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6 Important Steps to Take When Moving Into Your New Home

Thursday, September 9, 2021   /   by Alex Lee

6 Important Steps to Take When Moving Into Your New Home

Moving usually brings up a whole mix of emotions–from excitement and stress to fatigue and fear. Once the moving process is over and you’re officially in your new home, the more optimistic feelings should start to take precedence over the negative ones, but your job isn’t done just yet. Here are a few essential steps you should take in your new home to ensure your safety and start to fully settle in:


Locate the Fuse Box


Finding your home’s circuit breaker box right away means you’ll be able to act quickly in case of a power outage or in an emergency situation, such as an electrical fire. Overloaded outlets, short circuits or even large appliances can blow a fuse or trip a breaker, which are common reasons for you to have to access the fuse box. Usually fuse boxes are located in places like the basement or garage, but sometimes they can be tucked away on the exterior of the home or in a closet. It’s a good idea to store a flashlight nearby in case you need to access the fuse box in the dark.


Find Your Shut-Off Valves


Few things can cause more damage to your home than a water or gas leak. Locate both your water and gas shut-off valves right away and consider showing them to everyone who lives with you as a safety measure. Accidental water damage is one of the most common insurance claims in the United States, plus it's also very expensive. If you’re dealing with something like a burst pipe, you won’t want to waste time looking for the shut-off valve.


Most homes will have a water shut-off valve in the kitchen and near each toilet, while gas shut-off valves are typically located closer to the gas meter. It can also be beneficial to know where the master water shut-off is located for the entire property in case a leak isn’t stopped by the local valve. Don’t hesitate to contact your municipal water or gas provider if you need help locating these shut-off valves.


Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms


Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are vital to the safety of you and your family. Not only is it important to locate these tools in your new home, but it is equally important to test out each device to make sure they are functioning properly. If they aren’t working, do what you need to do to get them in working order as soon as possible or purchase new ones.


Create Emergency Plans


It’s not the most exciting part of moving into a new home, but take a moment to identify emergency escape routes and create an emergency plan with your family. Add a lockout plan into the mix–what will you do if you end up locked out of your new house? Consider installing a lockbox or asking a friend or family member who lives close by to hold on to a spare key.


Check Out Your HVAC System


Most heating and cooling systems use a replaceable filter to ensure good airflow and prevent wear and tear. Even if the HVAC system was examined during the home inspection process, it’s a good idea to take a look at the HVAC filter, check for dirt and debris, and see if it's time to swap it out for a new one. Changing the filter will keep the air in your new home healthy and can even keep your electric bill in check since the system won’t be overcompensating due to poor airflow.


Experts recommend changing HVAC filters at least seasonally, or monthly, if you have pets in the home. While you’re inspecting the filter, run both the heating and cooling systems to ensure they operate as intended to avoid a situation where you can’t keep your home at the proper temperature during all seasons.


Get Homeowners Insurance


Homeowners insurance is typically required before you can close on a home, but if you haven’t already secured a policy, do so immediately. Your home is likely the largest investment you'll make in your lifetime,and homeowners insurance adds another layer of protection to your home, your personal property and your liability.


Moving isn’t always easy, but with a little research and planning ahead you can take some of the stress out of the situation. Once you complete these important first steps in your new home, it’s time to move on to the fun part of moving: enjoy your new house and explore your new neighborhood!


 


 


With all our appreciation.


Capital Management Realty


 


P.S. The story of this young person enclosed may cause you to look at your loved ones differently.  It did me. Check it out. 


 


P.P.S. It’s easy to refer to those you know considering buying or selling a home.  Here are the Options Again:


1. You can go to www.CMREALTY.com and enter their contact info online or forward the link to someone you know considering a move.


2. Of course you can always call me directly as well at 714 202 2525.
Capital Management Realty, Inc
8642 Garden Grove Blvd
Garden Grove, CA 92844
714-202-2525
NMLS # 1705248
DRE #02031312

Based on information from California Regional Multiple Listing Service, Inc. as of June 6, 2023. This information is for your personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties you may be interested in purchasing. Display of MLS data is usually deemed reliable but is NOT guaranteed accurate by the MLS. Buyers are responsible for verifying the accuracy of all information and should investigate the data themselves or retain appropriate professionals. Information from sources other than the Listing Agent may have been included in the MLS data. Unless otherwise specified in writing, Broker/Agent has not and will not verify any information obtained from other sources. The Broker/Agent providing the information contained herein may or may not have been the Listing and/or Selling Agent.
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