Most blogs about moving home concern themselves with the somewhat tricky subject of how to transport your belongings from your old accommodation to your new abode without any hiccups. However, in this post, we’re going to take a look at some of the things that you absolutely must do, once you arrive at your new location. Check them out below.
Take Precautions For Children And Pets
If you live with children and pets, but the previous occupants didn’t, then there’s a good chance that there will be some safety issues in the home. Before allowing anyone to roam freely, check things like power outlets, doors, sharp edges and places where falling is a risk.
Make sure that you put all dangerous supplies, such as knives, needles, weapons, glass, and cleaning supplies in a separate lockable box. Don’t leave them lying around during DIY, makeovers or the unpacking process.
Create An Unpacking Plan
If you’re like most people, you probably have a lot of stuff. There are boxes galore in your home, and now the time has come to unpack them and put everything away in its proper place.
Attacking boxes randomly is one approach, but it rarely works. What you want is a methodical approach that lets you process the essential items first (such as your bathroom toiletries and toothbrush) and then move onto less essential items later, such as your lawnmower.
Remember, you’ll need to prepare a meal within 24 hours of arriving in your new home unless you want to rely on take-out. If you do plan on takeout, then it helps to get the TV or radio out first so that you have some entertainment.
Change The Locks
When you move into a new home, you never quite know who has a spare set of keys. People could easily break into your property while you’re away and live there for a while or take your valuables.
Changing the locks is something that https://www.a-1locksmith.com/mckinney/ explains in more detail. Ideally, you should work with a certified locksmith who understands how to best protect your property. Avoid going for cheap locking mechanisms as criminals can easily break these.
Set Up Your Utilities
When you arrive in your new home, it might be dark and you may not even have any running water. Setting up your utilities is, therefore, a priority, according to https://www.thebalance.com/.
Top of the list are electricity, gas and water. Then after that, you’ll want to set up broadband and phone. If you have a cable TV, you may want to implement that as well.
In many cases, you can simply transfer your old contracts over to the new property and continue paying them as you normally would. However, there may be a delay for some services, particularly broadband.
Learn Your New Home
Knowing precisely where your water stopcoque is and your electricity circuit breaker is important. These can help you identify the source of a sudden power outage or prevent your home from flooding.
Also, find out where the carbon monoxide detectors are located. Ideally, you should have these close to your boiler and any other gas-consuming appliance in your home. If the carbon monoxide detectors are in the wrong place, move them. If the previous owners did not install any, fit some urgently, as a matter of great priority.
Set Up Your Security System
Now that your home is full of your belongings, the next step is to set up your security system with a provider like Verisure. These days, there are numerous tools, such as cameras, motion sensors, and smart doorbells that can immediately alert you of any issues. What’s more, many modern solutions can also help you determine the proper course of action, should an incident occur.
Clean Everything Thoroughly
Before settling in further, make sure that you clean everything thoroughly, particularly if the previous owner did not hire professional cleaners before they left. In most cases, you’re actually better going with a cleaning company because they have the right tools to ensure that your home is spotless.
Tell Everyone About Your Change Of Address
Make sure that you tell everyone about your change of address. Update your credit card billing address with both your credit card company and any other services that you use. Tell utility companies as a matter of priority.
Go For A Walk Around The Neighborhood
Lastly, introduce yourself to the area. Find out what’s going on nearby. Take a stroll or go for a drive to explore your surroundings. Look for community centers and other points of interest.
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