Landlord Blog

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Tips That Will Help You Settle Into Your New Home

It’s one thing to buy a house, but it’s another to make it truly yours. This is a normal experience, especially that moving in can be stressful. To help with your first few weeks of homeownership, we’ve prepared these top tips that will allow you to unpack and feel more comfortable as soon as possible.

Transfer your utilities.

If you still haven’t done it, make sure that you change your gas, water, electricity, and internet to the new address you’re moving into. More companies nowadays make it possible for you to change this online, so it’ll be more convenient.

Clean before unpacking.

Even though your new home looks clean as you move in, it’s still a good idea to do some deep cleaning. You can do this yourself (if you have more time) or hire a professional instead. Areas that require attention include carpeted floors, baseboards under the cabinets, the kitchen, and the bathroom.

Secure your new home.

This involves changing the locks even if you’ve been handed a new set of keys. Additionally, check the locations of safety features and whether they’re working properly — smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide detectors, etc. Consider adding security cameras, especially if you’re concerned about burglary and theft.

Go shopping for things you need.

Perhaps you need a brand new mattress, curtains, and a set of towels. We also suggest going to the grocery to buy fresh foods — meat, veggies, fruits, and other ingredients so that you won’t be relying on fast food, which isn’t the best choice for your health.

Explore your neighborhood.

For those who are new to the neighborhood, spend some time familiarizing yourself with the community. Find out the best restaurants in town and where to shop for affordable food. If you have kids, take them to the nearest park where they might meet new friends. It’s also a good idea to introduce yourself to your new neighbors and build rapport.

Review HOA rules.

Bought a home in a community with a homeowners association? Be sure to review HOA rules on landscaping, parking, renting, trash, noise, and design changes. Breaking association rules may result in fines and other consequences, so it’s best to do your homework. Keep in mind that rules can vary from community to community.

Help your pets adjust.

Since dogs are creatures of habit, moving to a new home can make them feel anxious. It helps to maintain a familiar smell by not washing their toys and bedding for a week. Also, follow their usual schedule. For example, if your dog loves going for walks at 5:00 pm, take them out at that time.

Final Thoughts

Last but not least, consider throwing a housewarming party. It may be the last thing on your mind, but it’s an opportunity to bring your family and friends together to celebrate this accomplishment in your life. With these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy your new place in no time.