Moving into a new house takes careful planning and the ability to adjust on the fly. Once you’re done unpacking, it’s important to tackle key tasks. These include changing locks, setting up utilities, and starting a deep cleaning routine to make your new place feel like home.
Moving isn’t cheap. U.S. News and World Report says it can cost between $1,000 and $8,800. That’s why keeping track of all your moving company dealings is vital. Also, many find packing overwhelming, so taking an extra 2 to 3 days off can help. Plus, it’s smart to keep important papers safe and arrange the right transportation ahead of time.
Dealing with movers, safeguarding important papers, and arranging transport are key to avoiding problems later. Also, cleaning your old home helps the next occupants and ensures you leave nothing behind. Most new homeowners swap out locks in the first week. About 25% also get a security system in the first month.
These steps don’t just keep your home secure; they make it safer and longer-lasting. Before things to do in a new house unpacking, a good clean reduces allergens, helping many new homeowners. Also, setting up must-have utilities right away, like the internet and electricity, keeps you comfortable and connected without interruptions.
Once settled, there are specific things you should do. They include changing locks, doing a deep clean, activating utilities, and enhancing safety measures.
Changing Locks and Enhancing Security
When you move into your first home, making it secure should top your list. Changing the locks is a key step to ensure your home is safe. This first things to do in a new house stops anyone with an old key from getting in. Knowing what to do right when you move can help you feel safer.
Getting a professional locksmith can make changing locks easy. The cost for their services ranges from $80 to $200. If money is tight, think about rekeying your locks instead. You can buy a rekeying kit for $15 to $25. It’s an easy job you can do in one day. Professional first things to do when moving into a new home rekeying or getting help at a hardware store are affordable options too.
Things to do when you move into a new house: For those wanting the best in security, smart locks and high-security deadbolts are top choices. They may be pricey, but they’re tough against break-ins, cutting the risk by more than half. Smart locks are becoming more popular. They’re expected to grow by 27.5% each year until 2028. They let you control access remotely and work with home systems.
Let’s look at the costs and benefits of different lock changes:
| Service or Product | Average Cost | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Deadbolt Lock Kit | $35 to $50 | Sturdy, resistant to forced entry, popular for residential use |
| Smart Locks | A few hundred dollars | Provides remote access control and integrates with smart home systems |
| Professional Locksmith Labor | $80 to $200 | Expert installation, peace of mind |
| DIY Rekeying Kit | $15 to $25 | Cost-effective, easy to do yourself |
| Professional Rekeying Service | $80 to $160 | Affordable, increases security |
About 60% of homeowners don’t change their locks when moving in, which is risky. Ideally, change your locks when you buy the house or in the first week. What to do when moving into a new house: Also, keeping locks clean and lubricated can make them last 20% longer. Doing this helps keep your home and family secure.
Deep Cleaning Your New Home
Moving into a new house means you need to deep clean it to ensure it’s healthy and fresh. Our guide covers everything from vacuuming floors to reaching those hard-to-get spots. We offer tips and tricks to make cleaning efficient and easy.
Things to do when you move into a new house: A study found that 30% of homeowners discover mold or mildew in windowsills. It’s vital to check these areas carefully. To remove mold, mix 1 part chlorine bleach with 3 parts warm water. Surprisingly, over 100,000 bacteria per square inch live in bathrooms, leading 55% of people to clean them first.
When it comes to kitchens, 65% clean countertops first while 60% thoroughly clean appliances like ovens and fridges. Using natural cleaners like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon works well against grime. Make sure to clean the fridge and toilet right after moving in for hygiene and food safety.
Here’s a checklist to help you deep clean your new home:
- Inspect and clean all windowsills to ensure they are free from mold or mildew.
- Begin with the bathrooms, using bleach and warm water for mold, and rubber gloves for thorough cleaning.
- Deep clean the kitchen, focusing on countertops, sinks, and appliances. Consider using baking soda for odor and stain removal.
- Replace old shelf liners and clean cabinet handles, light fittings, and baseboards thoroughly.
- Use steam cleaners for curtains, carpets, and any soft furnishings, especially in rental properties.
- Check for maintenance issues such as leaks, damages, or pest infestations during the cleaning process.
- Allow cleaning solutions to sit for a few minutes on surfaces to enhance efficiency.
- Clean from top to bottom to avoid dirt falling onto already cleaned areas.
After these steps, 70% of homeowners feel more comfortable in their clean homes. It makes the space welcoming before moving things in. A professional cleaning service can help a lot, especially if pets lived there before or it was empty for a while.
| Task | Percentage of Homeowners | Recommended Cleaning Method |
|---|---|---|
| Clean bathrooms | 55% | Use bleach solutions and rubber gloves |
| Clean kitchen counters | 65% | Natural agents like vinegar and baking soda |
| Clean appliances | 60% | Thoroughly clean with appropriate solutions |
| Replace shelf liners | 50% | Remove old liners and clean surfaces before replacement |
Deep cleaning your new home is key for a healthy and happy living space. Using our guide helps ensure your home is perfect from day one.
