From budgeting for the move to preparing for life in your new home, there’s a never-ending list of things to do when moving to a house for the first time. It is up to you to make sure the bare necessities of a home, like safety, warmth, and comfort are consistent. This guide shows you the key elements to make your move as easy as possible.
1.DO A WALKTHROUGH
The best time to do a walkthrough is when your house is still empty. Before you unpack, keep an eye on a few things, including:
•Everything is in working condition, including fixtures, switches, and outlets.
•Everything highlighted in the sale is present.
•The previous owner made all requested repairs.
If an issue arises that does not match your contract agreement, call your Realtor to solve it before you occupy the home. Any issues not mentioned in the contract will become your responsibility, helping to know what to expect.
2.CLEAN & INSPECT YOUR HOUSE FOR ANY PESTS
One of the smartest things to do before moving into your new house is to deep clean the house focusing on key spots, including floors, walls, cabinets, stove, toilet seats, light fixtures, refrigerator, washing machine, and baseboards. Additionally, it is important to have it treated for pests. This includes having it treated for all types of bugs and rodents. Doing so will give you the ease and comfort of knowing that your house is pest free!
3.SAFETY & SECURITY
Prioritizing security is vital when moving into a new house. There is no guarantee that the previous owners gave out all the keys. Therefore, it is vital to update existing locks with new ones to protect your loved ones as well as any valuable items. If your locks are password enabled, update all passwords and security codes. This includes locks for your garage doors and any other place in your home. Changing locks ensures only you and your family can access the house. Also, ensure all door hinges and windows are in perfect working condition.
Moreover, ensure all safety features are working well. For example, Smoke detectors help you avoid damage by fire as you can detect fires early. Sometimes the smoke detectors can be faulty or have old batteries, which hinder their ability to function correctly. Replace all batteries and test them before reinstalling. If the home is fitted with carbon monoxide detectors, check them, and if it’s over five years old, replace the smoke and carbon detectors.
4.PRIORITSE REPAIRS TO YOUR HOME
When buying a previously used home, the best time to do repairs is before you occupy it. There’s a chance you’re going to find things that need fixing. Although you don’t need to fix small damages right away, preparing a list of what needs to be done will help you focus on your repair needs in the right order.
5.CHILDPROOF YOUR HOME
Moving into a new home with a toddler or baby presents a unique challenge. Besides ensuring home living is secure and pleasant for everyone, you need to pay special attention to your toddlers. Baby-proofing is a process that involves identifying household hazards that could place your child in the way of danger. Secure the changing table to prevent tip-overs, mount window guards and blinds on the windows, cover exposed sockets and wiring. Walkthrough the house and check for areas you need to work on to improve your child’s safety.
Relocating to a new environment can feel overwhelming, but following these tips will help you settle in seamlessly. Before you move into your new home, inspect for any potential threats to your safety and security. Use this checklist to help make your move into your new home as trouble-free as possible.
At Dunhill Consulting Ltd we ensure that our clients’ needs are met in order to help make their move that much simpler. Speak to our expert team now – 0786 386 445 / 0789 386 445