Buying a new home is an exciting experience that marks a unique milestone in your life. While this is certainly an achievement worth celebrating, it’s also important to take some time to ensure your property is clean, secure, and renovated to your liking. After all, many homes on the market can go months or even years without being occupied, so there’s often quite a bit of work to be done before your new house is 100% ready for you and your family. Read on to review an essential checklist for moving into a new home.

Change the Locks

First, you’ll want to change locks to all the entry points of your home. This way if anyone has a spare key to your house, they won’t be able to gain access when you’re not around. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean you have to install completely new locksets on every exterior door. Instead, ask a locksmith to simply rekey your existing locks to save time and money.

Set up the Utilities

After buying a home, you’ll want to schedule for the utilities to be turned on the same day you intend to begin moving in. This includes electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash collection. In some cases, you may be asked to provide a refundable deposit to your utility provider before you can activate services. If you have cable TV or internet, you’ll want to have this transferred to your new address as well.

Deep Clean

Remember that your new home has likely gone unoccupied for some time, so don’t be surprised to find dust or cobwebs in a few places. Take some time to wipe down all the surfaces in your home, especially in the kitchen and bathrooms. You’ll also want to vacuum all the carpets to clean up any allergens or particulates that could be clinging to the fibers. If you have hardwood floors, a quick once-over with a mop will do the trick.

Check Smoke and CO2 Detectors

Next, conduct a walk-through of the home to check the functionality of your smoke and CO2 detectors. As a general rule of thumb, at least one smoke detector and one CO2 detector should be installed on each floor of your house. Replace the batteries and run a test cycle on each detector to ensure they work properly.

Declutter

While moving into a new home, it often becomes clear just how much stuff you’ve accumulated over the years. Old furniture, heirlooms, clothing, books, and glassware may all carry sentimental meaning for you, but they also tend to take up a lot of space. While everything is still boxed up, take advantage of the opportunity to put some of your treasured belongings in self storage while you furnish the house to your liking. After you’ve unpacked all the essentials, you can return to your self storage unit to retrieve what you need.

Invest in Basic Home Security

The security of your new home should be a top priority. After all, it’s estimated that a criminal targets a home for burglary every 15 seconds in the United States. To discourage this from happening, it’s highly advisable to install one or more security cameras around the home to serve as a deterrent against would-be thieves. A simple home security camera mounted on the front porch is a must, but it’s also worth installing a second camera inside the home to detect movement when you’re not around. For peace of mind, purchase a security system that allows for easy monitoring from a mobile device so you can check on the home during vacation or while at work.

Change Out Air Filters

The indoor air quality of your home can have a huge impact on the health and well-being of your family. To ensure the indoor air is free of dust and other particulates, be sure to check the air filters in your air conditioning system shortly after moving in. Dirty air filters will struggle to keep the air circulating properly and can potentially contribute to respiratory problems inside the home, such as aggravating asthma or allergies. Once the filters are changed out, make a note to replace them every 3 months to keep your indoor air clean all year round.

Baby or Pet-Proof the Home

If you have a young child, you’ll want to take some time baby proofing certain areas of the home that could pose a hazard. This may include installing safety latches on cabinets that contain chemicals, placing safety gates to close dangerous areas such as pools or stairwells, and covering power outlets near the floor. Similar precautions should be taken if you’re bringing a pet into your new home.

Conduct Home Maintenance

Keeping up with regular home maintenance is essential to protecting your new investment. A few important chores on your home maintenance checklist should include landscaping the front or back yard, cleaning out the gutters annually, and visually inspecting the exterior of the home periodically for signs of foundation damage. If you have a chimney, it’s also a good idea to have the flume cleaned thoroughly before use. You may also want to have the roof inspected once a year for any damage or leaks that could potentially lead to costly repairs if left unresolved.

Paint the Bedroom

It’s amazing how a simple coat of paint can completely transform the way a room looks and feels. If your bedroom feels a little drab, collect some paint samples to find a color that matches your aesthetic taste and add a fresh coat to the walls. Just be sure to take precautions to protect your flooring, bedding, and belongings with tarps before you get started.

Update the Flooring

Changing the flooring in your house is a great way to add extra value to your home while making the interior completely your own. If your house is full of old carpet, consider replacing it with hardwood to give your home a more natural ambiance. Meanwhile, re-tiling the kitchen or bathroom floors can breathe new life into your house without breaking your budget.

Purchase a Home Warranty

While home insurance is essential to protecting your house from various known perils, with a home warranty from AFC, you’ll get coverage for so much more. Our home warranty plans protect your electronics, numerous appliances, plumbing lines, and even your home’s electrical systems. With 24/7 access to our expert in-house service team, we’ll ensure you receive professional support the moment you need it at an affordable price. To learn more and receive your free quote in just 30 seconds, contact AFC Home Warranty today to get started.