The Ultimate New Homeowner Checklist for 2024
Buying a new house is one of the most special occasions for you & your family. However, moving in is a daunting task, with so many things to remember! From house maintenance and family safety to cleanliness and unpacking, there's so much to consider. You do not want to miss out on anything that affects a smooth transition from your previous place to the new one.
To help make your life and moving-in process easier, we’ve compiled the ultimate new home checklist 2024.
Home Inspection and Maintenance
One of the most crucial new homeowner tips is to perform a thorough inspection of the property. The inspection helps ensure that basic indoor/outdoor areas are in ideal condition. Start with checking the faucets and sink cabinets for any leaks. Look out for water stains on walls, ceilings, and floors. Turning on appliances such as heaters and air conditioners to ensure that they’re working is essential. As roofs require regular maintenance, collect information about their age and current condition. If you’ve bought an old house, make sure to go through old windows, wiring, and clay/cast iron pipes.
Home Security and Safety
As first-time homebuyers in 2024, you need to ensure that your new living space is completely safe and secure. We recommend changing the locks to ensure that no one has access to your new home. Installing a home security system with basic or automated features is one of the best home safety measures to have. Having security alarms and cameras promotes peace of mind and helps prevent invasion or theft. Furthermore, check if all the windows of your home get securely locked when closed. To avoid any privacy breach from hackers, make sure that your wifi network is protected with a strong password.
Utilities and Services Setup
Before moving into your new home, you’ll have to ensure that all basic utilities are set up. You do not want to manage without electricity, gas, water, or internet! Contact the gas cylinder dealers of your locality online or visit their office to apply for a new gas connection. Similarly, apply to the water supply authority if a water connection is not already available. To get an electrical supply at your new home, apply for an electricity meter through the concerned electricity company. There are multiple ways to set up an internet connection, including DSL, a local phone company, or a cable provider. Compare the available internet plans and choose the one that suits your requirements the best.
Organise Your Living Spaces
Organising your valuables is an essential step on or before the moving day. Make sure that you keep expensive articles like jewellery and important documents with you while moving. Prefer packing valuable things with bubble wrap or other suitable packaging solutions. Prepare a box containing things you'll mostly need for the following week after moving in. Include regular clothes, laptop/mobile chargers, toilet paper, toothbrushes, cleaning supplies, etc. During unpacking in your new home, you can also decide which items to keep, donate, or dispose of. Sorting your belongings helps declutter your new living spaces and make space for other homeownership essentials.