Moving seems easy. Browsing is romantic. Shopping is fun. But, when the clock starts, and you've got to get a lot done, it's easy to forget things. Don't worry. I've got you. Here's a quick move-in checklist followed by the same list in more detail.
Move-in Checklist:
Paperwork signed
Checks sent
Utilities on
Insurance bought or transferred
Mail forwarded
Paperwork signed:
Of course, you've signed all of the documents you needed to, but are you certain? Standard documents in Louisiana include:
Make sure you have all three signed and countersigned by the landlord. And, make sure you have a copy of that signed lease stored someplace easy to find.
Lastly, consider a move-in checklist. Look over the place thoroughly with your landlord (and your agent) and note any damage or wear and tear signs. You'll be more likely to get your deposit back if you do. You can borrow my checklist here.
Checks Sent
It's rare, as a renter, to pay your agent in New Orleans. It is possible. We'll always disclose that to you upfront. Standard payments should include:
first months rent
security deposit
pet deposit (if you've got 'em)
My clients write one check, and that check is written out to my agency. The agency then makes sure the money is routed appropriately. Other agencies may require separate checks for each item, and those checks may be made out to one or more parties. Check what exactly is needed when ordering or writing out your check.
Utilities On
Never assume the utilities will be on when you move in! Check with your agent/landlord in advance. Common utilities include:
Electric
Gas
Cable & Internet
and on rare occasion, Water, Sewer, and Trash
Many landlords in New Orleans cover water, sewer, and trash. It's all payable to the Sewage and Water Board. The landlord covering these bills is especially true in a building with more than one home, as many multi-family homes only include one water meter. Your listing will include whether the tenant or landlord pays, check with your agent. Turning on water in New Orleans is not as easy as you think.
In New Orleans, gas and electric are through a company called Entergy. One call, one bill. Changing over both is often relatively simple and can be done with a phone call. It's easiest to transfer the account while it's still live, but that requires a little coordination.
Wifi companies are sparse in New Orleans. In many instances, your choices are COX and AT&T. You can choose from cable, wifi, phone, and satellite. If you're fortunate, AT&T will have fiber optic ready to go in your area. I recommend that choice to all my clients, where possible.
Insurance
Your landlord's insurance protects the building, not your things. Get wise and get your things covered with a renters property and flood policy. Bonus! Not only are most policies affordable, but they also cover your things when they're outside of the house (e.g. in your car!). They also cover you for things like liability no matter where you go. I recommend Avery Insurance for new local policies. Tell them I sent ya!
If you're transferring your existing policy, make sure the terms match your new life. Want to learn more about insurance in New Orleans, watch this handy video.
Mail Forwarding
You'll want every bill, subscription, and Amazon box to know your new address and soon. Update major accounts (ahem Amazon, Pupbox, Stitch Fix, Daily Harvest) and have the remaining mail forwarded until you can get around to doing so on a case by case basis. The U.S. Postal Service makes it easy online.
And Also...
Last but not least, you may want to consider a professional move-in clean. You know to get rid of other people's dust on things like blinds, air vents, fans, etc. and to give the rest a good scrub. I like Bayou Multi-Janitorial Services. You can see why in this interview.
Buying a home? Need a more comprehensive list? I've got you. You can find one here.
Got more questions? That - among so many other things - is what a good agent is for—still looking? I'd love to be that agent.
Voted Neighborhood Favorite by Nextdoor, Team Cool Murphy is a top-producing, licensed real estate team based in New Orleans, brokered by Cool Murphy, LLC.
Celebrated for her next-level creative approach to real estate, Elisa Cool Murphy is an award-winning, top-performing agent in New Orleans and the founder and leader of Cool Murphy, LLC.
Contact Her -
email: cool@coolmurphy.com
Facebook: @homeinneworleans
IG: @coolmurphynola
YouTube: @coolmurphynola
phone: 504-321-3194
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