10 Must-Dos When Moving Into Your New Home
While getting the keys to your new home can make you feel like you’re on top of the world, it is important to remember some tasks that should happen prior (or shortly after) moving in. Let's discuss the 10 must-dos when moving into your new home!
1. Deep cleaning
If possible before moving into your new home, do a good deep cleaning. This includes really scrubbing down the kitchen and bathrooms. If the home has carpet, now is a good time to get the carpets cleaned as well. Not only will you be able to move in to super clean floors, but when’ is the next time you won’t have any furniture in the room to deal with? We know you are busy finalizing the move and packing but believe us, clean the home before moving in, even if that means hiring someone to knock it out for you.
2. Treat for pests
Before you move in is a great time to get the home inspected and treated for pests. Some treatments require you to leave the home for a period of time, so take advantage of the fact you haven’t moved in yet. If you are planning to shampoo your new home’s carpets, do so before pest treatment as it will maximize the treatment benefits.
3. Change the locks
While not 100% necessary, we highly recommend getting the locks on your new home changed. It’s hard to know who really had access or an extra key to the home in the past. Oh and don’t forget about the pet sitter or friend who may have an extra set. Spare yourself the worry and give the local locksmith a call or install the new locks yourself.
4. Check for plumbing leaks
This should be done by your inspector prior to closing, but it never hurts to double check. Make your way through the home (both inside and out) checking for any obvious water leaks. Grab a flashlight for under the sinks and don’t forget the water lines to the washing machine. While you are at it go ahead and find your main water valve...believe us, you will want to know where it is before an emergency. (Hint: it can sometimes be in your crawl space or basement!)
5. Check all light fixtures and bulbs
It’s also important to make sure that all of the light fixtures have not only the correct bulb type but also the recommended wattage bulb installed. This can be a major safety hazard with the potential to cause fires, so do this before moving in if possible.
6. Check and install fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
While most homes should have fire alarms installed correctly, make sure that they are up to code and have fresh batteries. Not all homes have carbon monoxide detectors, but we suggest installing at least one in the home. If fire extinguishers were not left behind from the previous owners, now is a good time to place one on each level of your home. Safety first!
7. Find your breaker box
Don’t wait until an emergency or project comes up, go ahead and locate your breaker box. If labels have not been placed on the individual breaker switches, its worth your time to make sure they are labeled and identified. Get your marker out and go to town getting that organized.
8. Connect all appliances as soon as you can
Whether appliances have been sold with the home or you have brought your own, make sure they all get connected properly. It takes time for a fridge to begin cooling enough to store food and drinks. So don’t wait until your family is starving from a long day of moving to get around to this. You will want to get off your feet at some point and a cool drink will help you take a break.
9. Childproof (if applicable)
If you have small children make sure that you do a sweep of the home (inside and out) to make sure there are not any obvious hazards. Childproof your new home similar to before, but look out for different concerns that should be addressed. Check all window blinds for safety by following this helpful link: http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Window-Covering
10. Change your address as soon as you have full loan approval
While submitting a change in your address may seem like an obvious step when moving, it can often be forgotten in the midst of everything else you are focused on. Set a reminder for yourself to make the change, just to make sure your next credit card bill doesn’t end up at your old home.
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