Moving into your new home is exciting!  Here are a few tasks that are best to tackle right after the big move. Check services and appliances: Make sure all utilities are indeed turned on. It can take several days to get a service appointment if the gas, phone or electricity is not hooked up. Wait one hour after delivery of your appliances before plugging them in. Test all your large appliances to make sure they are functioning properly. Often insurance companies have a short window for making a claim for damages resulting during a move. Cleaning: While you may be anxious to unpack it is much easier to clean empty cupboards then ones full of glassware. So bust out the cleaning kit you made ahead of time and go for it. Make notes of areas that must be dealt with before unpacking as well as reminders for areas that can wait until you are a bit more settled in.

• Find out the schedule and procedures for garbage and recycling pick up. You will have much more refuse then usual as you unpack. Check with your service provider for bulky item pick up rules.

Start with the kitchen: It’s the heart of your new home and where most families spend the majority of time. Martha Stewart once again has some great tips on how to clean a kitchen right. One thing I dread is installing contact paper in cabinets and drawers. Thankfully the folks at ehow.com provide a great guide to walk you through prepping and installing contact paper. Change the locks: The previous owner may have given keys out to friends and family. Many a homeowner, years later, has discovered their neighbor has a key to their home that was given to them by the old owner.