Don’t Forget to Do These 8 Things After Moving Into a New Home

Make sure you check these items off your list before you settle into your home sweet home.

Guest Post by HomeAdvisor

Congratulations on moving into your new home! As you settle in, it’s important to take the necessary steps to protect your investment. From checking the locks to connecting utilities, you have a laundry list of to-do’s before that final “ahhhh” moment. To help you move through your honey-do inventory, here are eight essential steps to get you completely settled into your new home:

#1 Check your moving boxes.

Although you checked and double-checked your packing job, there’s a chance some of your possessions didn’t survive the move. While looking through smaller items, make sure major appliances work as well. If damage occurred during the move, reference your contract to see if you have any access to liability coverage or insurance.

#2 Inspect appliances.

If you didn’t bring appliances with you to your new home, not to worry–sometimes previous owners leave goodies behind. While hand-me-down appliances are convenient, it’s best not to rely on them too heavily–you don’t want to be at the mercy of an unreliable washing machine or oven.

#3 Have the utilities turned on.

Before your move-in date, it’s always a good idea to make sure your utilities are connected and turned on. Depending on the company, sometimes title companies will handle the transfer of utilities (all you have to do is ask the realtor when they’re scheduled to be turned on). If you’re new in town and unsure who to contact regarding utilities, you can call a local municipal office for more information.

#4 Look for the circuit breaker.

Did your home’s previous owner label the breaker switches? If some of the labels are peeling off or non-existent, find out which switches power the different parts of your home and label them accordingly. If the circuit breaker switches aren’t working, you will need an immediate repair or upgrade (which can cost about $1,100).

#5 Find the water shut-off valve.

In the case of an emergency, it’s extremely important to be able to locate the water shut-off valve for your home. Most homes have two shut-off valves: the main (indoors) and another for the outside water. If you don’t know where either of these valves are, ask the realtor or the previous owners where to find them. Not knowing where to locate your water mains can lead to expensive repairs should something go wrong.

#6 Put new batteries in your detectors.

After the move, make sure to replace the batteries in your fire and carbon monoxide detectors. Also, check the location and condition of fire extinguishers (it’s a good policy to make one available in each room).

#7 Get a schedule for trash and recycling.

Trash pick-up differs from neighborhood to neighborhood. Check with your homeowner association (HOA) or call the local waste management service to find out your schedule.

#8 Change out all the locks.

There’s a chance the previous owners of your home gave copies of their keys to neighbors or close friends. As a result (even though your neighbors aren’t burglars) it’s important to change out the old locks — front, back and any basement or porch doors.

Andrea Davis is the editor at HomeAdvisor, which connects homeowners with home improvement professionals in their area for free. Connect with Andrea on Google+

Lindsay is the the Director of Media Engagement for Coldwell Banker Real Estate and manages the brand’s media and social media department. She is also a licensed real estate professional. In 2017 & 2018, she was named a top 20 social influencer in the real estate industry in the annual Swanepoel 200 power rankings.

Lindsay lives in Livingston, NJ with her college sweetheart and now husband Joe and rwelcomed another Joe into her life as she became a mom in June 2016.

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7 Comments

  1. f.lee Morey
    January 14, 2016

    Get a home inspection. It’s worth every penny. They do a much thorough job than most contractors.
    That my 2 cents

    Reply
    • Lindsay Listanski
      January 26, 2016

      We agree!

      Reply
  2. sharon lassiter
    January 22, 2016

    Great report. When my 3 boys were young we were in the woods lots, camping, hiking, enjoying the surrounding beauty. Never heard or saw a Big Foot. Did see a 2 foot long lizards that scared me. Didn’t sleep on the ground that night. I slept in the car.

    Reply
    • Lindsay Listanski
      January 26, 2016

      Oh my goodness!!

      Reply
  3. Zequek Estrada
    August 5, 2016

    I agree that it’s a good idea to change out the locks when you move into a new home. I’ve actually heard a story about how a neighbor with an old key started breaking into a home. It was months before they were able to realize what was happening. I think people are generally good, but sometimes it’s better to be safe than sorry.

    Reply
  4. Swapna Latha
    July 22, 2017

    very nice post.. thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply
  5. Carla MC
    September 5, 2017

    Thank you for this tips. We are planning to move into our new house in Dubai, then I was telling to my kids that it will much comfortable if we are there because I have work in Dubai same with my husband. But, before going to Dubai, I search for some move-out/in cleaning services to clean the villa first for us before heading to it. Thank God, I found a reliable company and it is very convenient to us.

    Reply

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