So, you’ve finally closed on the house of your dreams and are ready to move into your new home. While the hard work of finding your house and handling negotiations is over, you still have some work to do before you can spend your first night there. Keep the following new home checklist in mind for a smooth transition:
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Keep a Copy of All Housing Documents
One day, you’ll need to locate a copy of your important housing documents. Prepare for this day now by making three (or more) copies of your closing documents. Place the original closing documents in your bank’s safe-deposit box but have your copies accessible at home. Use the third copy to let home insurance providers set up the coverage.
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Change Your Locks
If you have manual locks around the house, now is the time to change them. While they may have been changed recently, you never know how many copies of a key were made or who might have access to those keys. Be sure to account for every door in the house and make sure that you have new locks for each door.
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Reset Keypad Codes
If there are any numeric entry codes, be sure to reset them. While the previous owner may have left instructions, if they didn’t, simply go online to look up the necessary instructions. If all else fails, reach out to a locksmith to help you change the codes.
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Personalize the Mailbox
To make it easier for any delivery people to find your home, be sure to put your full name and address by the mailbox. This is the easiest way to ensure that you will get all the packages you order. Moreover, it will make it easier for friends to find your new place.
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Adjust Your Hot Water Heater
It’s always good to check the hot water heater in your home, especially if you have children. If the hot water heater is set too high, your kids may accidentally burn themselves in the bath or shower. When adjusting the heater, 120-degree Fahrenheit is ideal.
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Arrange for a Deep Cleaning
Whether you enjoy cleaning, or you’d rather hire someone to help you out, arranging a deep cleaning is an important part of preparing your home. You’ll want to ensure all areas like a carpet, swimming pool, home gym, hot tub, and HVAC units are thoroughly sanitized. This will remove all traces from the previous owners, as well as get rid of any dust and dirt.
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Update Your Address
While your close friends and family know that you are moving, you need to take the time to change your address with other people. Contact any loan companies, financial institutions, your employer, and any utility providers to inform them of your new address. Additionally, be sure to change your address with the postal service to ensure that any other incoming mail will come to your new address.
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Measure Your Windows
The time before you’ve moved all your furniture in is the best time to take measurements of everything. Similarly, now is the time to decide what treatments you would like and to start shopping for them. With an entirely empty house, you’ll be able to install them easily.
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Freshen the Interior
Hate the carpet? Want to repaint the interior walls? It’s best to do this before you move in. This will ensure that you have time to air everything out before your family moves into the home.
It’s natural to be excited about moving into a new space. As you get ready to start your new life, don’t forget to go through this post-closing checklist before moving in.