Things to Check Before Moving Into a New House

Child/Pet Proof Your Home

If you have children and pets, take the time to make your home safe for them. If there is exposed wiring in any areas, for example, then cover them up and clear them away. Your home should be a sanctuary for your children and pets. If you do not take the time to safety proof the property, then you risk injuring or hurting them.

Plan Everything!

A good way to de-stress the moving process is to plan where your furniture is going to go before you move in. Your first few days in a new property should be a time of relaxation and settling in. You should not be worrying about interior design! Go through your home room by room and work out where everything is going to go. Have your children give their opinion and let them design their own rooms. Plan everything meticulously.

Set Your Utilities Up

A big mistake made by many people moving home is delaying utility setup. If you do not contact your gas and electricity providers immediately, you may end up on a more expensive tarriff. You will also need to contact your broadband provider at least two weeks in advance and ask them to move your connection. If you do not plan ahead, your first few days in your new home may be stressful.

Fuse Box and Water Stop Cock

Identifying the location of your fuse box and the water stopcock is also very important. In times of emergency, you will need to know where they both are. They are usually in the basement or hallway. Your water valve may also be under the kitchen sink. If you are moving into an apartment, then they will probably be downstairs in the building’s utility cupboard.

Deep Clean

It’s always important to deep clean a property before you move in. Even if the house seems clean, and so did the former owners or tenants, you can never be sure. You do not want to be living in other people’s dirt. If you are not up for the mammoth task of cleaning an entire house or apartment yourself, then you can hire a professional cleaner to come and do it for you. Deep cleaning your new home can allow you to become further acquainted with your home before you move in, however. Be sure to go easy on the chemicals – in recent years it has been discovered that harsh chemicals like bleach can have a detrimental effect on your health.

Change the Locks

This can’t be stressed enough. It is not uncommon for previous tenants or owners to try to gain access to properties long into the future. Instead of risking your safety and your belongings, change the locks. You never know who had a key before you moved in. A jilted lover perhaps, or maybe even someone completely unrelated to the family that stole their keys. Leaving your locks unchanged opens you up to burglary and theft. Changing the locks to your new property does not cost a lot of money, and it can keep you and your family safe. Make sure to always change the locks!

Wooden Floors and Surfaces

Another good thing to know is whether or not the surfaces and wooden floors in your new home need special cleaning products. Preserving and looking after surfaces and flooring is very important, especially if you are renting. If you damage anything, you will be liable to pay for it after you move out. They will likely deduct the costs from your deposit. If you are unsure, ask the estate agent if they have any tips for you.

Bin Collection Day

It’s also good to know in advance which day the bins are collected. Not knowing your bin day can be an absolute nightmare, especially if you have an entire family’s worth of rubbish building up. You can research and find out which days your bins are collected on your local government authority website. Alternatively, you could just go and ask the neighbors if you’re up for that!

Warranties and Manuals

When you move into a new home, it’s not uncommon to find electronics and appliances already there. It’s good to know which appliances are covered by warranty, and which are not. It is also good to read their individual manuals to learn how to use them instead of guessing. The oven, fridge, and washing machine are examples of appliances you would typically find.

Paint

If you’re going to be painting, check your garage and see if you have any paint that is the same colour as the walls in your new home. Paint can be very expensive. Try to save as much money as you can on the cost of the paint. 

Finding a house painter can be easy in the UK but it might not be as easy in other countries such as Australia. If you are in Australia, you can find a house painter near you online by searching through local providers. In the UK, cheaper painters are ubiquitous and you won’t have as much trouble finding the right help.

A Final Walkthrough

In the days leading up to you moving into your new home, give it a final walkthrough. Go through and examine and study everything. Make sure you’re happy with everything, and if you’re not, fix them before you move in. It can be a massive headache to have repairs outstanding on the day that you move in. Make sure that everything’s done prior to the big day.

Moving into a new home doesn’t need to be stressful, especially when you have this article to help you. Take a deep breath, follow this guide, and get comfortable in your new home. Good luck.