It’s finally happened! You’ve got the keys and you’re ready to move into your new home.
This is one of the most exciting things you’ll do during your life, but it’s easy for the excitement to get in the way of some of the important things you should do when you enter your new home for the first time.
With this in mind, we’ve got five things you can do when you move in. Some are exciting, while others are a little more mundane, but vitally important if you’re to make the most of those initial hours in your new home.
1. Conduct a video walkthrough for your family
What better way to show off your new home than to conduct a quick video walkthrough for your family?
All you need to do is whip out your smartphone and film yourself walking around the house. Then, send it on to friends and family so they can see where you’re now living and join in with your excitement.
2. Child and pet proof it (if necessary)
If you have kids or pets (or both), it’s important to acquaint yourself with any elements within the house that might be dangerous.
Look for open plug sockets, sharp surfaces and any escape routes and make sure they’re fixed or made child and pet friendly before letting everyone loose.
3. Find the fuse box, water valve and anything else vital
You don’t want to be plunged into darkness and not know where the fuse box is. Equally, if you need to turn the water off in an emergency, you’ll need to know where the tap is, instantly.
Find these two vital parts of the house and remember where they are!
4. Undertake a thorough deep clean
Obviously, if you are moving into a new-build property this point may not apply. Here at Graven Hill, for instance, all of our new homes are handed over sparkling clean, and you wouldn’t need to lift a finger.
However, if you are moving to a home that has previously been occupied, then a deep clean may well be necessary. This isn’t a particularly exciting job (unless you love cleaning), but it’s an important one if you want to start afresh with a home that truly feels like your own. If you can rope in a friend or family member, you’ll get the job done in no time at all.
5. Introduce yourself to the neighbours
Even if you’re not particularly outgoing, it’s always a good idea to introduce yourself to the neighbours early on.
This establishes a welcoming first opinion of you (and them), and means there’s no awkward fumbles for names several months down the line when you bump into each other on the street.
Wrapping up
Now you know what you can do when you move into your new home, you can get on with the exciting process of actually doing so. Once you’re in, the world (and your home) is your oyster!