The Ultimate Checklist for New Homeowners

Moving to a new house can be a lot of work. It can be easy to rush through the process and focus on the big-ticket items like unpacking, but there are some tasks you should make sure to take care of in the beginning in order to make the process more seamless. Read our list below to find out what you can do as soon as you move.

Do a Walkthrough of the House

Walking into your new house while it’s empty is the perfect opportunity to go through it and look around to make sure that everything is how it should be. Make sure that all the agreed upon repairs have been made and appliances have been left. Go through and check that all outlets and switches are functioning properly. While this may have been taken care of before closing, it doesn’t hurt to go over things once more.

Secure the Home

Right off the bat, it’s a good idea to change the locks and install whatever security you want. If there are garage codes already in place, you may want to change those as well.

Child and Pet Proof

Child or pet proofing your home will be easiest if you do it right away and as you’re moving everything in.

Determine the Layout

Taking the time to determine exactly where you want to put different items – especially heavy furniture – will help the process of moving everything in be as smooth and efficient as possible.

Connect Utilities

Connect important utilities like water, electricity, gas, and internet before you move in. When it’s time to move in, check to make sure everything is connected and working properly.

Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are important for keeping your family safe. Check to make sure all of these are working in your new home and replace any batteries or units as necessary.

Deep Clean

To get a great, fresh start in your new home, clean your it from top to bottom as soon as you move in. This is something you can do yourself or hire professionals to take care of. Either way, it’ll make a big difference in starting out right.

Paint

Celebrate your newly found homeownership by painting it exactly how you like. If you were renting beforehand, you’re sure to appreciate the control and customization that comes with making this kind of decision. Adding a fresh coat of paint to your new house will not only make it your own, but it will also make it seem newer. Plus, if you paint before you move anything in, you won’t have to worry about getting paint on furniture.

Locate the Fuse Box and Water Valve

It’s good to figure out where the fuse box and water valve are ahead of time, so if the power ever goes off or you need to turn off the water, you know exactly where to go.

Make or Take Note of Any Repairs

Your home inspection will most likely give you an idea of what repairs need to be made. With this in mind and by taking a look around, you can get an idea of what repairs need to be made. While they don’t all need to get done immediately, you can still take the opportunity to make a note of what needs to be done and when you’d like to do it.

Change Your Address

Setting up a change of address with the post office is an important step when you’re moving. Also be sure to tell friends and family as well as your bank and anyone else who sends you bills. Remember to contact the Department of Motor Vehicles if you move to a new state so that you can update your license and registration.

Meet the Neighbors

Meeting your neighbors is a great chance to get off on the right foot in your neighborhood. Your neighbors can also give you recommendations and any other useful information when you’re new to an area. It’s always good to have people nearby that you’re on good terms with, so make sure to say hello and introduce yourself as soon as possible.

The process of moving can be a bit daunting but following these recommendations will help the process go smoother. If you’re looking for help throughout your mortgage process, be sure to contact us today and we’d be happy to walk you through your home financing as well as answer all your questions.