Buying a house is a great experience, and you can’t wait for the mortgage to be approved so that you can move in with your partner or friend. Once the big day arrives, you will be so proud to call yourself a homeowner. It’s an incredible feeling to own something so concrete. There are some very important things you should do though when you move into a new property, and we talk through 15 here.
Sign up for Home and Contents Insurance
When you move into a new property, it’s hard to think about potential disasters that might occur in your new home. But it’s paramount to make sure you have the right cover to protect you and your loved ones if something happened in your home. Make sure you don’t go for the first one you see, though. Some websites such as US Insurance Online will help you compare covers so that you can find a decent one. They will pay out if things happen out of your control. You should make sure you look through all the policy details before committing to an insurer. Then you will have a good idea of what you are paying for, and where you stand in different situations. It’s also important to get contents insurance. It is particularly useful if you have belongings of high value such as a TV or a sofa. Contents insurance will cover you if these are destroyed in a fire, or if you have an accident and need them replacing. If you get both, you often get a good discount on the cost.
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Call your Bill Providers
Make sure you ask the Estate Agent if they can ask the previous homeowner for the details of the providers for the home. You can then call the gas or electric provider and let them know you are living there, and sort out a monthly or quarterly bill. You should also inform the water board that you will be paying from now on. As for Phone, Internet and TV, check whether there is a phone line running through the property and if there is an aerial on the roof. You can then check on providers websites such as Comcast if they offer services in your area. If they were already in the property with the previous homeowner, then it will be an easy switchover. Otherwise, you could be waiting a fortnight to watch your favorite TV show.
Get your keys cut
If you are moving in with another person, you will both need a set of keys for the property. Therefore, it’s a good idea to get them cut and make sure you get a spare one or two sets which you could leave with a trusted family member or friend. You could also change the locks when you move in. A lot of people don’t bother though. This video tells you about the importance of why you should. You could always get a locksmith in to change the locks when you move in. Then you know nobody else has keys to your property, apart from the ones you give out. It’s worth checking the locks to gates, windows and sheds too, to see if you need new sets for these.
Clean the property
It’s important to make sure that you clean the property thoroughly when you get the keys to your new house. There would have been many people looking through the house while it’s been up for sale, so you don’t know what germs may be around the property. Also, when the previous homeowner moved out, they may have left marks via moving their stuff into the removal van. You could always get a professional cleaner in if you don’t have the time to do it yourself. It’s a good idea to do it before you move your stuff in. It will also give you an idea of objects that might need to be replaced.
Unpack your stuff
It may seem obvious but when you move into a property, it’s important to unpack your stuff and not leave it for another day. A lot of new homeowners leave stuff in boxes for ages without sorting it correctly. And, therefore, they end up misplacing their favorite things. It can mean you end up buying more stuff that isn’t necessary. So save some money and empty your stuff ASAP.
Update the carpet
When you move into a property, you should update the carpet so that it looks nicer. Go through each room and see which rooms definitely need an update. There may be marks from wear on the carpet that you do not want in your new home. Go down to your local store and see what deals are on. If you have several which needs changing, you might get a good discount.
Repaint the walls
When moving into a property, you should decide which rooms will need redecorating. It’s good to give your home a personal look, so therefore, you may want to repaint or wallpaper the rooms. Decide on a theme for the room, and choose a color which would be suitable. Remember that it may be that color for a while, so don’t make any rash decisions. It would be wise to do this before you move your belongings in so that you can get to the walls properly. If you are not very good at doing this, it would be a very good idea to check out the cost of a local decorator who would be able to sort it for you.
Introduce yourself to the neighbors
People used to spend a lot of time with their neighbors, but now people often don’t know who lives next door to them. In fact, a lot of people can go for years without seeing their neighbor, and many don’t even get on due to disputes. It’s best to start off well with your neighbor as they may end up taking in your mail. And if you were ever alone, you then know you could speak to them if there was any problem. We’re not saying you need to knock on the door, but if you see them leaving the property, or arriving home, take the time to say hello.
Change doctors
Changing your doctors will be necessary if you have moved away from your local area. Unfortunately, you have to be in the vicinity to be registered with your doctor, so if you have moved away, they will not come out if you are unwell. Research the local area on the Healthgrades website to find out where your nearest doctors are, and then you can go in and sign up. It’s best to go sooner rather than later just in case you get poorly.
Find a landscaper for your garden
When you move into a property, it’s a good idea to sort out the garden ready for the warmer months. It’s often left overgrown when you move in because the owner will spend less time out there when they know they are moving. If it’s not designed how you like, you could try and sort it yourself. However, if it’s going to be a big job, you could contact a Landscapers. Firms such as http://www.poynterlandscape.com/landscape-architecture/ will be able to give you a quote. And they will be able to make the most of the space that’s there. It’s important to make it look beautiful for when you move in, rather than having to worry about sorting it out later.
Sort out parking
When you move in, it’s essential to find out whether there are any specific parking spots which you own. You can also ask the solicitor as it should say on your deeds where your parking spots are. If it’s off-road parking, you should ask the previous owner where they used to park, as you don’t want to upset the neighbors by taking their spot. Some roads you will need to put a permit on your car to show that you live down there. Read more about parking here.
Throw a Housewarming Party
Now that you have moved into your property, it’s time to let people know that you are now living there. First, you should send your new address to your friends and family so that they know where they should send the post in the future. After all, it’s fun receiving Birthday cards and Christmas cards at your new address. Next, you should invite people to a housewarming party. It’s a great way of showing them your new haunts, and any decorating you have done since you moved in. Just make sure you don’t invite anyone who might cause a mess in your new property!
Remember that moving into a house is great, but if you don’t do the above things, it won’t run smoothly. After all, it’s one of the largest purchases you will ever make, so you need to get it right.
