New Home Checklist for a Smooth Move-In

CONGRATULATIONS…you just bought your new home. Besides the actual moving in, is your head spinning as to which things to first tackle? Listed in this brief post are some tasks to keep at the top of your ‘To Do’ list, ensuring you’ve set yourself up for a smooth transition into your new home.

1)      SECURITY and SAFETY

Change all locks and codes. Assess any entry points to your home to make certain they are safe

and secure. Check the batteries in all safety alarms, fire alarms, and carbon monoxide detectors.

Locate circuit boxes, and review emergency procedures and shut offs.

2)      CONNECT UTILITIES

A short list includes: electricity, gas, water/sewer, trash/recycling, cable/internet.

3)      CHANGE ADDRESS, FORWARD MAIL, COMPLETE PAPERWORK

As soon as possible, update your address with USPS. Notify credit card providers, employers, IRS/state tax agencies, banks, and insurance companies of your change in address. Visit the DMV website for state driver’s license requirements. Update your voter registration.

4)      APPLIANCES and HVAC/WATER FILTERS

Locate appliance manuals, paying close attention to operating and safety directions. Change the HVAC and water filters. Consider having the water tested for contaminants.

5)      MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

Developing a home maintenance schedule is a great approach to spread the tasks out over time. Some items to add to your list include: dryer hoses and vents, pressure washing your home’s exterior, replacing air filters, cleaning gutters, HVAC maintenance, refrigerator maintenance (inspect door gaskets, replace water filter, empty ice bins), drain water heater yearly (consider having tank descaled by a professional).

6)      HOME INSPECTION ITEMS

Create a checklist of projects to complete based on your home inspection report.

7)      CLOSING DOCUMENTS

Make copies of your closing documents and place them in safekeeping.

8)      CLEAN and PAINT

If time permits, clean and paint your home prior to your move-in. It is much simpler to accomplish a thorough cleaning and painting before your items have arrived in your home.

9)      INTRODUCE YOURSELF!!!

Make yourself known to your neighbors. Perhaps the concept of neighbors greeting the new homeowners with a freshly baked pie, is a ‘thing of the past’. Rather than waiting for your neighbors to show up on your doorstep, be the first one to reach out.

Welcome to your new home! The team at Sandi Downing Real Estate/KW is here to answer your questions and assist you with your real estate needs and expectations. Reach out to us today!