Are you moving into a used property? Here are 5 things to do before you unpack in your new home

Moving into a new home is just as exciting as it is draining. Before you unpack your boxes, it is important to get familiar with your new home and personalise it according to your lifestyle and taste.

Apart from rearranging your furniture and hanging curtains, you need to do a few important things before you even start unpacking in your new home.

1. Change the locks

Even if the previous owner has given you both the original and cloned keys, it is wise to change the locks regardless. Do it first thing when you move in since you never know who might have a key to the property. If you feel it is a huge expense, consider changing the front door lock for the time being. It is a small price that you pay for your family’s peace of mind and safety.

2. Child-proof the house

Young children take time to get familiar with their new surroundings. Perhaps your new home has a flight of steps in the hall or has exposed furniture edges that may stub your little one’s toe. It is important to identify such elements and make necessary modifications to minimise the risk of an injury. Also, watch out for frayed carpet edges to avoid a tripping hazard.

3. Order a pest inspection

If you never had the chance or intent to run a home inspection before buying the house, you may want to do it now. Pest infestation is a common occurrence in older properties and you will want to rule out this possibility before you unpack your belongings. A thorough pest inspection takes around 2 hours and helps you identify high-risk areas so you can take necessary precautions to avoid infestation.

4. Look into the utility

Locate the fuse box and water valve in your new home on day one so that you know where to look for them in case of an emergency. Also, find out how much your existing energy provider is charging you and what other options you have in your area. Compare the prices of your existing energy provider with Alinta Energy you may be pleasantly surprised to learn how much you can save by making a switch.

Apart from that, consider upgrading your home’s insulation by caulking up the windows and doors to keep the indoor heat or cold from escaping. Caulking up could easily save hundreds of dollars annually in energy bills.

5. Introduce yourself to your neighbours

If you have too much work to do on the day of moving and need someone to babysit your little ones, knocking on your neighbour’s door might be a good idea. Introduce yourself politely before asking for any help and return the favour by inviting them over for lunch.

Even if you can manage everything on your own, striking a friendly conversation with your neighbour next door can go a long way.

Conclusion

Amidst the excitement of moving into a new home, most people tend to overlook little details like changing their correspondence address with the bank and the workplace. It is also important to do a thorough walkaround to ensure everything you had requested from the previous owner has been honoured.

Hope you have a safe and stress-free homeownership experience for decades to come.

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