After making the investment of buying your new home, you may want to postpone such expensive tasks as landscaping and adding a deck, but there are a few essentials that you shouldn’t put off.
One of the first actions you should take is to change your locks. You never know if the previous owners gave keys to former friends or repairmen. Don’t wait to call a locksmith; this relatively inexpensive security measure should be taken as soon as possible.
It’s also wise to go around your new home and replace all the batteries in smoke detectors. You should also install a carbon monoxide detector in the hallway near the bedrooms if one isn’t already their.
Finally, take the time to find out the location and non-emergency phone numbers for the nearest fire station, police station, and hospital. Keep them by the main phone so they are available at all times. You’ll also want to introduce yourself to your new neighbors, and keep their numbers on hand in case of an emergency.
When you buy a home, there will be many jobs to accomplish, from changing your address and having your utilities shut off at your old residence to cleaning and unpacking at your new home. Don’t overlook these important tasks to help ensure your safety:
- Immediately have the locks changed. You never know how many contractors, neighbors, or maintenance providers possess copies of the keys. Although these people may be trustworthy, your keys could get into the wrong hands.
- Change the codes on security systems and garage door openers. Similar to choosing a password for your computer, make sure your cods aren’t easy to guess: don’t use your house number as the code for your garage.
- Replace the batteries on the smoke alarms. Buy one fire extinguisher for each level of the house and garage.
- Make sure the house numbers are at least 6-inches tall. They should be clearly visible from the street to help emergency vehicles spot your house should the need ever arise.
For America’s youngest movers, moving to a new home can be an unsettling experience. The excitement of meeting new friends or meeting new friends or decorating a new room is often outweighed by fears of losing touch with old friends or fitting in at a new school.
Here are some tips to help ease the anxiety children may feel when changing addresses:
*Include your children in decorating decisions for the new room.
*Assign your children a box to pack, or glassware to wrap, so they feel involved.
*Familiarize them with your new neighborhood, and locate some of your family’s favorite restaurants and stores. This will help your children feel more at home.
*Introduce yourself to your new neighbors before moving, and invite them and their children over to get acquainted.
After making the investment of buying your new home, you may want to postpone such expensive tasks as landscaping and adding a deck, but there are a few essentials that you shouldn’t put off.
