Home sales soared in 2020, a trend that has continued into 2021. If you’re one of the lucky ones closing on a new home this year, there are a few things you should know before you move in.
Keep reading to learn what they are, and how they can help you protect your new home and your family.
1. Change Your Locks
The first thing you should do when moving into a new home is change the locks. Even if you trust the people you purchased the home from, you can never know exactly how many people have a key. Perhaps the homeowners previously gave an extra key to a neighbor. Or a wayward family member has a copy. The last thing you want to do is put yourself and your family at risk of a break-in.
2. Know Where Your Shut Off Valves and Circuit Breakers Are
Realizing that you don’t know where the circuit breaker box is until the lights have already gone out, or that you don’t know where to go to shut off your home’s valves after water is spewing from a pipe is never a good feeling.
On the day that you take possession of the home, take time to go through the home and locate important devices like your shut-off valves and circuit breaker. Better yet, ask the seller or real estate agent to point them out to you. Take a look at each to make sure that everything is in good working order, that switches are properly labeled, and that you know how to use them. This will allow you to turn on the lights or turn off the water quickly when disaster strikes.
3. Check for Safety Monitoring Before You Move In
Whether you’re purchasing a brand new build or the previous owner of a home ensured you that everything was up-to-date, don’t put your family’s life at risk by failing to check all safety monitoring devices. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are among the most important things you should install or check before moving in. Don’t wait until the morning after your first night in your new home; take care of this step first thing upon arriving and before you begin unpacking.
If you need to add your own smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detector, or just want to increase the safety of your home, consider upgrading to smart devices. Smart smoke detection and smart carbon monoxide detectors not only sound alarms as traditional devices do but also send alerts to apps on your mobile devices. This means you’ll instantly know when there is a problem in your home, even if you’re far away. You can call the fire department or ask a neighbor to take a look. Some smart devices feature a monitoring company that will check in with you and can even call for help on your behalf.
4. Protect Your Investment
Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are designed to protect you and your family from harm. But other alarms and monitoring systems can be used to protect your investment as well.
For instance, security cameras are a great way to keep an eye on your home from anywhere. They can help you put a quick stop to a break-in, and let you know if storm damage has occurred while you are away. Another useful tool is a leak detector. This device can let you know when floodwaters, rain, or water from damaged pipes is getting somewhere that it shouldn’t be. The faster you know that a leak has occurred, the faster you can fix it, and the less damage that will occur.
Preparing to Move Into Your New Home
Moving into a new home is exciting. And with these tips, you can ensure that it is a safe, smooth experience for you and your family!
