I just bought a house! now what??

You just bought a new house! CONGRATULATIONS! Once the inspections and appraisal are out of the way, and your financing is in order, for the most part it is mostly a waiting game as you coast into the closing finish line! To make sure your move is a smooth one, here are a few things to check off of your list...

Packing - Moving can be a great opportunity to get rid of stuff you no longer need. Depending on your situation, you can rent a storage unit or pod if you have a delay in getting into your new home. If you are hiring a moving company you will want to get them scheduled as soon as possible. If not, you can rent a moving truck and reach out to family and friends for help. If you know anyone who has recently moved, ask for their leftover boxes. You can also check local stores, or storage companies for moving boxes. 


Mail - Don't forget to update your mailing address effective the date of closing. Whether you are moving across town or out of state, forgetting to change your mailing address can cause unnecessary headaches. You can visit your local post office, or go online at USPS - website. Here is a list of who else to notify of your change in address...

• DMV
• Bank
• Insurance Companies
• Credit Card Companies
• Financial Companies (401k provider, stockbroker, etc.)
• Subscription Services
• Online Services (Netflix, Amazon, etc.)
• Mail Order Prescriptions
• Employer
• Children’s Schools
• Doctors
• Friends
•  If you’ve changed cities, you will also need to update the information on the voter’s registration for your local area. You can take care of this online as well voter registration

Utilities - You will need to arrange for the connection and disconnection of utilities before the moving date, however if you overlooked this and you have already closed, do so now, do not delay! The main utilities would be power and water, but don't forget to check into the local internet provider, cable, and propane if needed. You will also want to know where and when to leave your trash, and if available, when the trash pickup day is. See below for contact info to your local power and water utility companies in and around Lynchburg...

*Electric:  

Appalachian Power  800-956-4237 (Lynchburg, Forest)

Southside Electric 800-552-2118 (Parts of Appomattox, Campbell & Bedford Counties)
Central Virginia Electric 434-263-8336 (Amherst & Parts of Appomattox)
Town of Bedford 540-587-6071  (Bedford)

*Water/Sewer:  

Lynchburg City   434-455-3840 

Campbell County 434-239-8654

Bedford County 540-586-7679
Appomattox County (434) 352-8393

Change the Locks - You may want to ensure your home is secure by changing all of the locks of the outside doors and ensuring all of the windows are closed and locked.


Locate your Circuit Breaker Box and Main Water Valve - When you move into a new home you will want to locate the fuse box and if not already labeled, take a few minutes to label which fuses control what part of your house. (You may need someone to help you with this) You will also want to know where the main water shut off valve is if you have a plumbing emergency, a major storm approaching, or if you are headed out of town.

Unpack the Essentials - Make sure your boxes are labeled and have your bedding and bath items accessible for the first night. If you are like most, moving day will be a tiring day, so you will want to be prepared to rest once the boxes have all been accounted for. Keep boxes with essentials like bedding, toiletries, some pajamas and clothes to wear the next day, and if you have pets, keep their food and water bowls handy.

*Please feel free to contact me with any questions at crystyknowles@gmail.com
434-229-2277