Tips for Making Your New House a Home

Everybody knows there are several things to think about getting done when you move into your new house, but some may be more obvious than others. To assist you, here is a list of what needs to be done with some helpful tips as you embark on your next chapter. 

Start with the kitchen 

The kitchen is where everyone gathers, sits and it is where your important meals are had. Set up the kitchen first even if you plan on dining out a lot while getting settled. 

Clean first

There is no better time to do a thorough cleaning of the home than before any of your belongings are unpacked. If you are not able to do a deep cleaning yourself then line up a professional to assist you. 

Centralize paperwork

Things can get busy after you depart from the closing table as you will have all of your documents along with anything else that you collect as you then deal with movers etc. Keep one big folder with everything together in a central place so that nothing gets lost and can be filed neatly away when you move in.

Utilities and address change

Set up your utilities and change your address before moving. This is also the perfect time to make sure you order any other services you may need such as lawn care, house cleaning, etc. 

Furniture placement

Some homeowners may have a good idea of how they want to arrange furniture from when they toured the home, but if you are at a loss you can set it up like your previous home or revisit the listing photos and follow how the seller had it. You can always modify it after living in it for a while.

Door locks and passcodes

After you move in you should schedule to have the locks changed as you don’t know who may have copies. Also reset or change any other passcodes such as garages, cameras or any keypads too. 

Smoke detectors

Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for proper function and replace all of the batteries and get on an annual maintenance cycle. 

Comfort kids and pets

Moving to a new home is exciting for kids but with some unsettling moments. Involving your kids in the fun activities like selecting paint colors and furniture placement in their rooms can be helpful. Get their help with unpacking so they know where things are. Pets can be more of a challenge as you aren’t able to tell them what is happening. Avoid washing their toys and beds so they retain their smell and put these items in the home before letting them in so they are greeted with the familiar scents. 

Shutoffs and extinguishers

Don’t stumble through the dark looking for the circuit panel or scramble to find the water shut off should there be a plumbing problem. Find the location of all important controls for the home as soon as you move in.

Know the neighborhood

Walking through the neighborhood is a way to not only check out the nearby parks and businesses but can also assist you with meeting the neighbors. Introduce yourself, family members and also any pets you have.

Celebrate and relax

Once you have finished with all of the essentials then take time to enjoy your new home and relax. Celebrate with a bottle of champagne in your new kitchen or indulge in your favorite take out on the back patio. It is now yours!