[dropcap]B[/dropcap]uying a place is perhaps a moment the vast majority of people dream of their entire lives, especially in this turbulent economy. It’s a step that involves a lot of preparation and that unfortunately does not end right when you sign the papers. On the contrary, after you buy the place you still need to do and arrange certain things, so that you can begin your new life worry-free. To this end, here are four things you need to do as soon as you become a homeowner:
1. Change the Locks
This advice is not only for the overcautious out there, but it’s a generally sensible recommendation that can save you from any unpleasant scenarios. Think about it. There is no way for you to know how many copies of the lock the previous owner had, nor how many and to whom they borrowed them. Having this in mind, paying a reasonable amount to change the locks and get copies for you and your family is more than fair. You’ll thank yourself eventually.
2. Fix Up the Place
It’s safe to assume that you most likely bought the house without it being in a condition of serious disrepair. But as any other home, this one may need some finishing touches, such as sanding and refinishing hardwood floors, painting and plastering. All this is fine, but it’s all the easier if you take these steps before the furniture is placed in and your kids are running around the house. So consider doing any such work – be it by yourself, or by hiring a pro – before it gets to a point where your home is cluttered and you’re back to your busy work schedule.
3. Set Up Utilities
This is undoubtedly one of the steps you can’t skip whenever you become a new homeowner. You will need to browse the market for the best gas and electricity providers and allow yourself time to call each and every one of them, to see what their offer is and when they have appropriate availability. Consequently, it’s recommended that you called your previous providers and let them know you are switching to different companies. If this is not the case, you still need to inform them that you no longer have the same address. In this situation, they will most likely simply update the new information on your account.
4. Invest in Professional Cleaning
Just as you do when you sell a home, it’s best to hire a professional cleaning company that can spruce up the place and get it ready for you to settle in. This is a one-time fee that you’ll be paying in order to be spared the cumbersome process of thoroughly cleaning an entire house, from carpets and windows, to appliances and sanitizing the bathroom. However, if you’re up to the task, you can also do this on your own and get the reward of having cleaned by yourself your very own nest.
By following these steps, you can rest assured that moving in your new home will be a less scary and tiresome experience than it can typically be. Regardless the interventions you need to do on your new home or how lengthy they are, just remember to also allow yourself some time to breathe. You got here, you finally have your own place and this needs celebrating.
