Things to Do ASAP When Moving into a New House

When you get the keys to your new home, you can’t wait to move in and make it your own.

Before painting walls and arranging furniture, there are some basic items to check off of your list to make the transition safe and smart. Here are things you don’t want to put off:

• Change the locks. There is no way to know how many people have copies of keys to the existing locks. For peace of mind, change all locks in the home including all entrances and to the garage. If the former owners left an alarm system in place, you might want to activate service in your name or look into your own safety measures.
• Clean the refrigerator coils. The refrigerator condenser coils are found at the back or across the bottom of the appliance. Cobwebs, dirt and pet hair can clog them, making your compressor work harder because it cannot efficiently release heat. Purchase a coil-cleaning brush (available at home improvement stores or online) to thoroughly get the dirt out.
• Clean the air ducts. Cleaning your air ducts is a great way to start fresh, as they are a big contributor to dust in your home. Professional air duct cleaning can cut your energy costs by ensuring that no airflow is blocked by dust or other debris, and it can help your HVAC system last longer. Don’t forget to replace the furnace filter while you are at it.
• Locate the main water shutoff valve. Most homes have a main shutoff valve for the water supply. It is usually found inside the basement or warm area inside the house if you live in a colder climate, or against an outside wall or underground box in warmer locales. Broken pipes can cause a lot of damage, so being able to turn off water in a timely manner can save you money and additional repairs.
• Locate the electrical panel and label the breakers. The main circuit breaker panel is usually located in a garage, basement or utility closet. With another person, you can turn them on and off to see which outlets and switches they control. Identifying each breaker makes it easy if you need to have electrical work performed in the future, or if you need to reset a breaker after it has tripped.
• Check the smoke detectors. Your family’s safety is important, so take the time to check the batteries on the smoke detectors. You should have a smoke detector on every level of your home and one in each bedroom. Consider carbon monoxide alarms in the same areas, and a fire extinguisher on every level plus one in the kitchen and garage.
• Meet your neighbors. Knowing your neighbors will help you notice if someone suspicious is in the area that doesn’t live there. You will have inside information to the best service providers are in your new neighborhood like roofers or plumbers. Even if you avoid most social situations, establishing a relationship with your neighbors is beneficial in case of an emergency, and staying in good standing with them can help avoid future disputes.

ABC Quality & Storage is here to make your move as stress free as possible. We have earned the reputation as one of the best movers in metropolitan St. Louis and surrounding areas. We provide upfront pricing for your move, and unbeatable service throughout your transaction. Our expert team lets you concentrate on establishing your new life in your new home. Start the move process today by calling ABC at 888.983.MOVE.