Congratulations! We closed!
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I always recommend that your first action after closing should be to change your locks. You never know who might have copies of the old keys. This is also a great time to consider adding a smart lock. If you have visitors like housekeepers or pet sitters who will be letting themselves in, a smart lock is a much safer option than making copies of keys. Please ask me for recommendations based on your door configuration. If you have a front desk or property manager that keeps a spare key on file, please make sure to update them.
I send my clients links and contact information to update any accounts that need to be changed after closing. In our area, gas and electric are through PSEG, but some high rise condos will submeter through the HOA. Cold water / sewer / trash service are through Veolia, except in condos where they are generally included in HOA fees.
The seller's agent is responsible for taking final readings before closing. However as the new homeowner, I recommend you take photos of the meters and get in touch with the utility company right away. You don't want to be left on the hook for the previous occupant's usage.
Now is also the time to end your accounts at the your previous utilities, including phone / cable / internet.
If we identified any areas that need repair during the home inspection or final walkthrough, please don't hesitate to ask me for recommendations for area trade professionals. I am a licensed NJ home improvement contractor and have an extensive network to help with any work you need. The one I see the most frequently are running toilets (leaky toilet flaps): this is a super cheap and easy repair that we should handle ASAP. Otherwise, you're literally flushing money down the toilet.
You'll leave closing with a huge binder of documents pertaining to your new home purchase. Now is the time while your memory is fresh to organize and digitize everything. If you need help sorting through documents, we can schedule a complimentary post-closing appointment so I can help you sort and scan.
USPS: forward your mail and also get a bunch of coupons for new homeowners
NJ MVC: update your driver's license, car registration, and voter registration. You'll need the updated documents to apply for a zone parking permit.
your bank(s)
car, homeowners, and renter's insurance: we will discuss homeowner's insurance when you're buying, but make sure that your insurance company terminates any previous policies at your old address on the correct date AFTER you move
your employer
frequent online shopping and delivery websites: save yourself the hassle of chasing down mis-deliveries. Update your address at in your Amazon, Uber, Lyft, Freshdirect, Instacart, and most commonly used online shopping sites now.
In between all of the work that goes into moving, make some time to dream about new furniture and designing for your new space. As a thank you to my buyer clients, I offer complimentary access to my exclusive trade discounts on new furniture and fixes.
If you need floor plans or help envisioning your space, I can point you in the right direction.
Welcome home!
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I send all of my clients the necessary contact information to get set up with your new front desk or management company. If there's a portal like BuildingLink or a tenant Whatsapp group, get set up ASAP. If you're moving into a doorman building, now is the time to make friends with your front desk staff. Please stop by and introduce yourself before your movers arrive! You'll also need their help to reserve the elevator for move-in.
Verify your new building's move-in policies before you schedule a mover. Here are my recommended moving companies.
I send my clients links and contact information to update any accounts that need to be changed after lease signing. In our area, gas and electric are through PSEG, but some high rise condos will submeter through the HOA. Cold water / sewer / trash service are generally included in rent, but read through your lease carefully to confirm.
As the new tenant, I recommend you take photos of the meters and get in touch with the utility company right away. You don't want to be left on the hook for the previous occupant's usage.
Now is also the time to end your accounts at the your previous utilities, including phone / cable / internet.
Your lease most likely requires renter's insurance to protect you and your belongings, but I recommend all of my clients get renter's insurance either way. Policies are usually around $15/mo and don't just protect your stuff at home; they cover theft of your belongings even when you're out and about. Plus, if your unit becomes uninhabitable, it pays for alternative housing like a hotel room, ensuring you're never left without a place to stay in an emergency. If you have care insurance and bundle your policies, you'll often receive a significant discount.
My recommended insurance agent knows the JC market inside-out: Paula Keung, Goosehead (Downtown Jersey City)
Did your new landlord send you link to set up automatic rent payments? Now is the time to set that up so you never have to remember to send a check again. If your landlord didn't provide that option, please get in touch with me so we convince them to sign up for a payment portal.
