Congratulations, you've found your perfect home in Charlottesville! Now it's time for the big move. We know that moving is exciting, but can also be overwhelming. That's why we've put together some tips for things to do and bring for your first few days in the home to make your transition go smoothly.

Safety & Security To-Dos

Once you get the keys to your new home, there are a few things you should do right away.

• Replace all of the exterior locks (including locks on sheds or other outbuildings).
• Change the codes for garage doors & security alarms. If you plan to continue using the same security service as the sellers, make sure you call to get the account set up in your name.
• Check your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. If they are in date, change the batteries. If they are expired, replace them. 
• Put together a fire safety plan including fire extinguishers, fire blankets, & ladders where necessary.
• Have an easily accessible first aid kit for any moving mishaps.

General Needs

These are things you will be grateful to have on hand during those first few days. Pack these things together in a box marked for your first day so you can hit the ground running when you unlock the door.

• Toilet paper, paper towels, & hand soap. Make sure you have at least 1 roll of toilet paper & paper towels for each bathroom and extra paper towels for cleaning throughout the house until you get everything unpacked.
• A Tool Kit. At the bare minimum, you want a box cutter, scissors, hammer, screwdrivers, wrench, nails, and screws to help you with putting things together (or taking things apart).
• Cleaning Supplies. While homes in Virginia are supposed to be left in broom-clean condition, you may want to do your own cleaning before unpacking.
• Garbage & recycling cans. While the owners will likely leave exterior garbage cans, you'll want to make sure you have ones for inside the home. And don't forget the garbage bags to go with them!

Make the Bathrooms Available

The bathrooms are one of the first rooms you should set up to make moving day more comfortable. No one wants to get caught in the bathroom without toilet paper & soap! Here are a few other items that will make your first days easier. 

• Towels including shower towels and hand towels
• Toiletries. No one says you have to use your full-size products right away! Pack a toiletry bag with travel-size items to get you through your first days.
• Shower Curtains & Bathmats. No one wants to walk into the bathroom at the end of a long day and realize that they don't have a shower curtain or bathmat available. Save yourself the frustration & bring new shower curtains and bathmats with you.
• Medications. Make sure you have your important medicines in a safe, secure place!

Set Up Your Bedrooms

Get your bedrooms set up early so you can get to sleep faster after a long day of moving & unpacking. You don't need to have the entire room set up, but here are a few things you will probably want. 

• Beds & bedding for each person staying overnight.
• Window coverings. Sellers in Virginia are supposed to leave window coverings like blinds that are mounted into the wall, but if they only had curtains up, you'll want to make sure you can give yourself some privacy.
• Clothing for the week. Make sure everyone in your family has enough clothes to make it through the first week of moving without unpacking your whole dresser or closet. Be sure to pack clothes that you don't mind getting dirty, especially if you plan to do some deep cleaning or painting.
• Phone chargers, nightlights, sound machines, or any other devices that help you get a good night's sleep!

Prepare the Kitchen

While any perishable items you're bringing may be the very first items you unpack, there are a few other kitchen supplies that you'll likely reach for your first days at home.

• Dish soap & sponge.
• Snacks. 
• Coffee supplies. If you're the type of person who needs coffee to make it through the day, you'll want to make sure you have everything you need to make your morning coffee. (And if you prefer recommendations to a local coffee shop, we've got a few we would love to share with you!)
• Plates, cups, & utensils. No one wants to eat their pizza huddled around the pizza box because you forgot to bring plates. Bring a small supply of your usual dishes or a set of disposable products to get you through your first meals at home.

Must-Haves for Your Kids & Pets

Moving is not easy for anyone, but for children & pets it can be a scary experience. Here's a few things to make the transition a bit easier for them.

• Baby gates & puppy crates. Set up a designated, secure space for your children or pets to play where they won't get in the way of people moving furniture or other heavy objects. Choose a room where you can wait to unload the furniture & boxes and make it their safe space for the first few days.
• Favorite toys are a great way to keep kids & pets occupied while the adults are doing some heavy lifting. 
• Comfort objects. If your child or pet has a favorite toy or blanket that they look for in times of stress, make sure it is readily available and doesn't get tucked into a random box "to make sure it doesn't get lost."

We love helping people make their home here in Charlottesville. If you need recommendations on where to get some good takeout while you set up the kitchen or a contractor to help make improvements, we are always glad to help. Our team lives & works in the area and we're always glad to share our favorite gems around Charlottesville, Albemarle, Greene, & Fluvanna. Reach out to us at any time!