You’re moving! Right now you’re probably feeling a mix of excitement, nervousness, and exhaustion just thinking about all of the work you have ahead of you. There’s no doubt that moving is a big undertaking, but our new homeowner checklist can help you feel more at ease as you begin the process. Take a look at these helpful pro tips for new homeowners.
BEFORE YOU MOVE
There’s more to moving than putting everything you own into a bunch of boxes. Here are some tips for new homeowners to check off the list before spending a night in their new home.
1. SET UP UTILITIES
Gas, electricity, and water are essential for living comfortably in your new house. But, if you don’t set up the utilities in your name within a short period of time after moving in, they could be shut off. Avoid the issue by setting up the accounts well in advance.
2. TRANSFER INTERNET & TV
If you’re moving into a dead zone (an area where your TV or internet provider has never set up their services), it could take a while to get TV and the internet up and running. Make sure you’re powered up the day you move in by setting up these services before moving day.
3. UPDATE YOUR ADDRESS
Arranging mail forwarding is one of the most essential tasks when you move, but it’s not the only place you need to update your address. You’ll also need to change your address with your bank, insurance, driver’s license, and any subscription services.
4. ORGANIZE DOCUMENTS
Secure your family’s birth certificates, social security cards, and other important documents by putting them all in a binder or folder and then put it somewhere you know you won’t lose track of it. You don’t want to misplace these important documents in all the hubbub of the move.
5. TAKE INVENTORY OF VALUABLES
You’ve probably taken care to hire a reputable moving company, but even so, you’ll want to play it safe with your valuable belongings. Take photos of items like your computer, expensive jewelry, and artwork so you have proof of their condition before the move.
6. CLEAN THE NEW HOME
Even if you’re moving into a new build, you’ll probably feel more at home by having the place deep-cleaned before you start living there. While you could clean your new home yourself, consider treating yourself to a professional cleaning job. Not only will a professional make sure your house is spotless and sparkling when you move in, but it will also take a major chore off your shoulders during the move.
7. MAKE ESSENTIAL REPAIRS
No matter how much you love your new home, there may be a few fixes that need to be made to make it more comfortable for your family. Take care of those repairs or schedule for a maintenance appointment ahead of time—you’ll be glad you took care of that leaky plumbing or sticky window before you get there.
8. START SORTING THROUGH BELONGINGS
Packing is one of the most overwhelming parts of any move. Simplify the process by sorting through your belongings well before you start to pack. Toss out broken toys and donate unworn clothes so you aren’t packing things you won’t use in the new house.
AFTER MOVING
You’ve arrived at your new house! Congratulations. Now it’s time to get settled in. Here are some new home tips to help you quickly feel right at home.
1. GET HELP UNPACKING
The more people you have to help you unpack, the faster the process will go. Ask your close friends and family to help put dishes in the cupboards and clothes in the closet. You can organize and rearrange later, but this will give you a head start on functioning normally in your new home.
2. SWITCH THE LOCKS
You can never be too certain what the former homeowners did with their set of keys. Maybe they forget that they had loaned keys out to a distant relative or housekeeper. Maybe they stashed a spare set somewhere in the front yard. Be on the safe side and switch out the locks so only you have access to your home.
In fact, changing your locks should be something you consider anytime you lose or misplace a key or when someone moves out of the house. Using a keypad lock on your home is a great alternative to traditional locks that need to be completely replaced because you can simply update the door code and you’re good to go!
3. LOCATE THE BREAKER AND SHUT-OFF VALVES
Got a clogged drain? Or maybe you blow out a circuit while blow-drying your hair? In cases like these, you’ll want to know where the circuit and shut-off valves are so you don’t have to waste time searching the house.
4. INSTALL A HOME SECURITY SYSTEM
Gain peace of mind by setting up a home security system as soon as you move into the new house. If you already had a home security provider in your old house, it’s as easy as calling to transfer your services. You might also consider adding smart home devices and services to your home so you can sync all of your home security and smart home devices for increased convenience.
5. TEST SMOKE DETECTORS AND HVAC SYSTEM
Be prepared for anything by testing all the devices in your new home, including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and the HVAC system. If there are any flaws, you’ll want to know about them quickly so you can arrange to have them fixed.
For added home protection, consider installing monitored smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Monitored smoke and CO detectors mean that even if you can’t hear your alarm, or are not home, first responders get notified of your emergency and can be dispatched to your home quickly—saving you crucial time in an emergency.
6. GET TO KNOW THE AREA
Even if you’re just moving a few miles from your old home, you might be driving down new streets, signing up for a new gym, and frequenting different restaurants. You’ll feel more settled if you take time to look at a map of the area, research nearby restaurants, and talk to the neighbors for recommendations on doctors, gyms, salons, and more.
GOOD LUCK!
It’s easy to let things fall through the cracks when you have so much going on with a move, but following these new home tips will ensure you’ve covered all your bases and allow you to be excited about this new adventure.
If you’re ready to incorporate smart home technology or install a security system at your new home, contact ACS Security for a free consultation today. We guarantee you’ll be satisfied with our full-service security system and honest, reliable ethics. Don’t wait to get in touch, and we wish you well in your new home!