Moving into a new home, especially one you bought, is both exciting and difficult. There are some things you should do when moving in. Here's a to do list from a reader; most of this list is relevant to buying a home but some are also relevant to renters.
Repairs and Maintenance
Before moving into a new house, make sure to do a thorough inspection of the entire home. Chances are, you are going to have several maintenance and repairs to be done. Especially if the place was not pre-owned, a thorough walk-around should give you an idea of all the issues you need to look after. Make a list and categorise these issues priority-wise. Some may need to be fixed before moving in, and others once you have settled. Hiring professional help can also make the process much easier for the new house owners. Several companies offer quality products for building a safe home.
A complete run-through of your house: Get to know your new home.
Do a complete walkthrough of every corner of your house, the backyard, and so on. This activity will help you settle in the energy of your new place, plus it will help you understand your new house better. With this walkthrough, you can make a list of what furniture will go where. This little errand will save you the many hours you would otherwise spend contemplating where to start, as people usually tend to be overwhelmed once they move into a new house. Hence, it is always beneficial to plan in advance. Scheduling a home inspection with a professional is one way to do it. In this way, you will save much more time and having a professional examine your house will definitely be more thorough and precise.
Figure out the valves
Once you have a thorough walkthrough of your new house, it is time to go a little into the technical side and figure out your new place from the inside out. This measure will save you a lot of time and money in repairs later on.
One of the things you have to look for is the fuse box. It is not a good time to go searching for the fuse box once the power cuts off. Hence, you ought to prepare in advance. Another thing you need to find out is the water valves. You will save a ton of time and energy knowing where these are located instead of having to search for them when the need comes. Check the fuse boxes and valves for any repairs or maintenance issues. If the existing valves do not look in the best shape, there are several types of industrial valves that you can check out. There are the main aspects that you should invest your money in. These will keep your house running smoothly for years on end.
A brief scan of the neighbourhood
Now that you have come to know your house and its premises better, it is time to take it a bit further. Do a brief walkthrough of your neighbourhood. Go and get to know your neighbours. After all, you would be spending a great deal of time in their presence. It is essential to know your surroundings well.
Along with your neighbours, look out for all the nearby stores. This venture will help you plan ahead. How far is the grocery store? How long would it take to commute to and fro from work? Do you have frequent transport facilities? Examine these aspects before you move in to make it easier to adjust your routine around your new lifestyle.
Keep a journal
A new home calls for a ton of new paperwork. And do not forget the countless paperwork that you would have in your previous home. All those combined with insurance papers, bank papers, personal and professional certificates and the list can go on. Only a journal can help untangle this mess. Create a detailed checklist in your journal, and maintain that regularly, even after you have moved in. For a couple of weeks into moving in, you would still need time to adjust, and that’s where this journal can help you. You will have a detailed list of what is to be done and when. You must keep all of your papers in a safe file and cross-check them with the checklist once you have moved in.
Change the locks
The most important of all, change the locks to your new house. It might sound like an obvious statement, but a lot of people forget to do this. Who knows how many duplicates were given out by the owner to the brokers. In addition, if it was a pre-owned house, the previous owner may still have the key to your new home.
Hence, it is a safety priority to have the locks changed. It is the simplest of all the other tasks stated, but it can cause severe issues if ignored. Plus, knowing that you have taken all the necessary safety precautions will bring you peace of mind.
Set up a home security system
With all the advancements in technology, it is always best to have a decent security system set up in your house. Changing the locks is the first step to having a home safe from any perpetrators with access to your keys. But with the increasing rates of theft and burglary, it is advisable to set up a decent security system no matter where you live. This measure will also ensure your peace of mind. And moving in time is the best time to set up your security system. If you already have a security system in place, update your information with the service provider. If you do not have a security system yet, now is the time to invest; you should look for options within your locality and find one that fits your budget and your needs perfectly.
Conclusion
Now that you have your customised checklist of things you need to consider before setting up your brand new house. Get ready to move, and feel free to tweak anything on your list as per your needs. Get moving!