Moving into a new home is always exciting but there’s a fair bit of work to be done too. Before you can settle in and start to relax, there are some key changes you’ll need to make to the property. To ensure you’re safe and secure in your new home, be sure to carry out the following tasks as soon as you arrive…
1. Get a utility supplier
The previous occupants of your property should have let their utility supplier know that they’d be moving out, which means you’ll find yourself without water, electric and gas sooner, rather than later.
If you know your move-in date in advance, it’s worthwhile contacting utility suppliers in advance, so you can get the best deal. Usually, a new supplier can simply add you to their customer base without visiting the property. In some cases, however, it may be necessary for them to undertake a small amount of work. If so, booking an appointment in advance will mean you won’t face any delays as you enjoy your new environment.
2. Change the locks
When a property owner is selling a house or renting out an apartment, they are likely to give keys to estate agents and even tradespeople who are carrying out work at the site. This means that an alarming number of people could gain access to your property if they chose to.
Of course, your safety and security should be your top priority, so you’ll want to rectify this straight away. By contacting a professional locksmith, you can have your locks changed within a matter of hours. Remember – it isn’t just the lock on your front door which needs to be updated. All doors to your house or flat, as well as the windows, should be fitted with new locks. In addition to this, you’ll want to change the locks on your sheds, outhouses and garages or fit them with additional security to prevent unauthorised access.
3. Find the stopcock and fuse box
Knowing how to turn off the mains water supply is essential for any homeowner or tenant. If a leak occurs, your property could be flooded within minutes, so being able to stop the flow of water is vital.
Similarly, the electrical power entering the property comes through the fuse box, so it’s important to know where it is. In the event of a surge, you may need to switch the fuse box off completely. It’s more likely, however, that a malfunction will cause a fuse to ‘blow’ and you’ll lose power to some or all of the property. If so, you’ll need to replace the fuse, so it’s best to locate the fuse box before you really need to find it!
Enjoying Your New Home
There are so many things to do when you’re moving house that it’s easy to forget about some of the essentials. By prioritising your safety and security, however, you can relax and enjoy your new surroundings safe in the knowledge that the most important things are taken care of.
