Buying your own home is a very exciting time. But it can also be a stressful one. Selling your old home, moving all your things over and fixing up the house can be challenging.

It’s easy for it all to get overwhelming. But don’t panic.

We’ve put together a list of things to do when moving into a new house to make the experience easier for you. Moving day doesn’t have to be a cause for stress. Read on to find out exactly what you need to do.

10 Things to do When Moving into a New House

Moving house doesn’t need to take forever to get ready. Following these ten simple steps will make the process easy.

1. Make a To-Do List

When you arrive at the new house, go around with a notepad and jot down anything that needs fixing.

Get each member of the family to go around and do the same. Collect your notes together and see if they got anything you might have missed.

Once you have a list, sort each task into priorities. Sort out the high-priority items first. Divide tasks to each member of the household to lessen the workload.

This will get the jobs done quicker and give you less to worry about in the long run.

2. Get the Locks Changed

You never know who has the keys to your new house. One of the first things you need to do is get the locks changed.

This will give you a stronger sense of home security and provide you with peace of mind.

Locksmiths charge for coming to the house but they aren’t too expensive. It’s a small price to pay to keep your house safe and secure.

3. Replace the Filters

Your house has a range of filters which may still be in place.

Check for the aeration filters in the kitchen and bathroom spigots. Check for the air filter in the heating and air conditioning unit. Replace the vent filter above the stove, as well as the filter in the clothes dryer.

These filters are for catching dirt and debris. They may still be there from the old tenants, so replace them to prevent any issues.

4. Do a Deep Clean

The house may be tidy when you move in, but a deep clean will make it feel fresh. When you get there, make sure to wash the windows, clean the carpets, wash the floors etc.

It’s best to get all the big cleaning jobs done before you move all your stuff in. This way you can get into every nook and cranny with ease.

Make sure you clean out the kitchen cabinets and polish any wood well. If you happen to come across signs of a rodent or insect infestation, get exterminators in ASAP. You don’t want this to become a bigger problem.

5. Check for Leaks

The last thing you want when moving into your dream home is for a leak to spring.

This can be a very costly problem to solve. To prevent it, go around the house and keep an eye out for any running toilets or leaky faucets.

When you first bought the house, an inspector should have checked for this before closing. But there may have been a few things missed, so it’s best to double check for yourself.

6. Add a Security System

Changing the locks isn’t always enough for total peace of mind. Window and door alarms are easy to install yourself and don’t cost a lot of money.

Go for a camera security system like a Nest camera for even more control over your home. They are great for monitoring the house when the family is away. You can even use your phone to check on your house in case anything happens.

7. Figure Out Your Fuse Box and Water Valve

The fuse box and water valve are the beating heart of a functional home. If something goes wrong you need to know how to handle it.

Get acquainted with them and learn which fuse is for which part of the house. Label them all if you have to.

Learn where the water shut-off valve is. Depending on the climate where your house is located, its location will differ. If you live in a warmer climate, the water valve may attach to a wall outside or live in an underground box.

If you live in a colder climate, you’ll find it in the basement or an indoor part of the house to keep it from freezing.

8. Check the Smoke and CO2 Detectors

It can be easy to forget all about them but it’s important to make sure they work. Smoke and CO2 detectors may save your life one day. Go around the house and test that they’re in perfect working order.

If not, get them replaced ASAP. They are easy to install yourself and they’ll help keep you and your family safe.

9. Keep Important House Documents Safe

Moving to a new house comes with a lot of paperwork. Everything from insurance to property deeds and mortgage details are important to keep.

Buy a sturdy folder and keep all these essential documents in it. Put the folder somewhere safe and away from anywhere it could sustain damage.

Invest in reliable Cloud storage and keep scanned copies of important documents there. This makes your life easier and it can be helpful if you decide to sell the house in the future.

10. Meet the Neighbors

Once you’ve moved into your new house, you can breathe a sigh of relief. You did it!

The next step from here is to go out and meet the neighbors. Reach out and get to know them, let them know that you’re a friendly face.

Getting off on the right foot with new neighbors is key to happy coexistence. Get to know the people on your street and let them know that you’ll look out for each other.

Neighbors can tell you which repairmen are good or bad. They can also give good recommendations on places in the area. It’s a win-win!

The Right Things to Do When Moving into a New House

These ten tips for things to do when moving into a new house cover everything you need to know. From the big stuff to the small stuff, it can seem like a lot to do. But if you manage the tasks well it shouldn’t take too long.

Thinking of selling your old home? Check out our blog post on how to sell it fast.