The excitement of moving into a new home can end up being a bit overwhelming. There’s so much to do to get everything set up and ready to go, so where do you start? As soon as you move into the new home, there are a few things to do that will help set you up for success and ensure the house is ready to become your home.
Do Another Walkthrough
Before all of the belongings and furniture are delivered and set up in the home, it’s a good idea to do another walkthrough and make sure everything is still in good shape. Now’s also the time to have more professional inspections done to see if any repairs are necessary. It may be a good idea to look at the electrical system to see if it needs to be upgraded, schedule a backflow inspection, and check other systems in the home to make sure they’re working as expected. If anything needs to be done, go ahead and start scheduling the repairs now so everything can get done as quickly as possible.
Determine What Goes Where
Take some time to think about where large items like furniture will go, as well as how everything will be organized within the home. While the organizational system can always be changed and updated later, it’s a good idea to have a basic system in place when unpacking to ensure everything is easy to find in the new home and that nothing will go missing while you’re getting settled. Make sure you consider how things are used and where they may be used the most to find the right place to put everything.
Make Sure Utilities are Turned On
Make sure the utilities are turned on so the home is ready for you to move into it. Without utilities, it may not be as comfortable or safe to be in the home. Take the time to think about everything that might be needed, including electrical, gas, water, internet, and more. It should be an easy process to get everything set up and running, but it may be necessary to send proof the home was purchased before an account can be turned on.
Locate the Fuse Box and Water Valves
Take the time, before the house is filled with belongings, to find the fuse box and the water valves. There should be one main fuse box for the home, and it’s generally located in a central location so it’s easy to access when needed. There may be one main shut-off valve for the water near the meter or the water heater. Take the time to find this in case the water to the home needs to be shut off one day. There may be other shut-off valves near sinks, showers, and other plumbing fixtures, too, that can be turned off in an emergency. It’s always a good idea to know where these are in case they’re needed to help minimize water damage if there is an emergency.
Take the time to do each of these things before getting settled into the home. It’ll make it easier to unpack, make sure everything is in working condition, and help make the home cozy. Then, it’ll be time to start unpacking and getting everything organized and settled.
