Well, you’ve finally done it!
You’re moving into your new home…you’ve gone through the hassle and the pain of filling out every single line of your closing documents. You’ve dealt with inspections, with last-minute changes to your closing costs, and of course the ever-changing closing date.
So now you’re probably thinking, well all I have to do is move everything in, then I can kick back, relax, turn on the TV and enjoy myself!
Unfortunately, you couldn’t be more wrong
Now that you’re moving into a new home there are several different things you may not have considered that need to be done before you can sit back and enjoy it.
1.Security
One of the first things you should do is change the locks and the garage door codes of your new home…before you move anything in.
You don’t want to run the risk of the previous homeowner being able to get in the house and mess with your stuff. Even if you bought your home from a bank, who knows how many people might have a key to the house.
It’s just a smart thing to do.
If your new home has a home security system, change the account with the home security company. This will ensure that everything is in your name and nobody but you and your family have access to the system.
2.Review your home warranty
Check to see what is covered in your home warranty. Often this will include major appliances, including the heating and cooling (HVAC) unit.
You don’t want to be surprised should any of your home’s major systems need repair. You want to know what the warranty covers ahead of time should you need to make a service call.
3.Connect the utilities
Now, this is obvious, but you might be surprised how many people forget to do this in all of the craziness that surrounds moving house.
Ensure the utility companies switch the account to your name. Also, ensure they have the correct mailing address. Depending upon the service providers in your area this can be as easy as a phone call. Or you may need to go to their offices to get things squared away.
Most, if not all utility companies are very familiar with the process and can arrange to start service the day you move into your new home.
4. Detectors
Take a minute to check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure that they are in good condition. If the detectors are wired into the home test them to make sure that they work.
To be safe, even if it seems like the detectors are working it’s smart to go ahead and put a fresh new battery in each of them.
Then, every 6 months (when daylight savings time changes) replace the batteries and/or test to make sure they’re still working.
5.Fix any items that need repair or replacement
Finally, depending upon the conditions set when you purchased your new home, inspectors may have found some minor problems.
Use this list as a “to-do list” of things that you need to pay attention to.
For example, did the inspector find a leaky pipe? If the seller didn’t agree to fix it (or you agreed to accept the home ‘as is’) you should repair the leaky pipe as soon as possible after moving in.
Don’t let this list stagnate…the sooner you get these items fixed the sooner you can enjoy living in your new home.
Even newly constructed homes can have issues. Take care of these issues as soon as possible, otherwise, you know how it is, your “to-do list” gets longer and longer! And in some instances, failing to do the repairs could even end up costing you more down the road.
Other things to consider when you decide to move:
5 Quick Downsizing Tips for a Stress Free Move