USPS: forward your mail and also get a bunch of coupons
NJ MVC: update your driver's license, car registration, and voter registration. You'll need the updated documents to apply for a zone parking permit.
your bank(s)
car, homeowners, and renter's insurance: we will discuss renter's insurance when you're in the lease signing process, but make sure that your insurance company terminates any previous policies at your old address on the correct date AFTER you move
your employer
frequent online shopping and delivery websites: save yourself the hassle of chasing down mis-deliveries. Update your address at in your Amazon, Uber, Lyft, Freshdirect, Instacart, and most commonly used online shopping sites now.
Licensed and insured moving companies for local or long-distance moves in Jersey City, Hoboken, and surrounding areas
Make sure your movers have somewhere to park: If you're not moving to a community with a loading dock, you'll need to reserve and post street parking signs for your movers in advance. Application links are in local resources below
I collect frequent feedback from clients after their moves, and these are my top local mover recommendations:
Piece of Cake Movers -- use this link or code POCAMYL for a 10% discount on local moves
Moishe's Moving -- contact Konstantin Grevtsev (kgrevtsev@moishes.com) and mention my name for a discount
Ring peephole camera -- perfect for renters and high-rise condo/apartment dwellers. No screws, replaces your existing peephole (make sure you store it and put it back when you move out)
Ring doorbell camera -- battery powered for ease of installation. Can be installed with command strips to make it a temporary installation. Make sure you get an extra battery to swap in or solar charger to keep your battery topped up
Smart door lock -- the Yale Approach lock with keypad (or keypad touch) allows you to keep your existing deadbolt and key, but adds app access plus a keypad for code access (with optional fingerprint unlock). This is also a great option for renters; keep the interior of your old deadbolt and swap it back when you move out.
Wyze garage door opener -- combination smart garage door opener (open/close with your phone) and camera for peace of mind
Ring alarm kit -- home security kit sized for a walk-up unit or row home, eligible for a discount on your homeowner's or renter's insurance if combined with a professional monitoring plan
Flume smart water monitor -- Water is the number one enemy of home maintenance. Flume straps onto your water meter with no plumbing required to monitor water usage, sending notifications to your phone and email if it detects any leaks. Water leaks can cause massive damage in a matter of minutes if they go undetected, while a running toilet or dripping faucet can run up $100s in water bills.
Moen Flo automatic water shutoff -- If you have the ability to update your plumbing, this Moen Flo units installs in-line after your water meter. Like the Flume above, it monitors water usage and sends notifications of any leaks or unusual water usage. In addition, it will automatically turn off the incoming water line to prevent damage. Please note that you must purchase the correct Moen Flo unit based on the pipe size of your water line, and it requires plumbing work for installation.
Ring flood & freeze sensor -- This sensor alerts you to flooding or low temperatures when connected to a Ring alarm kit . Perfect for placement under your water heater, washing machine, refrigerator water line, and anywhere else with in-line plumbing that isn't easily visible or accessible. It may also get you a discount on your homeowner's insurance!
Ring smoke & CO listener -- This device connects to a Ring alarm kit and alerts you if your smoke or carbon monoxide dector goes off. When combined with a professional monitoring plan, you may get a discount on your homeowner's insurance.
JC No Parking signs -- make sure your movers have somewhere to park!
JC dog license -- the city requires all dogs to have current rabies vaccines and be registered with the city
JC parking permit -- resident parking permits allow on street parking. Don't forget to move your car for street sweeping!
JC visitor parking pass -- residents can purchase parking passes for visitors
Hoboken No Parking signs -- make sure your movers have somewhere to park!
Hoboken dog license -- the city requires all dogs to have current rabies vaccines and be registered with the city
Hoboken parking permit -- resident parking permits allow on street parking. Don't forget to move your car for street sweeping!