Moving into a new house is an achievement and a rewarding experience. However, once you're done admiring your new abode, there are a couple of things you should do to help you start settling in.
From unpacking your essentials to setting up your home's interiors, this checklist covers the most important things to do after moving in to make the transition hassle-free.
1. Unpack and Organize
Unpacking can be a daunting task, especially when you have boxes upon boxes of clothes and essentials to organize. However, it is important to unpack your things as soon as possible so you can see which items you might need to buy for your new home.
When unpacking, we recommend working your way through the house. For instance, start by unpacking and organizing your bedrooms before moving to the bathrooms and kitchens.
2. Set up Safety Measures
If you have children or pets, the next step to take should be setting up safety measures. Put up safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs, set up outlet covers, secure any heavy furniture to walls, and keep cleaners and detergents out of reach of your children and pets.
3. Locate the Fuse Box and Main Water Valve
After unpacking, make sure to go around your house and find where the circuit breaker box and the main water valve are. These are essential to do so you know where to go when you need to turn off the electricity or cut off the water supply in case of emergencies.
In addition, you should check whether the fuse controls are labeled properly (or at all). Take some time to identify and label each circuit breaker accordingly if the previous homeowner has not done so.
4. Change the House Locks
After moving in, it is crucial to change the house locks to prevent risks. You don't know who else, besides the previous homeowners, have keys to the home. For safety reasons, make a few copies of the new keys in case you lose one.
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5. Set up a Home Security System
If your home does not come with a home security system, consider installing one right away. If there is an existing home security system, contact the company to arrange for a transfer of service to your name.
Similar to changing the locks, it is important to spend some time changing all passwords and passcodes after moving in.
6. Test Your Smoke Detectors
Keep your family safe by testing all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors upon moving in. If there are no carbon monoxide detectors installed, have professionals put one on every level of the house.
7. Update Your Address
After moving into your new home, head over to your local USPS office to update your address so you don't miss any mail or bills. You also need to update your address in government documentation, including the IRS and the state tax agency, and the SSA.
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