1. Change Your Address
Why it’s important: Ensures that all your mail and important documents get delivered to your new home.
Step-by-step:
Visit the USPS Change of Address site.
Follow the instructions to update your address and pay the $1.10 verification fee.
You will receive a confirmation email, and your new address will be updated in 7-10 days.
Update your address with your bank, credit cards, subscriptions, and other services.
Visit your local DMV to update your driver’s license:
Miami-Dade: Miami-Dade DMV Locations
Broward: Broward DMV Locations
Palm Beach: Palm Beach DMV Locations
Phone: 1-850-617-2000 for all DMV services in Florida.
2. Connect Your Utilities (Water, Electricity, Internet & Cable)
Water:
Why it’s important: You’ll need running water from day one.
Step-by-step:
Contact your local water utility provider based on your county:
Miami-Dade Water & Sewer: Miami-Dade Water | Phone: 305-665-7477
Broward County Water Services: Broward Water | Phone: 954-831-3250
Palm Beach Water Utilities: Palm Beach Water | Phone: 561-740-4600
Provide your home address and closing date to set up your service.
Electricity:
Why it’s important: Your home needs power to run everything.
Step-by-step:
Contact Florida Power & Light (FPL) to set up your electricity account.
Visit the FPL Start Service page.
Set up your account and provide the start date for service.
Phone: 1-800-226-3545 for FPL customer service.
Internet & Cable:
Why it’s important: Stay connected for work, entertainment, and communication.
Step-by-step:
Check which providers service your area:
Xfinity: Xfinity Internet & Cable | Phone: 1-800-934-6489
AT&T: AT&T Fiber | Phone: 1-800-288-2020
Choose a plan and schedule installation before your move-in date to ensure a smooth transition.
3. Pay Your Homeowners Association (HOA) Dues
Why it’s important: HOA dues cover community services like landscaping, security, and amenities.
Step-by-step:
Your HOA will send you an invoice, typically with payment instructions or a login for an online portal.
Here’s how to find HOA details in your county:
Miami-Dade HOA Directory: Miami-Dade Property Appraiser
Broward HOA Search: Broward HOA Search
Palm Beach HOA Directory: Call Palm Beach County Planning, Zoning & Building at 561-233-5000 for assistance with HOA info.
Set up online payments or automatic bank transfers to avoid late fees.
4. Set Up Property Tax Payments
Why it’s important: Stay current with property taxes to avoid penalties.
Step-by-step:
Check if property taxes are included in your mortgage payment (escrow). If not, you'll need to pay them directly.
Visit your county’s tax collector website to check the status and make payments:
Miami-Dade Property Taxes: Miami-Dade Tax Collector | Phone: 305-270-4916
Broward Property Taxes: Broward County Taxes | Phone: 954-831-4000
Palm Beach Property Taxes: Palm Beach Tax Collector | Phone: 561-355-2264
Enter your property information (parcel number or address) to find your tax amount and payment deadlines.
Set up reminders or automatic payments if possible.
5. Apply for Homestead Exemption (or Other Exemptions)
Why it’s important: Reduces your property taxes significantly, potentially saving thousands of dollars annually.
Step-by-step:
Apply through your county property appraiser’s office:
Miami-Dade Homestead Exemption: Apply Here | Phone: 305-375-4712
Broward Homestead Exemption: Broward Exemption Application | Phone: 954-357-6830
Palm Beach Homestead Exemption: Apply for Exemptions | Phone: 561-355-2866
Gather your proof of residency (driver’s license, utility bill, voter registration card).
Fill out the online application and submit your documents.
6. Get Your Documents Organized
Why it’s important: It’s essential to have easy access to your important documents for tax purposes, refinancing, or selling your home in the future.
Step-by-step:
Create a physical folder for:
Closing documents
Deed
Title insurance policy
HOA agreements
Backup these documents digitally using secure cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox.
7. Set Up Your Mortgage Payment
Why it’s important: To avoid late fees and protect your credit score.
Step-by-step:
Your lender will send you instructions to set up your mortgage payments, usually within the first month after closing.
Set up an account on your lender’s online portal or mobile app.
If you haven’t heard from your lender, contact them using the details in your mortgage paperwork.
Set up automatic payments to avoid missed deadlines.
8. Update Insurance Policies
Why it’s important: To make sure your home is fully protected from day one.
Step-by-step:
Verify that your homeowner’s insurance is active starting on your closing date.
Update any other insurance policies (auto, umbrella) with your new address.
Contact your insurance agent directly:
State Farm: State Farm Home Insurance | Phone: 1-800-782-8332
Allstate: Allstate Home Insurance | Phone: 1-800-255-7828
9. Secure Your Home
Why it’s important: For peace of mind and safety.
Step-by-step:
Change the locks on your doors.
Consider installing a home security system:
ADT Home Security: ADT Systems | Phone: 1-800-521-0772
Ring Home Security: Ring Systems | Phone: 1-800-656-1918
Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they work properly.
10. Declutter and Unpack
Why it’s important: Settling in faster makes your house feel like home.
Step-by-step:
Start with the most important rooms: kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom.
Sort through boxes and donate items you no longer need.
Personalize your home by adding decor, organizing furniture, and making the space your own.
⚜️ Thuany Lauria
📞 +1 305 606 2064
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