Moving into a new home can be stressful as it comes with a long checklist of tasks to complete. It’s important to get associated with the new home and learn how it functions to streamline the process and settle into the new environment.
When you prioritize the essential tasks as soon as you move, the rest of the process will be less chaotic. A checklist containing the important tasks you should complete within the first week of your move will allow you to get comfortable in the new environment.
1. Set up or Transfer Utilities
Setting up all the necessary utilities, such as gas, water, and electricity, before or after moving into a new home is essential. If you’re moving to a new home close to your old property, you might be able to transfer the utilities to the new address. But if you’re moving to a distant location, you’ll need to set up new utilities.
The last thing you want is to move into a new home without essential services. Contact each utility company a few weeks in advance and schedule your services based on your move-in date. Don’t forget to cancel your existing utility services to avoid double bills!
2. Check the HVAC System
Having a cool home to come to after a stressful move is imperative. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system plays a critical role in ensuring that your home is comfortable. Hire a reputable air conditioning company to inspect the system to ensure that the HVAC system is running efficiently.
If the HVAC system isn’t up to date and is not functioning correctly, you may incur unnecessary expenses. Getting the system checked in advance reduces the risk of unexpected service bills and allows you to perform maintenance as soon as needed.
3. Locate the Circuit Breaker
You may need to replace a fuse or reset a circuit breaker in your new home. Locating the circuit breaker after you move in will ensure you’re not scrambling to it during emergencies. Circuit breakers are usually located in basements, storage closets, or hallways. It’s also important to learn the difference between a circuit breaker and a fuse box to ensure that you can find the right system when needed.
4. Schedule Home Repairs
If you’ve identified any repairs that your home needs, it’s important to schedule them before or soon after you move in. Some common repairs essential to your home’s functions include doors or windows that don’t lock, leaky pipes, or clogged gutters.
5. Test Your Smoke Detectors
A smoke detector is an essential device that protects a home and its residents in the event of a fire. Ensuring that a smoke detector works efficiently is crucial, as malfunctions can put your home at risk. Change the smoke detector batteries when you move in and test the device by lighting a few matches near the device. If the device doesn’t detect the smoke, you may need to repair or replace it. According to the National Fire Protection Association, you should replace all smoke alarms in your home every ten years.
Transitioning into a new home can be overwhelming, but using a checklist with essential tasks to complete after the move will help you stay organized and simplify the process.
