Five Quick Tips After You Move In To Your New Home

There is more to moving into your new home than just unpacking

So you moved into your new home. Packed boxes sit on your floors and furniture has yet to find its proper place. While unpacking and arranging the rooms within your new home are typically the focus of the move-in process, there are several other equally as important tasks that should be carried out before you settle in.

Change the locks
Although you were given the keys to your home at closing, there is no telling how many copies are out there. The past owners likely gave keys to family and possibly to friends or a neighbor. Changing locks is relatively easy and not very expensive.

Re-program the garage door opener
Same as changing your locks, you never know if there is another garage door opener out there. Most garage door openers have reset buttons that will change the code used to open your door. If you do not have the original manual with instructions, give the manufacturer a call for help or download the manual from the Internet. If there is a keypad mounted by the door, make sure to also change that password.

Install new batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
In Massachusetts, the local fire department has tested on behalf of the seller the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home before the closing; however, it doesn't hurt to replace the batteries.

Change the furnace filter
Many furnace manufacturers recommend filters being replaced once a month during the heating season. Not all heating systems have filters, but those that do should be replace per manufacturer's instructions. While some of the high-end filters don’t require so much attention, it is still a good idea to check the filter each month, and it is always a good idea to change the filter when moving into a new place. Who knows how long it’s been since the past owners changed the filter. A good home inspecter probably showed you how to change the filter, or as least located it for you, during the home inspection. 

Replace the toilet seats
Maybe you won’t be bothered by using the current toilet seat, but most people prefer to purchase new ones.  Enough said.

Comments

[Darius Degross]

Well, having a day for general cleaning may sound a bit iffy when you hear it at first, but it's actually worth the added effort. Besides, those tips are necessary for security and safety purposes so first-time movers should put those pieces of advices on their list, aside from the boxes.