Simple-yet-essential tasks for new homeowners to complete before their big move:
-Make copies of important real estate documents and store them in a safe place. Buying a home means lots of paperwork, and some of those documents – like the property deed, home inspection report, and disclosures – are vitally important.
-Change your address and set up your Updating your address online with the United States Postal Service only takes a minute. And, if you’re moving to a state with deregulated markets for electricity or natural gas, you may get to choose the companies from which you purchase your energy.
-Locate shut-off valves and circuit breakers. In the event of a plumbing or natural gas leak, you’ll want the ability to shut your main valves without a moment’s delay. And you can’t perform electrical maintenance or reset a tripped circuit breaker if you don’t know where the breaker box is.
-Re-key locks and update keypads. It’s a small job that delivers big on peace of mind.
-Check the water heater. You should have a good idea of the water heater’s condition from the home inspection, but it’s still smart to look around for leaks, check the pressure relief valve, and flush the tank when you first move in.
-Check the HVAC systems and filters. A dirty and inefficient HVAC system can affect your indoor air quality and drive up your utility bills. Schedule any overdue maintenance, and stock up on replacement filters in your system’s size.
-Do a deep cleaning. The best time to deep-clean your new home is before you move in, so take a day and make sure you get in all those nooks and crannies, like behind the laundry machines and under the refrigerator.
-Consider an energy audit. A thorough audit can identify opportunities for HVAC savings by adding insulation, replacing weather stripping, and sealing cracks. (Keep in mind, this work might be easier prior to move-in.)
-Use your home inspection report to plan future upgrades. Even if the report shows your home is in excellent condition, some maintenance – like replacing the roof or the HVAC system – is inevitable. Planning for replacement now will pay off in the future.
-Create a seasonal home maintenance checklist. Upgrading to a new home can mean unfamiliar chores, like winterizing a swimming pool or opening a sprinkler system for spring. Get to know your home’s unique needs and create a schedule to help you ease into the new routine.
-Meet the neighbors. You don’t just have a new home – you have a new community. It’s common for neighbors to be curious when a moving truck pulls up on the block, so if you see them looking your way, wave hello and take a moment to introduce yourself.
-Familiarize yourself with your home warranty. Household breakdowns will happen sooner or later, so make sure you’re ready to take advantage of your home warranty by reviewing what’s covered and how to file a claim. There may also be benefits in your home warranty that you aren’t taking advantage of.