You’ve done it! You found your dream home, successfully completed the buying process, and made it through move-in day. So…now what? The first 30 days in your new space are exciting but can also feel overwhelming as you settle in, unpack, and start making it your own. From organizing and decorating to handling those unexpected surprises that come with homeownership, this is the time to establish routines and set the tone for your new life. In this blog, we’ll guide you through key tasks to tackle during your first month, helping you feel comfortable, confident, and fully at home in no time.
Deep Clean your New Home
If possible, try to schedule a deep clean of the home’s interior before bringing all of your stuff inside. This way, you’ll have the cleanest slate possible when you go to unpack. If scheduling a cleaning beforehand is not in the cards, set aside time on moving day to tackle priority areas like the kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms before unpacking boxes. Even a quick wipe-down of surfaces and vacuuming can make a big difference! You can choose to either deep clean the home yourself, or you can hire professional cleaners to come in and tackle this project for you.
Organize your Items BEFORE Unpacking
Moving into your new house is super exciting, and it may be tempting to rip open all your boxes and get to work. However, doing this too quickly can result in the day ending with exhaustion and stuff being EVERYWHERE! To avoid being overwhelmed surrounded by your own clutter, start by moving the packed boxes into the rooms they belong to. Put all your cooking supplies in the kitchen, your box of sheets and pillows in your bedroom, and so on. Once you complete this step, then start unpacking room by room. This process allows you to unpack in chunks and give you a less daunting unpacking experience.
Safety First! 4 Must-Do’s to Ensure your New Home is Safe:
- Change the locks. Just in case there are extra keys floating around from the previous owners, be sure to change all the exterior locks to secure your new home.
- Consider investing in a security system. Doing this can provide additional peace of mind when living in a new space. Look into different security cameras, alarm systems, and other security technology to protect yourself and other occupants.
- Install safety measures for young children and/or pets. If you are a parent to young children or fur-babies, make sure to install safety precautions to protect them. These can include but are not limited to window guards, gates, and anchoring large pieces of furniture to the walls.
- Check that your detectors are in working order. Having properly functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can literally save your life. When you move into your home, check to make sure both are working, and change out the batteries if necessary. And of course, be sure to change the batteries every six months.
Check the Home’s Systems
Within your first month in the home, be sure to take a good look at the home’s major systems to ensure that nothing was missing during the final walkthrough. Here are the most important systems to inspect:
HVAC System
This includes your air conditioning, heating systems, and thermostats. Making sure all of these systems are functioning correctly will keep the temperate in your home comfortable, as well as avoiding having a cold house in the winter or a hot house in the summer! It’s also recommended to regularly change the filters on your HVAC systems along with having them serviced at least once a year.
Plumbing
Walk through the whole property and test that all faucets are working correctly. Be sure to also look closely for any visible signs of leaking or dips. Additionally, keep a close eye on the condition of your water heater.
Electrical
Test all of the electrical outlets and switches in the home to ensure that all are in working order. If any are faulty, be prompt in replacing them to ensure the safety of yourself and the home’s other residents. You should also familiarize yourself with the circuit break or fuse box location. If not already done, label each circuit so you can navigate any electrical problems that may arise.
Roof and Attic
First, look at the roof for missing, damaged, or aging shingles which might need repair or replacement to prevent water damage. Then, if you have one, examine the attic for signs of leaks, insulation issues, or pest infestation, which could affect your home’s overall structure.
Transfer Utilities and Set Up Essential Services
You’ll also want to make sure you transfer these utilities as soon as possible:
- Water/Sewer: Ensure these services are transferred and operational.
- Gas and Electricity: Contact providers to transfer service into your name.
- Trash Collection (if applicable): Set up services in accordance with local guidelines.
Additionally, don’t forget to set up important services such as TV, internet, and phone! Schedule your installation appointments soon after moving in to avoid any service disruptions.
Update your Address
Another important step to tackle within your first 30 days of living in a new home is to update your address. This ensures that you continue to receive mail and services without any interruptions. Contact the United States Postal Service to set up a mail forwarding service from your old address to your new one. This service can be easily arranged online or at any local post office, and it helps bridge any gaps while you update your address with various institutions.
On the same note, it’s also crucial to update your billing address on for important accounts to make sure you continue to receive any important bills by mail. This can include but is not limited to credit card companies, banks, utilities, or any other service you have that sends paper bills. If you frequently online shop, be sure to update your address on those sites as well so you avoid accidentally shipping packages to your old address.
This step should take priority, as you also won’t want to miss any important mailings from the government or your employers including tax returns, vehicle registrations, or jury duty summons. Updating any legal collateral such as your driver’s license, car insurance, or any other vital documents should be done promptly.
For all of your home buying and selling needs, Lamacchia Realty can help!
As you embark on this new life change, remember that you can you have a reliable professional in your corner! Whether it’s understanding complex documents, setting up services, or even making long-term plans for your new home, I am here to assist you. As an expert REALTOR® with Lamacchia Realty, I understand the nuances of settling into a new home and are equipped to help you navigate every aspect of homeownership. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or simply need expert advice, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let me help you make your new house a true home.