Today, we are talking about essential tasks for new homeowners. Whether it’s your very first home or you are moving up the ladder, you’re sure to be excited about the prospect of moving into your new home and putting your stamp on it to make it truly yours.
However, there is a long list of essential tasks for new homeowners that need to be implemented before you get started with the fluffy cushions and perfect shade of paint. There’s a practical side to getting your home set up, and it’s crucial to nail it from the get-go. Imagine walking into a perfectly safe and comfy space, knowing everything’s in order because you planned it that way. So, let’s take a look at the essential tasks for new homeowners that will set you up for success.
Address Immediate Safety And Security Concerns
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Okay, firstly it’s important to keep your home well-maintained and safe. Are your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors doing their job? They might need new batteries, and honestly, it’s best to just switch them out the day you move in. Who knows when the last tenant did that, right?
You’ll also need things like a gas safety certificate to verify that your home’s gas appliances and installation are safe. You’ll need a qualified gas engineer to issue the certificate but at least then you can relax knowing everything is working safely and efficiently.
Don’t forget to check all the locks and doors in your new home to make sure that they are in good working order and secure. You don’t want your new home to leave you vulnerable to break-ins. In fact, it’s a good idea to change all the locks so you can be safe in the knowledge that nobody else possesses the keys to enter your new home. Don’t forget about the garage and the shed when you are changing the locks.
You may want to get a professional in to conduct a home inspection to help you uncover any hidden issues that you may not be aware of. This is always a good investment.
Set Up Essential Utilities
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The next of our essential tasks for new homeowners is to set up the essential utilities. It would be massively inconvenient to move into your new home to find out that you have no power. So make sure you ring up the power, water, and gas companies, get the internet connected and make sure your local council is aware that you’ve moved in. Getting your utilities sorted out in advance will ensure you’re not left without any of the essentials on your first day in your new home.
Next, you will want to test any appliances and heating and cooling systems. No matter what time of year it is make sure all these systems are in good working order. It may be 30c right now but come winter you will want a working heating system. Don’t wait until you need it to find out that it doesn’t actually work.
Plan for Maintenance and Repairs
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Planning for maintenance and repairs is the next thing on our list of essential tasks for new homeowners. As soon as you move in, make sure you inspect your new home for necessary repairs. Identify any issues, such as plumbing leaks or roof issues that need to be repaired to prevent any future damage.
Some of these repairs may require a professional tradesperson to be hired. Other repairs can be dealt with by you. Make sure you have all the tools required for the job. A basic toolkit will be your new best friend—trust me.
Don’t forget to stock up on cleaning supplies. There’s nothing like a fresh, sparkling home to call your own, and having a vacuum, mop, and some trusty cleaners will make all the difference from day one. Remember to invest in plastic-free cleaning products where possible to minimise the environmental impact.
Create a Home Management System
Once you’ve settled into your new home and have identified the regular maintenance required, you will need to establish a home management system to keep everything running smoothly. This system will include a schedule for regular maintenance tasks, like booking your boiler service, checking smoke alarms, window cleaning and arranging for gutter cleaning. By setting reminders in your calendar or using a dedicated home management app, you can ensure that these crucial tasks don’t fall through the cracks.
Additionally, create a filing system for all your important home-related documents, such as warranties, insurance policies, mortgage paperwork, and service records. Whether you opt for a digital system with scanned copies stored in the cloud or a physical filing cabinet, keeping these documents organised and easily accessible will save you time and stress in the long run.
Prioritise Functional Upgrades
Baltimore Sofa And Riva Chair from Furniture and Choice
It is unlikely that your new home will be everything you need it to be unless you’ve had it built to your exact specification of course. There will inevitably be some functional upgrades that you will want to make to ensure that your home meets all your needs.
Next on this list on essential tasks for new homeowners is to evaluate your storage solutions. Before buying any new furniture, assess built-in storage and decide if you need more shelves or cabinets. Ask yourself how you can best store all your belongings so that you have the most important things close at hand and everything else safely stored away.
Organise Your Space
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When moving into your new home, don’t simply take everything with you to the new property. A new home provides an opportunity to improve your life and get rid of everything that no longer serves you. Make sure you declutter before moving in. Sort through your belongings and donate or sell items you don’t need to avoid cluttering your new space.
It is also important to strategize room layouts before moving your belongings in. Plan the layout of each room to ensure functionality and flow before moving your furniture in or purchasing new furniture. It will be much harder to do this once the rooms are full of your belongings. Try getting some graph paper to draw out the layout to scale or alternatively use tape on the floor to mark out the items you intend to put in the room. This will give you a really good idea of what will work and what won’t and will save you time and energy in the long run.
Budget for Future Upgrades
The next item on our list of essential tasks for new homeowners is to create a budget for future upgrades you may want to make for your home. If you don’t budget for this from the start it is unlikely that you will be able to afford it down the line. We live up to our means and without setting money aside for these upgrades it’s unlikely we will be able to save.
Set aside funds for renovations and allocate a portion of your monthly budget towards future renovations or upgrades. If you are planning for a loft conversion, for example, get a quote to find out how much that will cost and then work out how much money you can set aside towards it each month. Automate this if possible so you don’t even notice the money leaving your bank account each month.
You should also plan to create a more energy-efficient home. Consider upgrading insulation, windows, and lighting to help save energy and reduce your energy bills. As well as saving up for these upgrades, keep an eye out for government grants available to homeowners looking to make home upgrades regarding energy efficiency. These upgrades will help you to create a more eco-friendly home.
Lastly, create a home emergency fund to prepare for unexpected repairs or maintenance costs. You need to know that if your oven broke you could afford to repair it or get a new one so you wouldn’t be left unable to cook hot food for your family.
Emergency Readiness
Being prepaid for an emergency isn’t just about having money. Being prepared also means having an emergency kit that contains all the essentials: plasters, a flashlight, batteries, candles and anything else you might need. Depending on where you live, you may need a much more comprehensive emergency kit. If you live in an area prone to flooding or hurricanes for example your emergency kit will need to include very different things to if you are simply preparing for a powercut.
Once you have created your emergency kit, tuck it away, hopefully never to be used, but always ready. Pop a list of emergency numbers on the fridge too—better safe than sorry!
Personalise Your Space
Harlow Sofa from Furniture and Choice
So, now you’ve got the practical bits sorted, it’s time for the fun part! The last thing on our list of essential tasks for new homeowners is to personalise your space. A cosy bed, a snug couch, good lighting, and some sumptuous rugs are your starting points. Don’t overlook window treatments; they’re crucial for privacy and maximising natural light in your home.
Then, it’s time to sprinkle a little ‘you’ around the place. Mix in some personal flair with photos, artwork, or even a few funky cushions. Got a green thumb? Indoor plants can be game-changers for boosting style, mood and air quality. This is where your house starts to feel like a home.
By taking care of these essential tasks for new homeowners, you’re setting yourself up for a smooth and delightful transition into your new home. It’s all about planning ahead and tackling one thing at a time.