If you have kids or pets, consider installing safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs, adding outlet covers, storing long window cords, and locking cabinets to keep cleaners, hazardous materials, and sharp items out of reach. You should also have a fire escape plan in case of an emergency.
1. Check the Plumbing
A home’s plumbing system provides fresh, clean water for use in cooking, washing and cleaning, and removes waste efficiently. However, hidden plumbing issues can cause significant damage and expensive repairs if left untreated.
A plumbing inspection can uncover these issues before they become a problem, and help you avoid costly surprises in the future. It also enables you to negotiate with the seller and make any necessary adjustments to the sales price, if applicable.
Another important thing to do is to find the location of your new home’s main shut-off valve. You’ll need this in case of a major plumbing leak that needs to be shut off right away. You should also test the hot water to make sure it’s working properly. It’s easier to do this before the movers, such as the Calgary office mover, come in and start taking everything apart.
2. Check the Electrical
A good way to start off your new home is with a thorough electrical inspection. This helps to ensure that the wiring is up to code, and it can also identify any potential hazards that may be present.
This will help you feel confident that your family is safe in the event of an emergency. Make sure that you know where the circuit breaker, fuse box and water valve are located as well as any smoke or carbon monoxide detectors.
You should also switch over your utilities to your new address before moving in. It can take some time to get these transferred, and you don’t want to move in with no power or Internet! Contact your local utility providers to learn about their process and what type of ownership or residence verification they require. Set up appointments for the transfer as early as possible to avoid any surprises.
3. Check the Heating and Cooling
It may seem obvious, but you’ll want to make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as well as the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems are working properly. Whether you’re moving in during the dead of winter or the dog days of summer, this is one home improvement you don’t want to overlook.
You’ll also want to change the locks so no one else can get inside your new place. Make sure to have a spare set for yourself and any family members or medical, child, or pet care providers who may need access in the event of an emergency.
It’s also a good idea to take this time to connect all your utilities and update your billing information with your primary agencies. This will help you avoid any costly charges for overdue bills. It will also make it much easier for you to schedule any repairs or maintenance in the future.
4. Check the Roof
There’s nothing worse than moving into a new home and discovering that the roof is leaking or there are dark stains on the ceiling. Whether you’re buying or renting, it’s important to get the roof inspected as soon as you move in.
A thorough inspection should be conducted by a licensed professional, but you can also do some of the checks yourself, such as looking for missing shingles or checking water runoff from the roof. You can also check for signs of moisture or rot, such as dark spots on the inside of the walls and in closets.
Once you’re all moved in, it’s also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the location of emergency shut-off valves for gas, water and electricity. Teaching everyone in the house where to find them will help them during an emergency situation.
5. Check the Appliances
Whether you’re a homeowner or renter, it’s important to check your appliances after moving in. This will help you avoid costly repairs down the road.
Also, make sure you know where the water valve and breaker box are located so you can turn them off in an emergency. And it’s a good idea to have a box somewhere for your collection of appliance manuals and other documentation you might need in the future.
Finally, it’s a good idea to set up a place where you can keep the essentials, like bedding, towels and toilet paper, easily accessible. This will save you from having to hunt for these items while unpacking boxes. Plus, it will ensure you’re prepared for your first night in your new home. And that’s always a good thing!
6. Check the Internet
It might seem obvious to have your internet connected right after you move in, but it’s actually better to start the process before you make the move. That way, you can ensure that the service is activated before your move in and won’t experience any downtime.
If the home is already wired for internet, all you need to do is plug in your equipment (if using the same provider), schedule a service activation, and follow any additional installation instructions. If the home isn’t wired for internet, you’ll need to contact a local provider to get it installed.
If you’re moving into a new neighborhood, it’s also a good idea to change the locks. This way, you can be sure that you are the only person who has a copy of your key and can protect yourself in case someone tries to break into your home.
7. Check the Locks
Changing the locks may seem like a no-brainer but it is an important security measure. You never know who might have a key to your new home (like past pet sitters, baby sitters, or random uncles).
This is also an ideal time to take a walk through and ensure everything is in working order. For instance, you might want to locate the fuse box and water valve and add safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs for children and pets.
Also make sure you keep doors and windows locked at all times and store cleaning products, laundry detergents, sharp knives, and other dangerous items out of reach. This will help prevent any accidental injuries to your family or guests. Also be sure to install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. These will come in handy if there is ever a fire or other emergency situation that requires immediate action.
8. Check the Flooring
When you move into an apartment, a lot can happen to the floors and carpets. Check to make sure the carpeting is free of snags and stains. It should also be free of pet or cigarette odors. Also, make sure that the floors are clean and have no holes or cracks. Look in closets as well — they can be favorite hiding places for rodents and roaches.
Also, take a good look at the walls. Paint should not be peeling and it should match throughout the apartment. Be especially careful in the nooks and crannies of rooms, as these areas are more susceptible to damage from furniture moving. Be sure to look for signs of a termite infestation as well, like crumbly timbers and dry rot. These are good issues to bring up with the landlord before you close on the property.
9. Unpack the Essentials
Whether it’s your favorite coffee mug or a first aid kit, there are some things you need right away in your new home. When you’re packing for a move, make at least one “essentials” box that contains the items you need for the first few days in your home (think clothes, food, toiletries and a basic toolkit).
Unpack these boxes before tackling the rest of the house. This will give you a chance to get familiar with your home and decide where you want to put items like drawer organizers and cabinet liner before they’re packed away.
When you’re done, consider taking a long look at any items still in boxes and ask yourself, do I really need this? If not, don’t hesitate to donate it or trash it. This will keep you from having to sort through a bunch of junk later!
10. Clean
It’s a good idea to hire a professional cleaning service for your new home. They will make sure every nook and cranny gets cleaned so you can move in with confidence. Plus, they will deal with any stubborn dirt and grime that might have been ingrained in the house or apartment before you moved in. This will help ensure that the place stays clean for longer.
One area that needs a lot of attention is the kitchen. It’s likely that there will be a lot of food build-up and other grime in the cabinets and drawers. Taking this time to thoroughly clean them will help you avoid any health issues. This is especially important if you have children. It’s also important to make sure the stove top and oven are clean. This will prevent any fires from starting in the future.