Buying a home is a significant decision that can feel exciting and overwhelming. After touring homes, negotiating the home’s value, and signing paperwork, you can finally sit back and relax in your new house.
After catching your breath, remember these six crucial steps to take after purchasing a home. They’ll make life easier and safer as you get used to your new neighborhood.
1. Start Your Utilities
The utility companies won’t automatically know when someone moves into a house. The previous owners will tell them what day they should stop sending bills, but it’s up to you to turn the utilities back on. Some people arrange this ahead of time, but you can also do it during your move-in day.
Your utilities will include electricity, water, and internet, but your home may also require activation for things like:
Natural gas.
Sewer.
Trash pickup.
Make a list and plan to start your utilities immediately after securing your move-in date or unloading your boxes.
2. Change Your Locks
Sometimes homeowners include lock changing in their closing deal, but that isn’t always guaranteed. Changing your locks is a significant part of securing your home.
The previous owners, their family members, or their friends who got a copy of the key won’t be able to access the house once it’s officially yours. Add it to your budget and expect it to only take a few minutes.
3. Check Your Homeowners Insurance
Everyone needs homeowners insurance to finalize their home purchase. You signed up for coverage with your preferred provider, but what does your insurance cover? It should help pay for any damage that results from natural disasters or theft. On the other hand, some insurance plans exclude specific perils that damage roofs, foundations, or siding.
Even minor roof damage, like a ceiling leak, could come with a costly repair price tag. Read the fine print for your insurance plan and note any possible damage you would have to pay for in full. A little research could connect you with professionals who would fix those problems for a fraction of the average cost in your region.
4. Forward Your Mail
Don’t forget to forward your mail before or just after your big move! The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) may require 7 to 10 business days to add your new address to their system. They’ll spend a few months forwarding any mail sent to your previous address to your current location, as well as anything directly sent to your current home.
It’s a significant help because it gives you time to receive bills or subscriptions you might initially forget to transfer before your move. The USPS will also send a warning when they’re a few weeks out from permanently removing your prior address from their system.
5. Invest in a Safe
Fireproof safes are excellent for homeowners because they secure your belongings from accidental fires or thieves. Renters also benefit from these. The person in the unit next to or beneath yours could start a fire that damages your whole building.
Safes come in many shapes and sizes, so find one that works for the documents you want to keep. It’s the best place for legal paperwork such as:
Social Security cards and passports.
Insurance policy cards and contracts.
Banking and other financial paperwork.
If you lose your home to a fire, you’ll have everything you need to restart your life elsewhere.
6. Check Your Smoke Detectors
Most home inspectors will check smoke detectors before anyone can finalize the sale. It’s still a good idea to check the detectors after moving in, though.
Installing new batteries makes your home safer and takes one worry off your mind. It only takes a minute and the batteries will make your detectors last for months.
Take These Steps After Purchasing a Home
Celebrate your next home purchase with your loved ones and then update your to-do list. If you remember these six steps to take after purchasing a home, you’ll feel safer and more comfortable in your new house.
