New Home Checklist: What to Do When
You Move Into a New House
Moving into a new house means you’ll get to enjoy a new environment, set up your new home, and maybe even find some friends. But you also need to make some changes in how things work in that house. There are many aspects of life—from security to sharing community amenities—that need adjusting when you move into a new house, so it's important to prepare yourself for this process. Here are some things to do:
Research Your Neighbors
The first thing to do is figure out what kind of neighborhood you're moving into. Is it a quiet one, or are there lots of people around? How many different types of people live in your new house? This information will help you feel comfortable and safe with your new neighbors.
Check Out the Local Post Office
You may find that the local post office is open during certain hours, or that they have an app from where you can track your package. If you don't know where the post office is located, ask around. Also, check out any rules regarding what can be mailed through this facility; these rules vary from place to place.
Replace Old Furniture
There’s no point in using old furniture in the modern age. If you have to remove some items from the kitchen cabinet to access those that are tucked at the far end, you better look for shaker wood cabinets out there - they are not only classy but timeless.
Identify Local Hangouts
Find out what the local coffee shops are like and if there are any events they hold. Some cities have fantastic cafes and shops that offer discounts on their food and drinks to help keep the place alive. Check if your new hood has public parks and other cool places to unwind on a weekend.
Know the Local Public Transportation System
Get to know when the bus will be passing by. Are there any bus stations near me? What about railway stations and airports? What cabs operate here? These are the questions you should ask yourself to avoid getting late for work, especially during a time when you’re familiarizing yourself with your new location.
Check Out the Internet Security
Change the default password on all of your devices and secure your Wi-Fi to keep hackers at bay. You may even replace the internet devices you found in the house with new ones that you can trust.
Test the Smoke Detectors
Safety is important for you and your family. That’s why you need to test the integrity of crucial safety devices such as the smoke detector. Check that the batteries are working, or replace them if necessary. Also, ensure all smoke detectors are installed correctly.
Change All Door Locks
Change the locks on all of your doors, get a copy of each key, and have it with you at all times, in case someone loses their keys. It’s also advisable to install door security cameras to monitor entry points such as doors and windows. You can also use these cameras to record activity around the exterior of your home so that if anyone tries to break in, you'll know exactly what happened and who was responsible for it.
Update Your Address
When you move into a new house, it's important to update your address with the post office, DMV, and bank. The same goes for friends and family who may have your old phone numbers or addresses.
Clear Any Clutter
If you're moving into a new house, it's important to get rid of any clutter you may have. Clutter creates a mess and can make your home feel less welcoming. Get rid of things that aren't needed anymore. This includes clothes, books, and other household items such as cups or bowls that are collecting dust on the shelf in the kitchen or living room.
Paint the Interior
A fresh coat of paint will freshen your rooms and make them more welcoming. Painting is also a great way to give your interiors a new look that will fit in with your standards.
Inspect the Home For Pests
For the sake of your health and the health of your family, it's important to inspect the home for pests - they can cause serious illness and even death! If you turn a blind eye to them, they'll multiply exponentially in no time at all.
There are many pest control strategies available: insecticides (like roaches), natural remedies (such as garlic), or training your cat or dog to keep pests (like rats) away from your new home. You may want to consult with a professional if you're not sure which approach will work best for your situation.
Conclusion
Even if you're excited about the prospect of finally having your own place, there are still a lot of details that go into making sure everything is in tip-top shape before settling down. They narrow down to knowing your neighborhood, finding essential facilities, and furnishing the house to make it more habitable.