Things to Do When You Move Into a New Home

Moving into a new home can be incredibly exciting, but it also means lots of admin, paperwork, and expenses.

There’s a lot to do when you move into a new home, and it’s handy to make a checklist of tasks to make things simpler and keep you organised.

To help you out, here’s a list of the top things you should do when you move into a new property, so you know what to make a priority.

Get New Locks and Update Security

After investing all that money in your new home, you’ll want to make updating the property’s security top of your list.

Previous owners, estate agents, neighbours, etc. could all still have copies of your keys which can be unsettling if you’re worried about keeping your belongings safe.

So one of the first things you should do in your new place is search locksmith near me and enlist the services of a security professional.

As experts in security measures, locksmiths can advise on upgrades and identify weak spots in your home’s security. You can also perform an inspection yourself, testing doors, windows, locks, and any other access points to see if they are safeguarded and function properly.

Don’t forget outside areas too, such as gates, garages, sheds, any outside storage, and even porches or conservatories.

Even if all your access points are secure and sturdy, you should still consider lock replacement or getting your locks rekeyed at the very least to prevent risk of any unauthorised access by spare key holders – even if this is highly unlikely.

Along with changing or upgrading locks, you can also invest in smart devices such as camera doorbells, alarm systems, outside CCTV, or even smart locks. There are also more simple devices that can add an extra layer of security to your property, such as padlocks or motion lights. Additional lighting will also be handy for you in the dark of winter.

Inspect and Clean Your New Abode

Your house might look fresh and new, but before you start bundling all your belongings in, give the place a thorough inspection and do a deep clean whilst you still have the space.

In particular, you’ll want to vacuum spots before putting furniture over it – you may decide you want entirely new carpeting and/or a fresh coat of paint on the walls, so you’ll have to keep things clear anyway.

By inspecting and cleaning you can identify any problem areas. You may notice subtle patches on walls or carpeting which could be a sign of a small unnoticed leak. You’ll also be able to recognise areas susceptible to mould and other issues like gaps and cracks that need sealing.

With a fresh clean base, you can then start to decorate and place furniture and fixtures that will no doubt stay in place for years to come. You can also address any property problems before they become worse and more expensive to repair.

Check Your Utilities and Other Admin

Another task to do early, before you put everything in place, is to locate all key systems such as the fuse box and the shut off valves for water and gas. This will keep you safe and ensure you know what to do in the event of a leak or power cut.

You should also test that all these utilities are working as they should, so test all water and plumbing such as taps, toilets, showers, sinks. Check all electricity, gas, and heating systems and appliances are working as they should. If something isn’t working, you may need to contact a plumber, electrician, etc.

Make sure you’ve set up all your utility providers too – researching the best in your area is key, try to do this as early as possible to avoid unexpected expenses. You don’t want to be without water or internet for long! This will also help you to go through all admin and update your address on everything – bank card, driver’s license, and more, you may also want to set up a forwarding address so no letters or parcels get lost.

Remember to set up and test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, they’re essentially for your safety.

Final Thoughts

Taking time to identify and complete important moving in tasks will save you a lot of bother later down the line.

With these essential tasks done, you can now make a new checklist of how you want to personalise and make the most of your new space.