When you move into a new home, here are things that you can do to set yourself up for years of homeowner success. Here, we look at some things that you need to do when you are moving in.
Make a list
From the moment you step inside your new house that you have bought through Compass, your mind will be spinning with tasks to complete. By having a notepad in a convenient location and writing down every task you or your household thinks of during the day, you can keep this intimidating list of activities at bay. Give each item a number depending on how important they are – 1, 2, or 3.
The first order of business should be to complete tasks that need to be addressed that week – such as safety issues, sanitation, and unpacking necessities. Number two chores should be finished within the next couple of months, and they should be connected to administration, repair, and any lingering unpacking that has to be done. Non- essential chores should be enhancements and projects you would like to finish within the year — remodeling, landscaping, and significant purchases are examples of what should be included in your number three tasks.
Create a file for your home
Purchase a ring binder and use it to store insurance papers, repair invoices, and any other paperwork connected to the home in one convenient location. This makes life easier for you in the future and can be a sales advantage when it comes time to sell the house later.
Check out smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
It is critical that you are aware of the location of your smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors and that you regularly check that they are operational. As long as your smoke alarms are in good working order, they may be the most cost-efficient, easiest, and most effective method of protecting your family and property from a fire. Find out where smoke detectors should be installed as soon as you move in, how to maintain them, and when they should be replaced.
Make sure all your utilities and services are connected
Ideally, you should have arranged for the connection of the major house utilities prior to the transfer, but if you have not done so for whatever reason, you should do so as soon as possible after the move. Obviously, the first utility companies to contact are those that offer electricity and water. It is pretty difficult to manage without those things up and running!
After you have taken care of the essential utilities, you should think about making the arrangements you will need to get access to the Internet, your phone, and other key services.
Secure your new home
Replace the locks on all of your outside doors to guarantee that only you and your family have access to your new residence. Double-check all of your windows and doors to ensure that they are properly closed. Make a strategy for getting everyone out of the house in case of an emergency and share it with everyone in the household. Make an appointment with a professional and consider setting up a burglar alarm, especially if your home is located in a neighborhood with a less-than-ideal reputation.
Childproof
If you have recently moved into a new home with a baby or toddler, your home’s security will need to go one step further than the standard household security measures. Childproofing is a process that includes the detection of any household dangers that may pose a threat to your child’s safety and the effective removal of such hazards.
The nursery room is a good place to start the childproofing process because it is the space where your child will spend the most of their time. Install window guards and cordless shades on the windows, and electric outlet protectors on the walls to prevent the outlets from damage. Then, make your way through the home methodically, preferably from a child’s eye level, and think about what could cause them damage – or what they could cause damage to!
Introduce yourself to your new neighbors
It is a good idea to reach out to your neighbors and make a friendly gesture as soon as you can when they move in. You want to get to know the people in your immediate vicinity so that everyone can look out for one another. If you do not know the persons involved in a situation, it might be difficult to determine whether or not it is questionable. In addition, establishing a presence in your community can provide you with access to insider information, such as which tradesmen are the best in the region and which companies to avoid. Even if you are an introvert, being friendly with your neighbors will make life much easier for everyone.
Have a room ready to escape to
The majority of the home renovations you wish to do will not be able to be completed immediately, and it is recommended that you settle in your house for at least a couple of months before beginning any substantial projects. Some things that appear to be a must-do when you first move in may quickly slide to the bottom of your agenda once you have been living in your house for a while. As a result, pick one room that does not require a lot of effort and designate it as your new-home sanctuary. You will have a space to rest in your own colors and style, where you may fantasize about the day when every room in your house is just how you want it.
Check out the attic, basement, roof, and crawl spaces
Making oneself familiar with even the most remote reaches of your property is a wise idea. Check for signs of leaks, insects, mold, and other issues that should be addressed as soon as possible rather than putting off until later. Consider looking into hiring roof specialists to check your roof is weatherproofed and safe. This is a very important step that can be overlooked but it will definitely set you and your new home up for the future.
Find out where the electrical panel is
Locate the electrical panel so that you will know where to turn off the electricity to the entire house or a specific circuit breaker. The main circuit breaker panel, which is a gray metal box, is commonly found in a utility room, garage, or basement, among other places. The primary breaker for the entire home is located behind the door, usually at the top, and two rows of other breakers are located below it, each controlling a separate circuit.
….and the water valve
As well as the electrical panel, you need to find out where the water valve is. If you need to turn off the water to your entire residence, you can do so here. Almost all buildings are equipped with two main shutdown valves, one located right before the water meter and the other located directly after. When and where you put your meter is determined by the climate in your location. Since the meter and main shutoff valves must be kept warm, they are normally positioned inside, usually in the basement or another warm area to avoid freezing. Temperature-controlled meters and their two shutoff valves can be mounted to an outside wall or tucked away in an underground box with a removable top in milder areas. It is common to find a subterranean curb stop valve and a corporation stop, which is where your house water line is connected to the water main, in between the water main and the meter. You are not permitted to tamper with these valves in any way by your municipality. Use the main valve on the house side of the meter to shut off or turn on your water supply.
