Important Things To Do Right Away When Moving Into A New Home

Buying a new home is a thrilling journey, marked by the promise of fresh beginnings and endless possibilities. Amidst the excitement of selecting paint colors and arranging furniture, it's crucial not to overlook the less glamorous side of homeownership, which is maintenance. While the allure of designing your dream home may take center stage, dedicating time to essential upkeep activities can yield invaluable peace of mind in the long run. 

Prioritizing maintenance might not be as thrilling as selecting that perfect reading nook or envisioning a blooming garden, but it's the practical foundation upon which your dreams can flourish. Every house has its unique quirks and requirements, so as you embark on this adventure, tailor these chores to the specific needs of your dwelling. You'll be glad you set aside time to complete these tasks early, giving you more space and freedom to nurture the rest of your abode. Let's take a look at some important tasks to do as you move into your new home.

Before the whirlwind of moving boxes and arranging your belongings takes over, invest time in completing a thorough, deep clean of the entire house. This sounds like a chore, but it's an essential prelude that will make your space feel even more like your own. From floors to ceilings, windows to appliances, each corner deserves your attention. Why bother doing this so early into the move? Beyond the obvious benefits of hygiene and aesthetics, a clean start sets the tone for your future within those walls, marking the beginning of your journey with a pristine slate. The idea might be daunting, especially when faced with the prospect of scrubbing unfamiliar surfaces, but here are some tactics to streamline the process.

First and foremost, divide and conquer. Break down the cleaning into manageable chunks, focusing on one room or area at a time. Clear the space before diving in; cleaning empty surfaces is much easier. And if time or energy is in short supply, consider enlisting help from friends, family, or even professional cleaners. The gratification of stepping into a spotless home, where every corner sparkles, is worth the initial effort. Plus, cleaning before your furniture and decor are unpacked grants you unrestricted access, making navigating tight spaces easier and ensuring even the nooks and crannies receive their fair share of attention.

A task that might not spark immediate joy but can save you heaps of time and frustration down the road is locating and labeling the circuit breaker switches. If you have a sudden power outage, don't fumble around in the dark, uncertain which switch corresponds to which room. Getting familiar with your circuit breaker is another way to ensure there are no issues with it, as major problems such as loose wiring can cause electrical fires and other potential hazards. That's where the magic of labeling comes in. While it might seem like a mundane chore, doing this sooner rather than later is a game-changer.

To start, turn off one switch and have someone in various rooms help you identify which lights or outlets are affected. This process can help you map out which circuit controls each area. As you go, jot down simple labels that make sense to you. For instance, "Living Room Outlets," "Master Bedroom Lights," or "Kitchen Appliances." If you're feeling particularly organized, you can even color-code the labels for quick identification. This chore offers a different kind of fulfillment when moving into a new home. It reassures you that your house is designed for convenience, safety, and ease.

Safety should be a critical concern when moving into a new home, so you should ensure that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are not only present but also operating effectively. These sentinels are your early warning system, ready to rouse you from sleep or alert you while you're going about your day-to-day activities. Dedicating a few minutes to test and replace batteries in these detectors is a worthy investment since you never know when they were last changed.

Testing your detectors is a straightforward process. Press the test button on each unit and listen for the unmistakable beep that signals their functionality. If you don't hear anything, it's time to replace the batteries. Changing them at least once a year is generally recommended, though you should check their function at least twice a year. A clever strategy to remember this is to align it with a specific event, like Daylight Saving Time. Whenever you turn your clocks forward or back, refresh the batteries in your detectors. This simple habit can save you from the frantic beeping of low-battery alerts in the wee hours of the night.

An administrative task that can sometimes fall through the cracks when moving is the act of changing your address and utility information. Having to deal with all that paperwork can be frustrating, but simply notifying your utility companies about your change of address ensures that the lights stay on, the water flows, and the internet remains connected. To navigate this administrative chore, start by creating a checklist. Jot down a lineup of all the utilities you'll need to update. This can include water, gas, electricity, internet, cable, and any others that apply.

Then, embark on a journey of notifications by informing the post office about your new address. You can find an online form on their website that makes this step even easier. Next, reach out to your utility providers and set up your new accounts. This is also a great moment to assess whether you'd like to explore different plans or providers for your new location. Don't forget to sync up your billing cycles to avoid any overlap or gaps in services. This logistical endeavor sounds ominous and time-consuming, but if you dedicate one day to knocking all of it out together, you're setting the scene for a seamless transition.

Moving into a new house requires a great deal of detective work, and another thing you should do before arranging furniture and decor is to inspect for unwanted pests. Wander through your living spaces, checking nooks and crannies for any unwelcome signs. According to Lawn Starter, the main things you want to look out for are droppings, nesting, and scratch or gnaw marks. While it might not be the most delightful task, it's one that can save you from potential headaches down the road. Addressing pest issues quickly prevents them from evolving into full-blown infestations that can damage both your home's structure and your peace of mind.

If your detective work uncovers any hints of these sneaky bugs, take an afternoon to seal up any holes or entry points where they might be entering. That could mean re-caulking window and door frames, patching screen holes, or replacing wooden floorboards with giant gaps or small holes. Once that's done, consider calling a professional pest control service. These experts can identify the source of the issue and implement effective strategies to rid your home of them for good. Remember, while a DIY approach might seem tempting, it often falls short of truly eradicating the problem at its root. So, don't hesitate to seek professional assistance if needed. This investment keeps your new home free from creepy crawlies that might otherwise dampen your spirits and comfort.

Lastly, there is a small but essential detail that deserves your attention: the location of the main water shut-off valve. This little piece of equipment wields significant power, and having this knowledge at your fingertips is beneficial for the longevity of your home. You don't need to dash to find it the instant you cross your new threshold, but it's recommended that you tackle it after unpacking and settling in a bit, as it does help create an extra layer of safety. That's because it's necessary to turn off when you discover a burst pipe or if your toilet or sink springs an unexpected leak. The valve is usually located near where the main water line enters your home, often in the basement or crawlspace, though yours may be outside if you live in a warmer area.

Once you've identified it, don't hesitate to give it a little exercise by turning it on and off a couple of times so you're familiar with its function. Make sure everyone in your household knows where it is, too, because plumbing emergencies don't always happen when you're the one closest to the valve. Consider labeling it with a tie tag or an adhesive that can withstand fluctuating temperatures and humidity, like duct tape. When you put this task on your post-move to-do list, you're giving yourself a valuable tool to tackle the unexpected.