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Every year, millions of Americans buy new homes. It is a long process, but a necessary one. Once all the paperwork has been completed and the mortgage has been secured, it’s time to actually move in. However, before you think about starting to decorate your new house and turn it into a home, there are a few things you need to do.
These are things that might seem small but are crucial to ensuring that your home is a safe and comfortable place to be. Read on and learn about three of the many things you need to be sure to do when you move into a new home.
Change the Locks
First and foremost, it is important to change the locks on your new home. It is now your home, and you don’t want anyone else to be able to enter without authorization. Even if the previous owner gave you their key and a spare, it is still wise to change the locks. You never know how many spares or extras they made over the years, and the last thing you want is someone having unlimited access to your home without your knowledge.
While you might be able to do it yourself, don’t hesitate to contact a few of the locksmiths in your city. They can ensure the new locks are correctly installed and do so at an affordable rate in most cases. The locks should be changed on all outside doors, as well as any shed or garage you might have on the property.
In addition to changing the locks, make sure the home is secure in other ways too. This can range from getting a security system to ensuring the home is well-lit.
Get Unpacked as Quickly as Possible
While it is something we all dread when we move, unpacking is something that must be done. Some people will unpack slowly over time, but we often recommend doing it as quickly as possible. If you put packing off, it becomes increasingly hard to do with each passing day. Eventually, you may be stuck with cardboard boxes all over your home that you are simply too lazy (or busy) to put away.
Before starting any major project, ensure you are fully moved. This doesn’t mean you have to be fully unpacked in an hour, but don’t leave it for two or three weeks, as this could easily turn into 2 or 3 months. Of course, be sure to inspect every box to ensure that not only you have everything but that things aren’t broken or damaged.
Find Things like the Circuit Breaker or Cut-Off Valve
Emergencies happen from time to time, and you need to be prepared to deal with them. This emergency could range from something expensive like a burst pipe to something as simple as a random power outage. To deal with these, you need to know where things like your circuit breaker or shut-off valve are.
While the previous owner or real estate agent might have shown you, this isn’t always the case. So instead of waiting until an emergency happens, familiarize yourself with their location and how they work beforehand. This will save you from struggling to find the circuit breaker in the dark or trying to find the water shut-off valve while your house fills with water.
Moving into a new home can be an exciting and busy time, but there are things you certainly don’t want to forget. If you remember to change the locks, unpack quickly, and know where your circuit breaker/shut-off valve is, then you can begin to focus on making your new house a home.
