It's natural to be ecstatic about the prospect of moving into your new home. Who knows how many bidding wars you endured before securing your new dream home?
However, before you get too excited and call it home, make sure you cross these items off your to-do list for your safety and security.
1. Purchase Brand New Locks
Change the locks because you don't know who else has keys to your house. This ensures that you are the only person who has access. Installing new deadbolts yourself can cost as little as $10 per lock, or you can hire a locksmith for $20 to $30 per lock if you supply the new locks.
2. Check for Plumbing Leaks
Your home inspector should handle any issues that arise before closing the deal. Check your water heater for signs of a leak and keep an eye out for dripping faucets and running toilets.
4. Clean the Cabinets
Bring your dishes and bathroom supplies with you before you move in, especially if the house has been vacant. Mice and other pests are notorious for moving in quickly. Wipe or, if possible, wash the inside and outside with a non-toxic cleaner as needed, and replace the contact paper as needed.
5. Make arrangements for pest control.
Remove mice, rats, bats, termites, roaches, and other pests. There are several do-it-yourself pest-removal methods available, but if you require more, an initial visit from a pest removal agency will cost between $100 and $300, with monthly or quarterly appointments costing around $50 each.
6. Do You Know Where the Circuit Breaker Box Is?
You need to do this as early as the first week you move into your new house. It's best to do this with someone so that you can check if the power goes on and off. So, in case of emergencies, you know where and what to switch off.
7. Find and understand how to turn off the main water valve.
You want to know this in case of a plumbing emergency. Turn the knob until it is completely off, then tests it by turning on any faucet in the house; no water should flow.
Moving to a new location is almost always an exciting experience. Nonetheless, keep all of these things in mind to ensure that everything is in order.
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