Setting Up Utilities and Essential Services
Things to do when you move into a new house: When you move to a new place, setting up things like water, power, gas, and the internet is key. This makes sure your move goes smoothly and your new home is comfortable. It’s best to handle this before you move to prevent any issues.
Start with reaching out to local companies to line up all the services you need. You might schedule the start of your electrical and gas services three weeks before you move. Remember, there might be fees for setting up or transferring services, and you may need to pass a credit check. For example, in Ohio, you can choose who supplies your electric and gas.
Then, think about moving your current service contracts, like phone or internet, to your new home. These services should be planned between one and two weeks ahead to avoid any interruptions. On moving day, make sure all services are correctly turned on or off to avoid being charged wrongly.
- Electricity: The average home in the U.S. uses about 911 kWh of electricity monthly. Installation should be set within three days, or 10 if building work is needed, from your chosen date.
- Natural Gas: This heats around half of the homes in the U.S. Contact the company at least a week ahead for setup.
- Water: Your water bill usually includes fixed and usage-based charges. The process for starting service can vary a lot, based on the provider.
- Internet and Phone: Book these at least two weeks early. Phone setups should be finished within five days from the planned date.
Also, things to do when you move into a new house don’t forget to arrange for household services like trash pickup and yard care. The cost for garbage and recycling services differ across states, due to local policies.
Shopping around for the best deals on services can save you a lot of money. Electricity costs, for example, vary significantly from Louisiana to Hawaii. Check if there are any assistance programs for utilities, particularly if you have a low income. These can greatly reduce your monthly bills.
| Utility | Average Consumption/Cost | Setup Time | Special Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity | 911 kWh/month | 3-10 days | Cost varies by state: $81 in LA, $246 in HI |
| Natural Gas | 50% homes use for heating | 1 week prior | Security deposit may be required |
| Water | Includes service and usage costs | Varies | Depends on supplier type |
| Internet/Phone | Varies | 2 weeks to 1 month | Need to schedule in advance |
Efficiently arranging for your utilities and services helps make your move worry-free. By planning ahead and exploring your options, you can ensure your new home is all set up. This way moving into your first home, you’ll get good services at fair prices and can fully enjoy your new space.
Things to Do When You Move into a New House
Moving into a new house calls for a thoughtful way to unpack and arrange your space. Start with areas like the bedroom and kitchen to get settled quickly. This lets us keep our daily life running smoothly.
It’s also vital to make a list of your stuff as you unpack. This makes organizing easier and helps with getting rid of clutter. Knowing what we have and where it’s kept cuts down the stress of moving.
Don’t forget to update your address with companies and banks you use. This keeps your services going and makes sure your mail is correct. Missing this step could mean lost bills or important paperwork.
Getting what to do when you first move into a house to know the local community is key too. Talking to neighbors and joining in on local events helps make friends and find what’s nearby. It’s been found that being part of local activities increases how much we interact with others by 30%.
- Prioritize unpacking high-traffic areas like the kitchen and bedroom for immediate functionality.
- Keep an inventory of belongings to aid in organization and decluttering.
- Update your address with service providers and financial institutions to ensure continuous service and correspondence.
- Engage with neighbors and participate in community events to build rapport and familiarize with local resources.
| Task | Impact |
|---|---|
| Unpack bedroom and kitchen first | Provides immediate functionality |
| Create an inventory | Aids in organization and decluttering |
| Update address with service providers | Ensures uninterrupted services |
| Engage with neighbors | Builds rapport and helps discover local resources |
Knowing where things like the main water valve and electrical panel are is crucial. This knowledge is key in handling emergencies. Being familiar with these can prevent many electrical accidents in the home.
Wait a bit before starting big changes like renovations, ideally 12 to 18 months. This time helps us figure out how to make the space better suit our lifestyle. Starting with simple upkeep, like cleaning fridge coils and AC units, saves energy costs.
Safety Measures to Implement
Making your new home safe is key to feeling secure and at peace. Start by installing smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors. The National Fire Protection Association says 71% of home fire deaths happen in homes without working smoke detectors. So, testing them twice a year is vital because 30% of homes find issues with these tools when they move in. Also, having a fire extinguisher on each floor can cut down fire injuries by up to 30%.
Childproofing your home is another critical step. This means securing cabinets, fitting gates on stairs, and covering electrical outlets. Childproofing can lower injury risks for little ones by up to 70%. It can also remove up to 90% of home dangers. Plus, knowing your local emergency services and escape routes is crucial. A good family escape plan can reduce risks by 25% during emergencies.
It’s also important to regularly check emergency appliances. Make sure smoke detectors, carbon monoxide monitors, and fire extinguishers work well. Changing their batteries often can lower the chances of fire deaths by 50%. Moreover, checking for plumbing leaks and changing HVAC filters can avoid expensive fixes and boost system efficiency by 15%. Yet, about 40% of homeowners don’t check for leaks, risking further damage.
Lastly, make sure you know how the circuit breaker works. Teach everyone in the house too. 65% of people buying homes overlook this, leading to problems when the power goes out. All these steps are vital for making your home safe and secure.