Five Things You Need to Do When Moving into a New Home

If you are moving into a new home, your work doesn’t stop at unpacking the boxes or returning the moving truck.  From evaluating plumbing systems to freshening carpets and windows, these moving related-chores make a house feel like a home.

Five Things to Do When Moving Into a New Home

While moving into a new home is an exciting process, new homeowners can make the home of their dreams even better by doing these five things shortly after moving in.

1. Re-key the locks

Re-keying the locks is an effective way to keep your home safe and ensure that you and your family are the only people who can get in. To do this right, you should re-key all of the locks in your home either by doing it yourself or hiring a locksmith.

2. Clean your carpets

Everything feels nicer with clean carpets and steam cleaning the rugs in your home is a great way to start making it feel like your own. When it comes to cleaning your carpets, you can either hire a professional carpet cleaning company (rates for this will vary from place to place) or rent a steam cleaner from a relevant, local agency. No matter what you choose to do, steam cleaning your home’s carpets before moving into your new home gets rid of any stains or smells and helps you enjoy a fresh start.

3. Clean all cabinets

Your new home was likely professionally cleaned before you bought it, but that doesn’t mean that the interior of the cabinets hasn’t gotten dusty in the meantime. To remedy this and prevent your dishes and other cabinet-going items from becoming dirty, as well, wipe out all of your cabinets and lay down new contact paper before moving your items in.

4. Wash all windows

Nothing brightens a home so much as a shiny view through crystal-clear glass. To make sure that your tenure in your new home is off to a vivid start, give all of your windows a good once-over while you’re moving in. Getting rid of any grime or stains is a great way to improve the look and feel of your home all at once.

5. Evaluate your plumbing system

If you had a home inspection, it’s likely that it covered your plumbing system, but it’s important to double-check. To avoid easily preventable leaks and water damage, check for things like dripping faucets and persistently running toilets. These things are easy to fix but can cost you hundreds in utility and repair costs if they go unnoticed.

To ensure that moving into your new home goes as smoothly as possible, do these five things before you get fully settled. In addition to helping you avoid costly problems (break-ins and water leaks, for example), these simple tricks can also help your new home feel more like your own!