Moving into a new home is an exciting time. It is natural to focus on moving and unpacking; however, don’t forget to take care of a few things first.
Feel Safe
The previous owners may have shared keys with friends, family, and contracted help, so it is well-advised to change the locks immediately. Before replacing the front door keys, it is recommended that you evaluate the type of knob-in-lock set and add a heavy-duty deadbolt. Having the peace of mind that you know exactly who has the keys is just as instrumental as the practicality of safety.
There is more to securing your space than fresh key sets. Whether you are home or away a security system for your home works as both a deterrent and an alarm. Having an alarm-secured home is often enough to keep individuals with bad intentions out because it is easier to move on to the next rather than risk the alarm. In fact, statistically, criminals will skip a secured home because it requires more skill and effort.
Look at your home from the street. Are you an easy target? Landscape materials can create hiding places for thieves who gain access through windows and unlocked doors. These thieves are most active in broad daylight while the homeowners are working or at school. When you first move into your house, you might want to trim bushes, trees, and any other plant material that could provide cover or escape for criminals.
Be Prepared
Getting to know the systems of your new home is useful and prepares you for the inevitable storm. Be sure to locate the circuit breaker box and GFI plugs as soon as possible. The breaker box might be in the basement or outside by your electrical meter, but you don’t want to figure that out during a thunderstorm. When examining the breakers in the box, check to see if each is labeled. If not, it will be an exercise of trial and error to label each, but it’s worth it. The GFI plugs are easy to find; they usually have a red button between the two outlets and are generally placed in bathrooms, the kitchen, and the washroom areas.
Leaks happen and a lot of damage can occur when they do. Be sure to identify the water main valve for your home; shutting this off can save your home from a great deal of damage. For smaller water leaks, the shut-off at the toilet and sink will suffice. On-call plumbers can take a while to arrive and damage from water, whether a maintenance issue or a sudden burst, can be expensive. To complicate matters more, homeowner’s policies are very specific regarding water damage. Being prepared allows you to focus on the business of enjoying your home.
Create Your Space
Transforming the space into your unique style is what makes it home. This is a great time to let go of the old and start fresh with your new house. Before packing to move, reduce. Unless they hold a lot of sentimental value, get rid of old furniture, appliances, and knick-knacks. Hosting a garage or yard sale can bring a few extra hundred or thousand dollars to help with the move. Through this process, you truly identify the items you love; these should be the focal point in your design or displays. For example, maybe you could ditch the old 7 ft tree for the holidays and invest in a new 9ft Christmas Tree. Incorporating the few special pieces like this throughout the house give it personality and create conversation topics during gatherings.
Painting an accent wall in the main living space or entrance, or both, gives a pop of color behind family pictures, art, or décor. Fusing personality and style, you will have an original place that warrants notice. On the outside, changing the front entrance by adding potted plants, seasonal flowers, and vegetables infuses vibrant color, fragrance, and sensibility. The possible combinations of this organic beauty are endless and will surely wow your friends and family.
Making your new house your own can be as simple as a new wreath or colored house numbers, but putting your personal signature on your new home is almost as important as providing a safe environment.
