The day has finally come! You’ve signed all the documents, the money has been wired and you are a home owner! What an exciting time for you! Now that the dust is beginning to settle, you may wonder if there are things you should be doing before you move into your new home. Here are a few suggestions:
Inspect The Home
Be sure that all the agreed upon items are still in the home and in working condition. If there is something missing or broken, your real estate professional can help with this.
Change The Locks
It is smart to schedule a locksmith or a DIY project to change the locks on your home. There are probably multiple keys for the existing locks out there, which means multiple people may have access to your home. It is better to be safe than sorry.
Do A Deep Clean
Before the movers drop off all your boxes and furniture, it is wise to do a deep clean. Do it yourself or hire a cleaning service. Just do it. The cleaning will go faster when there are not boxes everywhere.
Locate The Emergency Shut Off Valve
Now is the time to locate the emergency shut off valve for the water main in your home, before you actually need it. If the water heater breaks and leaks water all over the floor, you’ll need to know how to stop the water flow quickly.
Locate The Fuse Box
It is important to know the location of the fuse box in case the electricity goes out.
Test The Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
You should test the smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors before moving into your home. Replace batteries so that you know they are functioning properly. Get into the habit of changing the batteries out every six months.
Contact The Utility Companies
If you did not contact the utility companies to transfer utilities into your name prior to the closing, you should do it right away. They are your financial responsibility on the date of closing. Disconnections and restart fees cost money.
Update Your Address with The Post Office
If you have not already done so, it is wise to complete a change of address form with the post office prior to moving into your new home. The address change process takes time and you do not want to miss a bill payment because you didn’t receive your mail.
These 8 items are just a few tasks to consider before you move into your home. They are easy enough to complete before the movers arrive and you’re knee-deep in boxes. They will help get you settled for your new home.
If you’re just beginning your search in Carmel, IN or the surrounding areas, Keith Albrecht and his team of Hamilton County real estate experts are always eager to lend a helping hand. Call us today at 317.590.7878 or keith@keithshomes.com .
