Moving to a new home is often cited as one of the most stressful life events, right up there with changing jobs or dealing with major life changes. For instance, according to a recent survey, nearly 60% of people rank moving as more stressful than planning a wedding. Take the example of Sarah and John, a young couple who recently moved into their dream home. Essential Services to Set Up When Moving to a New Home is a crucial consideration in such situations. Despite their meticulous planning, they arrived to find their new house in darkness, the result of not setting up their electricity service in advance. The first night in their new home was spent navigating by flashlight, an experience they won’t soon forget.
Essential Services to Set Up When Moving
To ensure a smooth and comfortable transition into your new home, it’s vital to set up several essential services before you move. These include utilities such as electricity, water, and gas, communication services like internet and phone, home security systems, waste management, mail forwarding and address updates, healthcare providers, and familiarizing yourself with local amenities and services. This guide will walk you through each of these crucial steps, helping you to avoid common pitfalls and enjoy a stress-free move.
Electricity
When renting a new home in Kenya, it’s crucial to ensure that the electricity meter information is accurately updated with the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC). This is especially important if the house does not use the KPLC token system and relies on a traditional metering system.
When contacting KPLC, be clear about your request to change the meter information. Specify that you are the new tenant and provide the details of the previous tenant or owner if known. This helps KPLC update their records accurately.
Water
Confirming the availability of clean water before renting a house in Kenya is crucial for health, convenience, financial stability, and overall quality of life. Given the challenges with water quality and supply in many parts of the country, taking this step ensures that you and your family can enjoy a safe, hygienic, and comfortable living environment. Ensure that you have enquired from the landlord water payment methods and their policies.
Waste Management
Before renting, thoroughly inspect the property for signs of poor drainage, such as water stains on walls, mold, mildew, and puddles around the house. Check the condition of gutters, downspouts, and drainage channels to ensure they are clean and functional.
Check the availability and condition of waste disposal facilities on the property. Ensure there are adequate garbage bins with secure lids to prevent spillage and pest infestations. Confirm that there is a regular waste collection service in place.
Discuss with the landlord about their waste management policies. A proactive approach from the landlord, including clear guidelines for waste disposal and recycling, indicates a well-maintained property and responsible management. Understanding the trash collection schedule is crucial to maintaining a clean and organized home.
Home Security
Before renting, thoroughly research crime statistics in various neighborhoods. Use online resources, local news reports, and community forums to gather information about crime rates and common types of crimes in different areas. Websites like Numbeo and local police websites often provide up-to-date crime data.
Engage with current residents of the area to get firsthand insights into the neighborhood’s safety. Local residents can offer valuable perspectives on the security situation and the effectiveness of community policing efforts.
Even after choosing a house in a low-crime area, implementing additional security measures is crucial to ensuring your safety and peace of mind. You can buy door locks, install CCTV cameras, alarm systems and motion censors. Consider systems that are compatible with smart locks, lights, thermostats, and cameras. This integration allows you to manage your home security remotely via smartphone apps.
Communication Services
In today’s digital age, reliable network coverage is essential for communication, work, and accessing online services. However, in some parts of Kenya, network coverage can be poor or inconsistent, posing significant challenges for residents. Before renting a house, it’s crucial to verify the quality of network coverage in the area.
In some areas, especially in rural or underserved urban regions, the infrastructure required for robust network coverage may be underdeveloped. This includes insufficient cell towers, outdated technology, and limited investment by telecommunications providers.
Different mobile and internet service providers may have varying levels of coverage in specific areas. An area well-served by one provider might be a dead zone for another. This inconsistency can impact your choice of service provider and the quality of service you receive.
Local Amenities and Services
When choosing a rental property in Kenya, the availability and quality of local amenities can significantly impact your quality of life. Local amenities refer to the services and facilities available in the vicinity of your home, such as schools, hospitals, shopping centers, recreational areas, and public transport.
Living close to essential services like grocery stores, pharmacies, and healthcare facilities can save you time and reduce stress. Having these amenities nearby means you can easily access daily necessities and medical care without long commutes, making day-to-day life more convenient and manageable.
For families with children, proximity to good schools and educational institutions is a top priority. Access to reputable schools ensures your children receive quality education and minimizes travel time. Additionally, being close to after-school programs and extracurricular activities can enhance your children’s development and well-being.
Gas
Setting Up or Transferring Gas Service Gas service is essential for heating, cooking, and sometimes water heating. Safety Checks and Meter Readings Safety is paramount when setting up gas services. Ensure a technician visits your new home to conduct a safety check and installation but if you are just using a gas cooker or cylinder you can install on your own. This helps avoid any potential hazards and ensures you are billed accurately from the start. Schedule this appointment well in advance, preferably to coincide with your move-in date, to ensure everything is operational and safe upon arrival.
Cable or Satellite TV
Comparing Service Providers For cable or satellite TV, begin by comparing providers in your new area. Consider the range of channels, package prices, customer service ratings, and any bundled deals that include internet and phone services.
Scheduling Installation and Ensuring Good Reception Once you’ve chosen a provider, schedule the installation for a time that suits your move-in schedule. It’s advisable to book this a few weeks in advance to secure your preferred date and time. On the installation day, ensure the technician checks the reception quality and adjusts the equipment for optimal performance. If you’re using satellite TV, make sure the dish is installed in a location with a clear line of sight to the sky, free from obstructions like trees or buildings.
Mail and Address Changes
Forwarding Mail One of the critical steps when moving to a new home is ensuring that your mail follows you. To begin with, set up mail forwarding with your current postal service. This can usually be done either online or in person at your local post office. Consequently, the forwarding service will redirect your mail to your new address for a specified period, giving you ample time to notify contacts of your new location.
Updating Address
Beyond forwarding your mail, it’s essential to update your address with various organizations and services to ensure a smooth transition. Here are some key entities to notify:
- Banks and Credit Card Companies: First and foremost, update your address to ensure you receive important statements and notices.
- Utilities and Service Providers: Additionally, inform your electricity, water, gas, internet, and other service providers of your new address. This will help you avoid any service interruptions or missed bills.
- Government Agencies: Furthermore, update your address with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for your driver’s license and vehicle registration. Also, update your voter registration.
- Insurance Providers: Moreover, notify your health, auto, and home insurance companies. This is crucial to keep your policies current and ensure you receive necessary documents.
- Employers and Educational Institutions: Similarly, ensure your employer and any educational institutions are aware of your new address for payroll and correspondence.
- Subscription Services: Equally important, update your address for any magazines, subscription boxes, and online services you receive regularly.
- Friends and Family: Lastly, don’t forget to share your new address with friends and family to stay connected.
Conclusion
Moving to a new home can be a challenging experience, but with careful planning and organization, you can make the transition smooth and stress-free. Start early, stay organized, and systematically tackle each task on your checklist. By ensuring that essential services are set up and ready to go, you’ll be able to settle into your new home comfortably and quickly, allowing you to focus on enjoying your new surroundings and starting this exciting new chapter in your life.
