Congratulations! You have successfully closed on a new home and now it is time to move into it. Although most people are preoccupied with how they plan on laying out the furnishings and decorating the home, there are several items that should also be on the top of any moving checklist. We discuss a few of these items below.
Important items to complete
- Obtain homeowner’s insurance: Although this is typically required before you close on your home, it is important that you have secured coverage. A home purchase is typically the largest investment of your lifetime and this insurance adds a layer of protection to your home, personal property, and even your liability.
- Locate your circuit breaker panel & confirm proper labeling: It is important that you have a working knowledge of your circuit breaker panel in the event of a power outage or even an electrical fire. Furthermore, you will want to ensure that the individual breakers are properly labeled. It is not uncommon for a breaker to be mislabeled, causing frustration for the homeowner.
- Confirm the location of all shut-off valves: It is extremely important for all household members to know where the shut-off valves are located for both water and gas. Accidental water damage is one of the most common insurance claims in the United States and can also be very expensive to repair. In the event of a water pipe bursting in the home, you do not want to be wasting time looking for how to shut off the main valve. In addition, you will want to inspect these shut-off valves from time to time, particularly in older homes. If necessary, you may even hire a plumber or gas contractor to provide you a tutorial on these systems.
- Confirm all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working: Once again, you can never be too safe in the home. While these alarms should have been checked during your general home inspection prior to purchase, it is still a good idea to confirm that they are operating correctly. These units should have a “test” button on them to be able to ensure proper operation. You may also want to replace the batteries in these units and make note of the date for future replacements.
- Locate all HVAC air filters and replace accordingly: All homes are unique with regard to their HVAC system. It is important that you are aware of each air filter that must be replaced regularly and do so accordingly. Another item to consider locating and maintaining is the condensation line. In addition to replacing the A/C filters on a monthly basis, adding a cap full of bleach to your condensation line can also prevent issues down the road.
- Create an emergency plan: In the event of an emergency such as a fire, it is important that all members of the household are familiar with the proper escape routes. In addition, it is not a bad idea to provide a spare key to a local family member or trusted friend in the event of a lockout.
Summary
Moving is not always easy and can be quite involved. With this said, it is important to pay close attention to details regarding home safety and basic maintenance. Although it is more enjoyable to focus on items such as home furnishings and decorations, basic steps to ensure property maintenance and safety in the home will certainly give you peace of mind.
Are you looking to buy or sell a property in South Florida? Now more than ever, it is critical to have a qualified real estate team and the proper search tools behind you. At Live South Florida Realty, Inc., we have been a leader in the South Florida market for many years. Let our team of professionals assist you with buying or selling your piece of paradise today! In addition, our recently launched “Florida Home Search” app is now available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. With real-time MLS feeds, this app lets you set your own alerts to notify you as soon as a property meeting your needs hits the market. Furthermore, it will also let you know of recent closed sales in your area so that you may be even more educated on the market. Be sure to download this app for your smartphone or tablet today!
