<p>Planning to move into a new house is as exciting as it can be strenuous. While most of the time packing and unpacking will be the only major aspects one will consider, in reality, before and after moving into a new home, there are several small and big things that one needs to be prepared for. With the pandemic still looming, it is all the more important to be organised. Here is a check-list that will come in handy through the process:</p>

<p><strong>Before moving-in</strong>&ndash; Couple of days before the shifting process starts, visit your new home to assess if everything is in order and if there is any work that needs to be done. This is to ensure that there are no surprises after you have already moved in. From plumbing to electricals to cupboard hinges, a thorough check needs to be done.</p>

<p><strong>Cleanliness to be a priority</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; While leaving your old home, it is advisable to leave it clean and just before you move into the new home, the house is sanitised. Once the unpacking in complete and the house is free of movers, use cleaning materials to give a quick scrub. Disinfectant wipes are also convenient for these.</p>

<p><strong>Documentation</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; Make certain that all documentations are in place, such as rent lease, new house documents, taxes and insurance etc. These will be mainly helpful if enquired while moving materials.</p>

<p><strong>Change of address</strong>&nbsp;&ndash;&nbsp; The new address needs to updated for important documents such as banking, gas connection, internet and phone connection, life insurance, car insurance, health insurance etc. Check on the outstanding bills too and ensure that everything is up to date.</p>

<p><strong>Do your work in advance</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; Do not wait for the moving day to do all the chores, instead start packing smaller things much in advance, so you can focus on bigger things later. &nbsp;And keeping the pandemic in mind, this will also ensure that there is lesser contact with outsiders and ensure a quick moving process. Gas supplier, metro water access, phone/wifi connection, maintenance in the new place and electrical connection needs to be looked into before moving into the house.</p>

<p><strong>Covid guidelines in place</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; It is vital that if anyone was in close proximity to someone with Covid or if they get it themselves during the moving process, they must immediately self-isolate and go into quarantine. Get outside help if needed to finish the process.</p>

<p><strong>Packing materials&nbsp;</strong>&ndash; At least a week before the moving-in date, keep handy enough packing materials such as boxes, bubble wrap, packing paper etc, for every kind of item. If you are taking the help of movers, schedule a visit so they can also prepare the same.</p>

<p><strong>Make a list for the moving-in day</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; It may not be easy to coordinate the moving and look after the vulnerable people at home. Have a plan in place for pet care, child care and elderly care, so they are not inconvenienced through the process. Make a list of things that you need that can be easily accessible in the chaos of unpacking such as food, water, hand sanitizer, disinfectant, paper towels, extra pair of clothes and soap. While unpacking, prioritise essential to non-essential by labels, so you don&rsquo;t have to open every box for a spoon!</p>

<p><strong>Delays are inevitable</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; No matter the planning, delay in many cases are unavoidable. So what to do about it? Be flexible. Make a list of things that you think could probably see some setback and keep the necessary contacts ready.</p>

<p><strong>Child and pet proof new home</strong>&nbsp;&ndash; Before your toddler or pet enters the new home, check that every sharp item is safely tucked away. Also keep a check on sharp corners around the house and cover them.</p>

<p>While we may make enough mental notes, in the chaos it may unknowingly slip from one&rsquo;s mind. Especially with the pandemic still at large, it is advisable to be cautious. Having a well-thought out &lsquo;to-do list&rsquo; will be greatly beneficial. So here is to happy moving-</p>
