child who will be starting school in a new district, it’s especially critical to get everything set up in a timely manner. It’s often recommended that your child’s school records are transferred up to 2 months before moving day.
Also, don’t forget to inform the Postal Service that you have a different address. You don’t want to miss any crucial letters or bills during the transition to your new home.
A few other important parties that need to be notified include:
- Your Employer
- Your Bank
- Credit Card Companies
- Magazine or Newspaper Subscriptions
- Utility Companies
- Cable/Internet Service Providers
If you rely on prescription drugs, you should also plan to refill these medications as close to your moving day as possible. Things can be hectic and confusing when you’re in the midst of moving. The last thing you want is to lose track of important medications or not have enough when you’re trying to get settled in your new home.
Finally, if you are working with a moving company, be sure to be in close touch with the representative. You should plan on confirming the date as it nears and keep a copy of the inventory list once all of your possessions are loaded onto the truck.
Want More New Homeowner’s Checklist Ideas?
Take it from a Breckenridge Realtor who has helped hundreds of people move to Summit County: The details of moving can seem like a big list when you get started, but once you find that Breckenridge home for sale that is right for you…you’ll never look back.
If you’re looking to buy a home in Breckenridge or throughout Summit County, I’m happy to put together some properties for you, or answer any questions you have ahead of time. You’re welcome to start by browsing the updated listings on my website at any time, and when you’re ready to talk through your options or schedule showings, contact me at any time via email ([email protected]) or on my office line. I look forward to working with you!