Moving into a new home is exciting
Moving into a new home is exciting and, if we’re being honest, a little overwhelming. While we wish it was a simple as unlocking the front door and settling in, there’s a lot that goes into buying a home – both before and after you move in. If you’re a list-maker and want to make sure you’re ready to move into your new home, you’ve come to the right place. Changing Spaces Moving, Inc., a locally owned and family-operated moving company serving Greater Birmingham and the Huntsville metro, has put together a list of tasks that we believe are must-dos and should-dos before you move into your new home.
Change your locks
When you buy a new home, there’s no way to account for all the keys the previous owners made or distributed. That’s why it’s imperative to change the locks on all your exterior doors right away. You should also update codes to keypad door locks and garage doors.
Floor to ceiling deep cleaning
It doesn’t matter if you’ve purchased the home brand new or from another family, there will be dirt, grime, and maybe even animal hair, dust, or other allergens that need to be attended to before you move in. We highly recommend cleaning and/or scrubbing every surface of the new home including carpeted and hardwood floors, walls and baseboards, ceilings, cupboards and cabinets, kitchen appliances (including refrigerator coils), toilets, showers, and bathtubs, light fixtures, etc.
Locate your electrical panel
In case of emergency or if a breaker trips, you’ll need to know where to find the electrical panel that contains the circuit breakers. While most are located in basements, garages, and utility closets, not every home is the same. Take a few minutes to locate and familiarize yourself with your panel. When moving in, make sure you keep this area clear so you can access the panel in a hurry.
Know where your shut off valves are
In case you need to shut off the water to your entire house during a plumbing emergency, you should know where to find your main shut off valve. If you’re not sure where to look, check your home inspection report as it might be noted there.
Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), smoke detectors should be tested a least once a month and batteries should be replaced at least once or twice a year. Likewise, carbon monoxide detectors should be tested monthly and batteries replaced every six months. If you’re not sure if these tasks have been completed recently, you should do so before you and your family take residence. If your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are tied into your security system, you may need to coordinate testing with your security company.
Test your sump pump
Don’t wait for a heavy rainfall to occur before you check the status of your sump pump. Instead pour a bucket or two of water into the pump to make sure it turns on.
Paint while rooms are empty
Painting interior rooms BEFORE you move in takes less time and effort than trying to work around boxes and furniture. If you’re hiring a painter for the job, it might even save you money as they’ll spend less time navigating around your belongings.
Additional moving resources
For more moving tips, please check out these helpful articles:
3 Practical Tips To Make Your Move Less Stressful
Helping Seniors Downsize Before A Move
A Guide To Moving With Children
Request A Moving Estimate From Changings Spaces Moving, Inc.
At Changing Spaces Moving, Inc., we’ve been helping families move into new homes since 2003. Serving Mountain Brook, Hoover, Madison, and Huntsville as well as communities throughout the Greater Birmingham and Huntsville metros, our company offers full-service moving and packing services that make moving much easier. Request your free moving quote today!
