Moving into a new house is an exciting milestone in anyone’s life. It marks the beginning of a new chapter, full of possibilities and opportunities. However, amidst the excitement, it’s crucial not to overlook the practical aspects of settling into your new home. To ensure a smooth transition and make the most out of your new space, here are some essential things you should do when moving into a new house.
Change the Locks
Your home’s security should be a top priority. You never know who might have access to the keys from the previous owners or tenants. Invest in new locks or hire a locksmith to replace them, providing peace of mind that you’re the only one with access to your home.
You should also consider using a deadbolt (a lock bolt that is moved by turning a knob or key without the action of a spring). The three types of deadbolts available are:
- The single-cylinder deadbolt
- The double-cylinder deadbolt
- The keyless cylinder deadbolt
Please note that while standard locks may be forcibly unlocked using crowbars, a deadbolt lock requires a lot of time to break in and is tougher to open. This narrows the options for potential intruders.
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Inspect for Repairs
Before unpacking all your belongings, take the time to inspect the house for any necessary repairs or maintenance tasks. Check for leaky faucets, faulty electrical outlets, or any signs of water damage. Check to see all doors and windows lock and open freely and that all glass panes are well-fitted. Don’t be in a hurry with this exercise and make sure you check everything. If you discover any issues have them fixed before you move in.
Clean the House
Regardless of whether the floor of the house is rugged, carpeted, or tiled, dedicate time to cleaning the whole house thoroughly. Clean the floors of all the rooms, windows, storage spaces, and the walls.
If the home is newly constructed, then you might not have to clean as much as you would if the house was previously occupied by someone else. It is easier to clean the whole house before moving in because there are no furniture or items in your way.
This should be done before you move your furniture in. Note that you don’t have to do this yourself. You can hire professional cleaners to clean your house. This service costs a minimum of N20,000 in Nigeria and you can always negotiate.
Set Up Utilities
Make sure to transfer or set up utilities such as electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable services before moving in. You don’t want to arrive at your new home only to realize you have no power or running water. Contact the relevant service providers well in advance to ensure a smooth transition.
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Familiarize Yourself with Your Circuit Breaker Box
If your house is big and has a circuit breaker box, which houses all the switches to power different compartments, you will want to get familiar with it.
It is always best to label a circuit breaker box with the name of the parts of the house that they power accordingly.
For the labelling, you need a partner who will be around the house while you check the switches and fuses on the circuit breaker one after the other until they all get labelled.
Inspect Safety Features
Check that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are installed and functioning correctly. If your new home has a security system, familiarize yourself with how it works and update any passcodes or settings as needed. Your safety and security should always be a priority.
Paint the Ceiling and Walls
Painting the interior of your new house can be very time-consuming and it is recommended that you hire a professional to get this done for you. Also, if the walls and ceiling have cracks and holes, you should get those worked on first and then paint later.
Change Your Address
Save your friends and family the stress of going to your old apartment only to be told you no longer live there. You could send a message to them to notify them about when you intend to move. Update your address with important entities such as banks, insurance companies, and government agencies. This ensures that you continue to receive important documents and correspondence at your new address. Don’t forget to update your address for magazine subscriptions, online shopping accounts, and other services.
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Connect your internet
Some spots in Nigeria experience poor internet connection depending on which service provider you use. Therefore, before you move in, you should test the internet connection from your service provider in different rooms in the house to confirm if the connection will be strong enough to meet your internet needs.
Meet Your Neighbours
Building a sense of community starts with getting to know your neighbours. Take the opportunity to introduce yourself and strike up a conversation. Not only does this create a friendlier atmosphere, but your neighbours can also provide valuable insights about the neighbourhood and local amenities.
Notify your bank
Before you move into your new house, you should notify your bank to update your account details. This is vital in cases of verifications that have to do with your bank accounts in Nigeria. Also, if you have running subscriptions with vendors or other companies, it is best to update them with details of your new address as soon as you plan to move.
Take Your Time
Lastly, remember to take your time settling into your new home. Rome wasn’t built in a day, neither will your perfect living space. Enjoy the process of making your house feel like home, and don’t rush to complete everything at once. Set aside enough time to do what is important by checking all the things we have discussed in this article.
Moving into a new house is an adventure filled with endless possibilities. By following these essential steps, you can ensure a smooth transition and set the foundation for many happy memories in your new home.
Have you had any experience moving into a new apartment? What were the things you did or failed to do before moving in? Let us know about them in the comment section.
