9 Things to Do When You Move into Your New Home
You have worked hard to purchase a home and it feels great to finally get to settle into your new house! But wait, there’s more. While you unpack and maybe redecorate your new home, here is a helpful list of essential to-dos to complete before you’ve finished unpacking.
9 Things To Do After You Move Into Your New Home
Maybe you haven’t just moved. Maybe you’re still in the homebuying process and you’re working to get as prepared as possible before you have to move. Whatever the case may be, these are nine things to do immediately after moving into your new home!
Transfer Utilities
Make sure all of the electric, water, gas, and waste utilities are transferred over to your name or set up again if they have been shut off. If you are able to pay your utilities via an app or online, definitely take advantage of this convenience and set up an account to make paying your utility bill as simple as possible.
Forward Your Address
Go to your nearest U.S. Post Office or online to the Official USPS® website and set up an address forwarding to your new address! Be sure to send your new address to any family or friends who will need an updated address. Also, update your address on any of your bank,
credit accounts, and any other important accounts like your medical insurance provider, auto insurance, doctor’s office, phone carrier, etc.
Change Your Locks
There is peace of mind in knowing you are the only person who could possibly have keys that can access our home. Installing new locks can cost anywhere from $80 to $300 per lock, depending on the quality of the lock. But it is an expense that is worthwhile as it helps ensure your safety and peace of mind.
Change the Garage Door Code
Speaking of security, go ahead and change the garage door code while you’re at it! Most garage door code keypads can be easily reset by entering the existing code, pressing #, and then entering the desired new code. You can always call the manufacturer or look up your specific garage keypad online for a tutorial.
Replace Fire Extinguishers
If your home has multiple levels, you will want to make sure there is an accessible fire extinguisher on each level as well as an exit plan in case of a fire for each level of the house. If there are already fire extinguishers in your home, you will want to replace them with new ones to guarantee that they are up to code and functioning properly.
Replace Smoke Detector Batteries
Speaking of fire safety, make sure all of the smoke detectors in your home have new batteries! Depending on how old your smoke detectors are, you may want to replace them as well.
Change the Furnace Filter
The furnace filter in your home is designed to trap airborne contaminants to keep them out of your air cooling and heating utilities clean and consequently improves the air quality in your home.
How frequently you need to change your filter will depend on the type of filter you have (some are reusable) and the size of your filter. The larger your filter, the less frequently you have to change it. The smallest filters will need to be changed every 1 to 3 months whereas the larger filters will only need to be changed every 9 to 12 months. This can also vary depending on the quality of air where you live.
Clean the Dryer Vent
Cleaning the debris and lint from your dryer vent prevents clogs and also can prevent fires. You should clean your dryer vent at least once every 12 months. Since you don’t know for sure when the previous homeowners last cleaned the dryer vent, it never hurts to go ahead and do it to give yourself a fresh start when you move into your new home!
Locate Water Shut-Off Locations
In the event that you need to shut off your water, you want to readily know how and where to access the central water shut-off locations. This is important to know in the event that you have a water leak or burst pipe in your home. Water gushing into your home and leaking into your walls can cause major water damage. It can be hazardous to your health and safety as well.
We hope these tips help you get started in your new home! You can download our extensive Moving Checklist to use as a guide when moving into your new home!
Contact a Loan Specialist
Are you just beginning the home purchasing process? If so, the loan specialists at VeteransLoans.com can help determine your eligibility and get you pre-approved for a home loan! VeteransLoans.com offers conventional, FHA, and VA loan products. Call 1 (888) 232-1428 to speak with a loan specialist today!