18 January 2015
 Categories: , Blog

When you step off the moving truck, your first priority will naturally be to unpack all your boxes, so you can start to feel at home in your new place. However, unpacking is just one thing on a long list of tasks. These tips will help you get settled quickly and without issue.

Have the Locks Replaced

You have no way of knowing how many people have a key to your home, and this is especially true if you purchased the home from a previous owner. Even if the owner gave you all the copies of his or her own keys, there may be neighbors and friends of the previous owner who may also have copies of the key to your house. To avoid potential disaster, and to ensure that you feel safe at your new address, call one of your local locksmiths to replace the locks on the front and back door. 

Get Systems in the Home Inspected

Hopefully you had the house inspected before you moved in, but if you didn't, you will definitely need to get a professional inspection of all the major systems in your home. Some important systems to focus on include:

• Plumbing. Many homes have unseen issues with the plumbing. Unrepaired leaks can do hundreds or thousands of dollars in damage.
• Roof. Like plumbing leaks, roof leaks can cause a lot of damage in a short period of time. Have your roof inspected before the next big storm.
• Chimney. Using a chimney that has been damaged or is dirty inside can result in a devastating fire. Have your chimney inspected before you use it for the first time. 

Clean Everything

Unless you bought your new house from your best friend or relatives, it's impossible to know if the previous owners had cleanliness standards that were comparable to your own. Clean the house from top to bottom when you move in to ensure that the house is as clean as you would like it to be. Be sure to clean out-of-the way places that might have been ignored by the previous owner, like the insides of cabinets and under the stove. 

Go Through Your Boxes

Check your belongings to ensure that everything made it from your previous home to your new home, and look for any items that may have been broken in the move. Your movers may give you a limited amount of time to file a claim, so you'll want to do this sooner rather than later.

Install Window Treatments 

Bare windows can make your home seem uninviting and will also give your neighbors too much information about your personal life. Install window treatments to ensure your privacy.

With these tasks done, your new home will feel more welcoming. With these tasks done, your new house is sure to feel like home.