Moving into a new home is an exciting and significant milestone in anyone’s life. It’s a fresh start and an opportunity to create lasting memories. However, amidst the excitement, focusing on the practical aspects of settling into your new abode is essential. Embarking on a new chapter in your life, you’ve finally completed the daunting task of unloading the last box from the moving truck. The thrill of stepping into your new home is tangible, filling the air with anticipation. However, as much as you yearn to put your feet up and relax, there’s still work beyond the unpacking process. Fear not! This blog post will guide you through the crucial tasks to prioritize when moving into a new home. Following these tips can ensure a smooth transition and set the stage for a comfortable and enjoyable living experience.
Gathering the necessary information is crucial to make informed decisions if you’re in the early stages of considering buying a home and have yet to start the process. For more detailed information about buying steps, download the full version of the Buyers Guide. And now, let’s delve into the essential steps to ensure a seamless transition into your new home.
- Change the Locks:
One of the first things you should do after moving into a new home is to change the locks. There are several reasons why changing the locks is strongly recommended. Firstly, it eliminates the risk of unauthorized access by anyone who might have had access to the previous keys, such as contractors, neighbours, or the previous occupants’ acquaintances. By installing new locks or rekeying the existing ones, you can be confident that you and your family are the only ones with control over access to your home.
Changing the locks also allows you to customize your home security to your preferences. You can choose from various lock types and technologies available on the market, including smart locks with keyless entry, which provide convenience and enhanced security features. Upgrading your locks strengthens your home’s defences and offers modern functionalities that align with your lifestyle.
Remember to change all exterior locks, including front and back doors, and additional entry points like side or garage doors. If your new home has a security system, consult with the provider to update any access codes or passwords associated with the system.
- Conduct a Home Inspection:
While a home inspection most likely was done during the sale process, it’s important to perform your own inspection once you’ve moved into your new home. This step ensures that everything is in proper working order and allows you to identify any potential issues or concerns that may have gone unnoticed previously. Taking the time to conduct your own inspection is a proactive approach to safeguarding your investment and ensuring a smooth transition into your new living space. Read more about Why Every Buyer Should Consider a Home Inspection when buying a property.
Start by examining the house’s exterior and stroll around the property to spot any visible concerns that require attention. Familiarize yourself with the locations of the circuit breakers and shut-off valves for water and gas. This knowledge is crucial in emergencies, allowing you to respond quickly and minimize potential damage. It’s also advisable to inform all household members about these locations, including labelling them for easy identification by guests or family members in your absence.
Look for any signs of damage or issues that may have gone unnoticed initially. Test all plugs, appliances, and lights. Pay attention to the floors, walls, and ceilings, as they can reveal hidden problems or damages. Check for leaks, electrical problems, or structural concerns. Identifying and addressing these issues early on can save you time, money, and potential headaches down the line.
- Utilities and Services:
Next, plan to set up your utilities and services. Contact the necessary providers to transfer or establish electricity, water, gas, and internet accounts. Ensure that all the required connections are working so you can enjoy the comforts of your new home from day one. Additionally, consider updating your address on your ID card and relevant entities such as banks, mobile providers, online deliveries and other service providers to avoid potential disruptions.
- Clean Thoroughly:
Before you unpack your belongings and settle in, take the time to clean your new home thoroughly. Even if the previous owners or tenants have cleaned the house, starting with a clean slate is still a good idea. Scrub the floors, wipe down surfaces, scour the bathrooms and kitchen, and vacuum the carpets. Not only will this make your new home feel fresh and welcoming, but it will also eliminate any dirt or allergens that may have accumulated over time.
- Unpack Essentials:
When unpacking, focus on the essentials first. Start immediately with the items you’ll need, such as toiletries, bedding, kitchenware, and clothing. By prioritizing the essentials, you can quickly settle into a functional and comfortable routine while organizing the rest of your belongings over the coming days or weeks.
- Plan for Safety:
Lastly, prioritize the safety of your new home. Check the expiry of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms if present. The average lifespan of a smoke detector is approximately seven or eight years. It is worth noting that smoke detectors are deliberately made with plastic that gradually changes colour over time. If you observe that your smoke detectors have turned yellow, it serves as a visual signal that they may have expired and should be replaced. To simplify reinstalling a new smoke detector, take an existing one to a hardware store and try to find an identical replacement. By doing so, you can easily swap out the main part of the smoke detector while leaving the base attached, making the installation hassle-free.
Make sure fire extinguishers are accessible and in working condition. Consider creating an emergency evacuation plan and share it with your family members. Taking these precautions will help protect your loved ones and your new home.
- Child and pet-proofing:
Ensuring their safety through immediate child or pet-proofing becomes paramount when you have young children or pets and are moving into a new home. Start by designating a separate area to store packing materials, ensuring they are out of reach. Create no-go zones by gating off areas that still need to be secured. Cover outlets to prevent accidents and check windows for secure closure, removing any long hanging cords from blinds. Spread out boxes instead of stacking them high, reducing the risk of toppling. Safely store breakables, sharp objects, and alcohol in high cabinets until permanent spots are found. Install knob protectors for stove safety and an oven door lock. Use cabinet locks for lower cabinets containing hazardous items like cleaning supplies. Finally, secure bathrooms with doorknobs and cabinet locks to prevent access to potentially harmful substances. These initial childproofing measures allow you to create a safe environment for your kids and pets in your new home. Moving into a new home is an exciting adventure, and by taking the right steps, you can ensure a smooth transition. From changing the locks to familiarizing yourself with the property, prioritizing cleanliness, and setting up utilities, these initial tasks will help you settle into your new abode quickly and comfortably. You can start creating cherished memories in your new home by paying attention to these important details from day one.
