Paid for by SimpliSafe
With a seemingly endless list of tasks to be done, moving is almost always a hectic experience. Unfortunately, that to-do list doesn’t end once you’ve moved in. In addition to unpacking, you need to get acquainted with your new home, to make sure everything’s in good working order and that it will stay that way. To help you navigate one of life’s more stressful experiences, we’ve consulted moving and home experts to equip you with insider tips as you plan your next relocation. Here’s a list of 6 things to do when you first move into a new place.
Change the locks
Here’s a creepy thought: when you have old locks, you can never really be sure who has copies of the keys. So it’s imperative that you make sure to change the locks whenever you move into a new place. While you’re at it, consider an upgrade: These days, there are many choices for locks, including electronic options. With SimpliSafe’s Smart Lock, you can automatically lock your door on a timer – so no need to fret that you may have left the door unlocked. Rather than using a traditional key, the door unlocks with a pin code and can even send security alerts to your phone.
Check window locks
When it comes to safety, open windows can be a concern, too. “Many people think about locks on doors, but understanding how your windows lock and if they’re locked” is just as important, says Ryan Carrington, co-founder of moveBuddha, an online platform that provides moving estimates. Soon after you move in, take a look at the window locks to see how they work so you aren’t unknowingly keeping windows unlocked or open and leaving yourself vulnerable.
Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Not only is it imperative to make sure that you have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, but you also need to make sure that they are working correctly. According to the National Fire Protection Association, almost two-thirds of fire deaths in the home happen in dwellings that either don’t have smoke detectors or have detectors that are not working. In some states, like Massachusetts, it’s even required for sellers to get a certificate of compliance for smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, says Linda Wigren, real estate agent for Real Living Realty Group in Massachusetts. State laws vary, but in general, detectors should be replaced every ten years.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have come a long way in a decade. SimpliSafe’s smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector can do more than sound an alarm; as part of a wireless system, they can immediately dispatch an emergency response team to your house — even when you’re not at home.
Find service providers
When you move, you may need to account for new services that you’ve never needed before. Consider what might be required maintenance and repair, for HVAC systems, landscaping, underground sprinkler systems and more. Sometimes a previous home owner or a real estate agent will share a list of local service providers, but not always. Do your research as soon as possible, so you’re not off guard in case of a sudden emergency. For those in cold climates, Wigren recommends getting a contract in place for necessities like heater repair. If you have a septic system, set up a pumping schedule with a local septic company.
Learn garbage and recycling schedules
It may seem obvious, but if you don’t learn your new sanitation schedule expeditiously, garbage can pile up quickly. Whether due to items during the move, excess packaging materials, pizza boxes from that first meal or things you just no longer need, people tend to end up with a lot of waste when they move. Chances are you’ll need to throw out some garbage the first day you move or very shortly thereafter. Schedules and rules vary widely; you’ll want to make sure you know how to dispose of waste and recycling, so you don’t miss a critical window.
Install a home security system
Even as you’re just moving your stuff in, you’ll want to make sure everything is secure. The good news is that you don’t need to hire a company to set up a home security system. SimpliSafe’s security systems, for example, are customizable and easy to set up. Safety items such as burglary sensors, motion sensors, cameras, smoke detectors and more can all be wirelessly connected in a single system that you can track from your phone. If you want additional support you can opt for professional monitoring by specialists who can alert first responders at the first sign of trouble.
No matter whether you rent or own, have a house or an apartment, moving will probably be overwhelming. But there is much that you can do almost immediately to help ease the transition. When it comes to your home, a little security can go a long way for peace of mind.
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From SimpliSafe:
For “whole home security,” SimpliSafe provides protection for every window, room and door against intruders, fires, water damage, medical emergencies and more. Trusted by experts, Simplisafe provides the protection you need for your most valuable investment.
