Do you own a new home? Congratulations! Moving into a new house and creating a fresh start for your family is a mixed feeling of excitement, happiness, new hope, and fulfillment.
However, there will still be this little anxiety inside you because you do not know what to expect from the new place and its environment. There will be a period of adjustments and familiarization.
While property turnover is underway, here are some helpful tips on the primary things you need to do after moving into a new home.
1. Change the locks to improve security
You and your family’s security are the most important thing to settle in when moving to a new, unfamiliar neighborhood. It is pretty frightening to realize that previous owners might have a duplicate copy of the keys and are still capable of entering your private space unknowingly.
To avoid this cryptic possibility, change all the door locks as soon as you move in. These are not limited to the home’s main entrance but all rooms and back door access.
Ask the previous owners for manual instructions to change the codes for electronic doors with passcode such as garage doors.
Home alarms must also be changed and set according to your preferences.
Do not forget to check on the CCTV access for added security. Setting up a new security system fit for you will ensure your family’s safety.
2. Hire a professional home cleaner to help you thoroughly clean
Especially in this pandemic, contagious viruses might be living in your new place, affecting your family’s health. Previous owners might not disclose past illnesses in the family, or their dog might have left a virus that could transmit to your dog.
It is best to hire a professional home cleaning service such as Maid Sailors (cleaning service nyc) to deep clean and disinfect your space. Home cleaning services can also help you declutter old furniture and home items left by the previous owner, which you find not usable anymore.
If your new home is newly built, it might still help a home cleaning service remove all the dirt and debris left from the construction, so you can focus more on decorating the house rather than cleaning it.
3. Make sure to review your home warranty
Discuss if the newly purchased property has an existing warranty with the previous owners. A home warranty usually covers discounted repairs and unit replacement on the home’s systems and appliances. Ask for a copy of the policy, review its terms, and how to file a claim.
Of course, your family might not want to suffer from a broken HVAC unit or dishwasher instead of enjoying a new home. Being able to check on these units and claim the insurance before it expires might save you money. If the purchased home doesn’t have insurance, consider getting one for convenience.
4. Connect your must-have utilities
A dark home while moving things inside because of disconnected electricity? No one wants to experience this, especially in a new home. Before settling in, make sure that primary utilities such as electricity, water, and gas are connected and working fine.
Make sure that you and the previous owners agree on who to settle unpaid utilities if there are any.
You might also want to check your internet connection, cable TV, and telephone access. While these are extras, your children or job might need these connections to keep in touch.
5. Familiarize yourself around the house
Lastly, make sure you familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of your new home. Do a walkthrough around the house and know the necessary details inside. House controls vital during emergency cases should be understood well. You must know the location of the circuit breaker box and the emergency shut-offs. These should be appropriately marked.
Individual circuits should also be appropriately labeled to know which electricity line goes to each room, living area, or specific appliances that need individual circuit breakers. Ensure these crucial details are properly turned over to you by the previous owner.
Do not also forget the manual instructions for every appliance. Manual instructions are a powerful tool in helping you troubleshoot should there be any problems.
Transferring to a new house should not make you more stressed, but rather, the excitement of moving in should compensate for the exhaustion of packing all your things. While it may not immediately make you feel at home on the first day, your new home will create more happy memories for your family in the future.
By following these simple tips, you are a step ahead towards a peaceful transition and transfer to a new place.