Getting the keys to your new home is exciting, but the work does not quite end at closing. Before you get too caught up in unpacking and decorating, there are a few important things you should take care of right away.
Taking care of these basics early can help you feel more settled, protect your home, and prevent headaches down the road.
Start With a Deep Clean
If possible, clean your home before all of your furniture and boxes arrive. This is the easiest time to clean floors, cabinets, appliances, bathrooms, closets, and other areas that will become harder to reach once everything is unpacked.
Even if the previous owners cleaned before leaving, starting fresh gives you a clean slate in your new home.
Change or Rekey the Locks
One of the first things we recommend after moving into a new home is changing or rekeying the locks.
You may not know how many copies of the existing keys are out there or who has had access to them over the years. Changing the locks gives you peace of mind and ensures that you control who has access to your home.
Don’t forget exterior doors, garage entry doors, and any other locks that provide access to the house.
Change Your Garage Door Code
Garage access is another easy detail to overlook.
If your home has a keypad or programmable garage door opener, change the code and reset any existing remotes or access devices. It is a small step that can make a big difference when it comes to security.
Find Your Important Shutoffs
You don’t want to be searching for the water shutoff during a plumbing emergency.
Take a few minutes to locate your home’s:
- Main water shutoff
- Electrical panel
- Gas shutoff, if applicable
- Furnace and HVAC equipment
It is also helpful to label anything that is not already clearly marked. Knowing where these items are before you need them can save valuable time later.
Replace Your HVAC Filter
Start fresh with a new HVAC filter after moving in. You don’t know how long the existing filter has been in place, and replacing it is a simple way to begin maintaining your heating and cooling system.
Take a moment to note the filter size and add regular filter changes to your home maintenance calendar.
Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout the home. Replace batteries as needed and make sure the detectors are functioning properly.
If the detectors are older, consider replacing them rather than simply installing new batteries.
Update Your Address
Once you’re settled, make sure your new address is updated everywhere it needs to be.
This can include:
- USPS
- Driver’s license and vehicle registration
- Banks and credit cards
- Insurance policies
- Employer
- Medical and professional records
- Subscriptions and deliveries
Taking care of this early can prevent missed bills, important documents, and deliveries.
Get Organized Before You Need Something
Your closing documents, warranties, appliance manuals, inspection reports, permits, and other home-related paperwork can quickly become scattered among moving boxes.
Create one designated place for these documents so you know exactly where to find them when you need them.
It is also a good idea to make note of any warranties that came with the home or appliances.
Create a Home Maintenance Routine
Your new home will require regular maintenance, and staying ahead of it can help prevent expensive surprises.
Keep track of recurring tasks such as HVAC servicing, filter changes, gutter cleaning, exterior maintenance, septic maintenance if applicable, and other items specific to your property.
A simple calendar or reminder system can make keeping up with your home much easier.
Then Take a Breath
You don’t have to tackle every project on day one.
Once the important things are handled, give yourself time to actually live in the home. You may discover that the room you thought needed new paint is perfectly fine, or that the project you thought was a priority isn’t as important as you expected.
Make a list of the changes you’d like to make, prioritize them, and take your time turning the house into your home.
Welcome Home
Moving into a new home comes with plenty of excitement, boxes, decisions, and probably a little chaos. Taking care of the essentials first gives you a strong starting point and lets you focus on what matters most: enjoying your new home.
And if you’re still searching for the right home to call your own, having the right real estate team by your side can make the entire process, from the first showing to getting the keys, a whole lot easier. Reach out to our team today at 734-306-5964 or Tina@TinaPetersonTeam.com.