Priority Tasks For Your Move In

Moving into a new home is an exciting time, and you’re probably daydreaming about decor and paint schemes and new furniture.

But before you get into the fun stuff, there are some basics you should cover first.

Set Up Utilities

You’ll want to get your utilities ready to go before moving day so that you’re not trying to settle in without heat, electricity, or wifi.

There are five basic home utilities, and depending on where you live and what the terms of your lease or HOA (if applicable) are you may be responsible for all five or just a few of them.

• Electricity

• Natural Gas

• Water & Sewer

• Trash Pick-up

• Cable and Internet

The utility providers for your new home may be different than the providers for your last home.

Certain cities have different provider requirements.

Here’s a list of the most frequently used utility company numbers in Las Vegas, Henderson and North Las Vegas.

FREQUENTLY USED NUMBERS

Power

NV Energy: (702) 402-5555 , nvenergy.com

Gas

Southwest Gas Corporation: (877) 860-6020 , swgas.com

Water

Las Vegas Valley Water District: (702) 870-2011 , lvvwd.com

City of Henderson, Dept. of Utility Services: (702) 267-5900 , cityofhenderson.com

City of North Las Vegas Water: (702) 633-1484 , cityofnorthlasvegas.com

Garbage

Republic Services: (702) 735-5151 , republicservicesvegas.com

Telephone / Cable / Internet

Cox Cable: (702) 383-4000 , cox.com

Century Link: (888) 723-8010 , centurylink.com

If you live in North Las Vegas your garbage pick-up fee is included in your water bill.

Also, the City of North Las Vegas might have you wait till the prior homeowner’s demand is paid off, by Escrow, before allowing you to set up the water service under your name.

Change the Locks

Even if you’re promised that new locks have been installed in your home, you can never be too careful.

It’s worth the money to have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that no one else has the keys to your home.

Changing the locks can be a DIY project, or you can call in a locksmith for a little extra money.

It’s a good idea to reprogram any garage door remotes and keypads as well.

Steam Clean the Carpets

It’s good to get a fresh start with your floors before you start decorating.

The previous owners may have had pets, young children, or just some plain old clumsiness.

Take the time to steam clean the carpets so that your floors are free of stains and allergens.

It’s pretty easy and affordable to rent a steam cleaner—your local grocery store may have them available.

Call an Exterminator

Prior to move-in, you probably haven’t spent enough time in the house to get a view of any pests that may be lurking.

Call an exterminator to take care of any mice, insects, and other critters that may be hiding in your home.

Update your Driver License Address

Nevada law requires motorists to notify DMV of a change of address within 30 days of their move, including residents who are leaving the state permanently.

Keeping your address current with the DMV is important as they mail your renewal notices and notification of license suspensions, insurance validation requests, etc.

You may list separate mailing and residence addresses.

Address changes on Commercial Driver Licenses must be completed in person.

Department of Motor Vehicles:

NV DMV: (702) 486-4368 , dmvnv.com

Change your Mailing Address

Make sure you change your address to continue receiving mail.

To let the post office know you are going to change your address and want your mail forwarded to your new location, you have two options:

• Go to USPS.com/move to change your address online.

  • This is the fastest and easiest way, and you immediately get an email confirming the change.

  • There is a $1.10 charge to change your address online. You will need a credit or debit card and a valid email address. The $1.10 charge to your card is an identity verification fee to prevent fraud and make sure you're the one making the change.

• Go to your local post office and request the Mover’s Guide packet.

  • Inside the packet is PS Form 3575. Fill out this change of address form and give it to a postal worker behind the counter. Or, drop it into the letter mail slot inside the post office.

  • You should receive a confirmation letter at your new address in five business days.

For info on locked mailboxes and mailbox keys visit faq.usps.com