First Steps You Should Take When Moving Into A New Home

First Steps You Should Take When Moving Into A New Home

In the bustle of moving in, we tend to take care of daily details first: putting the dishes away, hanging up clothes, making sure the wifi works. Those steps ensure our families can function tomorrow, and they’re important.

It’s all too easy, however, to overlook small measures that will matter months or years in the future, and often in times of crisis. As a homeowner, you’ll need to find information quickly and confidently. When a big storm downs trees or the power goes out, or you can't remember if you used Triple-A Locksmith or A+ Locksmith last winter, you’ll be glad you have information ready.

Create Your Home Information Binder

Create a physical binder with literally everything that might be useful in an emergency. There are more elaborate systems with multiple steps, but this one is simple and effective.

Here’s a starter list of binder contents:

        Utility information: electricity, gas, water, sewer, garbage, ISP. Include your username, account number, and customer service numbers.

        Municipal resources: law enforcement contacts, family doctors, urgent care clinics, crisis lines.

        Specialists: Insurance agents, locksmiths, tree trimmers, plumbers, electricians, heating and cooling repair, roofers - any job you can’t do yourself. Three of each, at least.

        Family and Friends: People you can count on - names, phone numbers, emails, physical addresses.

Any time you use a service, add notes to your binder. Circle the best, cross out the flops, record names, and add comments. Add other categories too. Manuals, receipts, appliance models and serial numbers, window measurements, room dimensions, the shade of paint - anything you don't want to figure out twice.

Create Digital Storage

Yes, you can store most if not all of this on your phone. In fact, it’s smart to scan your binder’s contents occasionally. You can access it anywhere and any time you have a connection to the internet. But remember: a binder doesn’t need to be charged and can be updated with a pencil. It’ll be reassuring and you’ll reach for it often.

Store your trusty binder in your kitchen, unlabeled, and make sure everyone in the family knows where it is and how to use it.

Change The Locks

You never know who the previous owners gave key copies to. You want to make sure you change all the locks in your home because of this. You don’t want anyone trying to break in. It’s better to be on the safe side when it comes to security in your new home. Call a locksmith as soon as you get the keys to your new home.

Make Urgent Repairs

After you have all the information and phone numbers you need, make any urgent repairs. For example, your new home might need the gutters cleaned before winter hits. You might need to paint some walls and give it a refresh inside as well. Make all those repairs before they get put on the back burner and ignored as you settle in. You will also want to take note of all the repairs that need to be done before you even move into your new home. It will help you create a realistic move-in budget so you aren’t taken by surprise.

Basic Landscaping

Don’t neglect your new front and backyard when making repairs around the home. You might need to do some basic landscaping shortly after moving in. Perhaps the previous owners let the grass die and neglected the yard. Add some sod and new bushes to make it look more appealing. Remember the best time to do landscaping will be in the spring and the fall. You don’t need to do landscaping right away if you are moving into your new home during the winter. Also, note that landscaping can help prevent pests. If you notice a lot of bugs around the outside of your house, you might need to hire pest control as well.

Get To Know The Area

To fully feel settled into your new home, take some time to explore the area. Know where the closest grocery stores and gas stations are. Look for fun restaurants and activities too. Get out and experience your new neighborhood; this will help you make new friends in your area.

No, a homeowner has ever been over-prepared for the journey of maintaining their family’s home. Trust that small steps will make a big difference later, and you can handle anything. Remember all the above tips for helping the transition into a new home go smoothly.

Post a Comment

0 Comments

close