7 Important Considerations After Getting a New Home

Moving to a new home is a stressful and exciting experience. After navigating the home-buying and moving process, you might find yourself looking around your new house, thinking, “now what?”

There’s more to settling into your new home than unpacking. Here are seven important considerations and actions to take after getting a new home.

Invest in a Home Warranty

Investing in a home inspection before buying is a must— but what if some issues went undetected? Perhaps the dishwasher is just a few washes from breaking. Maybe the stove is new enough to be acceptable but still a few years out of date.

The season during which you purchase your home is another factor to consider. According to experts at Milestone Cooling services Fort Worth, TX, many homeowners who purchase their homes in the fall aren’t aware of air conditioner issues until the spring. Those purchasing their home during the spring or summer experience similar surprises with their furnace during the first winter.

If you inherit a home warranty from the seller, go over the details and determine what’s covered. If your home doesn’t come with a warranty, shop around and invest in something that covers your major appliances.

Improving Home Security

Keeping your new home (and the people inside) safe and secure is a top priority. You should change your locks as soon as you move in, as you don’t know who has keys or access to your home. It’s also worth auditing your property to determine if any shadowy spots would benefit from a motion-detector light.

Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as soon as you move in. If the seller didn’t indicate when the batteries were last refreshed, add this task to your list.

Creating an Upgrade List

Chances are, your new home will need some repairs and upgrades. Take some time to write a list and prioritize what needs to be done immediately and what should be tackled over time. For example, if you purchased a home with an older roof, replacing it is a priority item. Conversely, tasks like upgrading to a low-flow toilet or repairing broken trim can wait.

Use the list to set your priorities and identify the effort and resources necessary to get things done.

Creating a New Budget

Moving to a new home means handling new costs associated with homeownership. You may experience pricing changes in everything from utilities to property taxes to groceries.

Take some time to craft a new monthly budget that reflects your updated expenses. This task might not be possible until after your first month in the new house.

Familiarize Yourself with Systems

It’s going to take some time to remember which lightswitch does what and other quirks and nuances of your new house. However, familiarizing yourself with the core systems should be a top priority.

Learning where your electric panel and water shut-off are should happen immediately. It’s also worth reviewing manuals for your furnace, air conditioner, humidity control, and major appliances, so you’re prepared if a problem occurs.

Meet Your New Neighbors

As you start to get settled, make an effort to say hello to your new neighbors. You don’t have to plan a neighborhood barbeque or become fast friends, but it’s worth knowing who lives around you and setting a good first impression. This oft-overlooked task also contributes to home security.

Add Personal Touches

Finally, add some personal touches to your home within the first few weeks of living there. Consider focusing on unpacking and preparing one room first so your family has a retreat that feels like home. Unpacking familiar, sentimental items during the first few days can help with this transitional period.

These simple tasks will ensure the safety and comfort of your family as you turn your new house into a home.