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When it comes to moving into a new home, there are many emotions that you feel. From excitement and joy for a new chapter in life to nerves and sometimes stress, you can go through it all. However, there may be lots to do when you move home, but it can provide you with a fresh start that is filled with possibilities. The process can be a whirlwind, no matter if you’re a first-time buyer, relocating for a reason like work, or just seeking a change in your life. Each move you make is also unique, with its own process to go through. Some can go smoother than others, and some can feel more fun than others, but no matter how the move is going, there are vital aspects of moving home that need to be done.
Through all the chaos of unpacking and the excitement of decorating the space to feel like home, it’s very easy to forget vital checks of your new home to ensure it is safe, functioning, and comfortable from day one. Taking time to inspect a few key areas early on can save you stress (and money) in the long run. Some issues may not reveal themselves until much later, and at that point, they can become costly or disruptive. A thorough check at the start helps set a solid foundation for the years to come. Discover what you need to check when you move into your new home to avoid huge issues and feel at ease from the very first day.
Safety First: Locks, Alarms, and Access Points
One of the most important things to check, which should be done first, is the security of your new home. You need to know if your house is secure to feel comfortable and at ease there. Look at the quality of your front and back doors and check that they are in working condition. You don’t want flimsy entrance points that can easily be broken into. As well as this, you need to assess the windows as these can be used to access your home. If you see any wear and tear, such as cracks or broken locks, they need to be fixed as soon as possible. You should also look into changing the locks and getting new keys to the property because previous owners may have handed out spare keys to their friends and family. Make sure to change the locks on every external door the property has to be on the safe side, ensuring only you and your family can access it.
Next, you should check if there is an alarm system already in place. If there is, you need to see if you can test that it works and change the code on the system to something only you and your family will know and remember. If there isn’t an alarm system installed, or the one that is currently there doesn’t work, you should get a new one installed and set it up as quickly as you can. This not only gives everyone peace of mind, but it also ensures that you’re safe and your belongings are safe when you’re not in the home. Having a smart alarm system that works through Wi-Fi is a better option because you can get many security tools included, creating a robust security system. You can have an alarm, security cameras, a smart doorbell and sensors to place throughout the home.
Hating, Water, and Boiler Health
The next thing to check is your boiler health. The last thing you want to find out on the first freezing day of the season is that your boiler is broken. A faulty boiler needs to be addressed and, no matter which season you make the move in, you need to see if it works. Otherwise, you will be shivering on a cold day with no way to warm up. Pretty much as soon as you move in, you need to test your heating system and make sure that every radiator heats up evenly. If you find them struggling to heat or only parts get warm, this could indicate a problem that needs to be tackled. It is also a good idea to bleed the radiators, especially if it’s an older property you have moved into. This can help the radiators to heat properly. However, if you’re still having issues after bleeding them, this could be down to a deeper issue with the heating system itself. If you’re not familiar with the model or maintenance history of your boiler, it’s worth arranging a service to ensure it’s operating efficiently.
While you’re at it, it is best to inspect the water pressure around the house, especially in the showers and kitchen, where you use it most. Look under sinks and behind appliances for any signs of leaks or damp that needs to be addressed. Even noticing small drips is worth addressing because these can lead to bigger issues if ignored. It’s also smart to locate the main water stopcock and understand how to switch it off in case of emergencies.
Electricity and Lighting
A silent and often overlooked problem is lighting and electrics. These aspects of the home can appear fine at first glance, but there are issues that slowly show themselves before they turn into major problems. It is important to look for the small signs when you first move in and get them addressed if any occur. Now, you may think that lighting doesn’t matter but it’s what’s key to your comfort and safety. Check if all the switches are working and if every light fitting is appropriate for the room and its purpose. You may also want to check whether there are plenty of sockets and if they are in easy-to-reach places. This is especially useful if you need to run multiple devices in various rooms and if you plan to work from home.
If the property is older or you’re unsure of the electrical history, consider hiring a professional to carry out a full inspection. Modern living often demands more from electrical systems than older homes were built to handle. This is where it can be worthwhile to look into trusted companies that carry out electrical services Berkshireand beyond, especially if you’re local to the area and want to be confident that everything is up to standard.
Outdoor Spaces
Many times, it is easy to leave the outdoor space of your new home until later, waiting for better weather to arrive and sometimes, even waiting for summer to begin. But, what’s the point of doing all the hard work in a rush to get the space summer ready? Why not make use of them right away? Even if you’re not quite ready to host parties or the weather hasn’t arrived yet to lounge in the sun all day, having a quick spruce-up of the outdoor areas can open up your property and make a world of difference. Check pathways for loose slabs or slippery moss, clear drains and gutters of debris, and take stock of fencing and boundaries for repairs.
Ventilation and Air Quality
Another overlooked part of a new home is the ventilation. Having proper ventilation and good air quality is essential to provide you with a healthy living environment. Everybody needs clean air to inhale, and a good ventilation system can give you this. A great place to start is by checking the extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens. See if they’re working correctly and are not circulating bad air and pollutants. On top of this, check vents in windows if they have them. All trickle vents should open and close easily and should function correctly. Ensuring the home has good airflow is a critical factor to a healthy, happy life. It prevents issues that can negatively affect health, such as condensation, mould, and musty smells. These problems can be hard to fix if they dominate your home and can negatively affect your health.
You may even want to invest in a dehumidifier for the first few months to help circulate healthy air by letting it soak up the damp. This is especially important if the property has been empty for some time. You could add in some houseplants alongside this as these help to clean the air every day, ensuring you are always surrounded by clean, healthy air.
A Smooth Start
Moving home is more than just transporting boxes; it’s about settling into a new routine and environment. By taking the time to check key areas, you lay the groundwork for a more relaxed, enjoyable experience.
