You’ve finally completed the purchase of your new home. First of all, congratulations! Having those keys in your hands is a special feeling, and there’s more excitement to come.
Now for the next steps. From choosing the wall colours to picking a new sofa, the list can seem never-ending. You’ll want to make sure you’re not forgetting anything before you get started, and just as importantly, work out which jobs need prioritising. From changing your locks to completing those all-important first meter readings, here are our five essential tasks to carry out as soon as you move in.
What to do after moving into a new house: 5 essentials
This is the checklist you should have to hand as you first walk through the front door.
Do a complete walkthrough
Start by checking all of the terms of sale have been fulfilled. You might have agreed on repairs or keeping certain appliances as part of the agreed price, so you should see for yourself that everything is as expected. If not, your estate agent will be able to advise on the right course of action.
This is also your chance to see your new home as a blank canvas, without all of the previous owners’ possessions. As a result, you should have a better idea of your vision for the place. If you get the keys before moving day, it can be helpful to visit so you can decide where you want your furniture to go. Doing so means you can provide clearer instructions for your movers. Don’t forget the tape measure!
Change the locks
This isn’t to imply any suspicion of the previous owners; it’s common practice when you buy a new home. Changing your locks is the only way to ensure no one else has the keys to your property, whether that’s the seller’s friends, cleaners or estate agents.
You’ve got no way of tracing and recalling all those spare keys, so it makes more sense to buy a new lock. Either have a locksmith come out and fit it or, if you’ve got the DIY skills, do it yourself. It’s a relatively small, inexpensive job, especially given the peace of mind it grants you.
While you’re sorting your locks, you might also want to check that your front door’s hinges, handles, latch, and other hardware elements are all in good working order.
Sort your insurance
As soon as the property is officially yours, anything that goes wrong is your responsibility. With building and contents insurance policies, you’ll have a reliable safety net in place in the event of fire, flooding or theft — so you don’t want to waste any time in acquiring that layer of protection.
A lot of the details will vary between policies. Review some options from reputable companies and get signed up as soon as possible. It’s vital that every detail on your insurance policy is correct, so check for spelling errors and make sure your listed door types and locking systems are accurate.
Check for any repairs
Beyond the agreed-upon repairs, you’ll likely have other jobs that need completing around the house. From previous inspections, you’ll have an idea of these already, but it’s helpful to refresh your mind and get your priorities in order.
Flag which repairs are urgent and which can wait. Do you need to install a new front door right away? Perhaps your boiler requires repairs. On the other hand, you may identify some more cosmetic changes, such as a bathroom renovation, that can wait until you’ve settled in. As soon as you have a bit more time on your hands, it’ll be less daunting to start making your way through them.
Check your meter readings
Instead of risking any confusion on whose water, gas or electricity you’re paying for, find your meters and take readings on your first visit. You’ll also need to find out who your energy suppliers are, so you can set up accounts and submit your readings.
This way, you know you’re not paying for energy you haven’t used. For better rates, you might want to switch suppliers later down the line, but this first step will suffice for now.
Secure your doors with A Wood Idea
Now you have a clearer idea of what to do when you move into a new house, you can focus on the joy of being a homeowner. Find the doors and locks you need to protect your new home at A Wood Idea. As well as keeping it safe and secure, our designs are proven to boost kerb appeal, too — so your property looks great both inside and out.
We have over 100 different door styles, so you can find the ideal option for you. Will it be traditional or contemporary? Oak or composite? Visit our Blaydon Trade Park showroom to see what’s on offer or feel free to get in touch if you have any questions.
