Things to Do After Moving Into a New House: Updating Your Security Systems and More
It’s no secret that moving house is one of the most stressful events in the calendar – so it’s no surprise that you’re probably feeling very relieved if you’ve just successfully moved into somewhere new. However, before you pop that champagne cork or begin celebrating being in your new home, there’s a few things you should do. There’s still some work to be done even after you’ve unpacked the main boxes and ensured that everything has made it safely into your new property.
From inspecting and cleaning your new home to putting new security measures in place to ensure that it is as safe as possible, there are a number of tasks that need to be completed when you move into a new home. Plus, the quicker you get these tasks done, the quicker you can crack open the champagne and celebrate a successful move!
Change the locks
To ensure that your new home is safe and secure, the first thing you should do is change the locks. You can never guarantee how many keys to your property are in circulation when you buy a new property and you can’t guarantee that the people previously living in your house gave all of the keys back. They may have given out spares to friends, neighbours or family members or even lost some sets over time. You can never be sure exactly who has access to your property when you move in, which is why it’s best to change the locks as soon as you move in – or even before.
Inspect and clean the property
When you move into a new house, take the time to inspect every corner. Check every room for visible signs of damage, particularly from fire or water. You should always keep an eye out for running toilets, leaky taps and any plumbing issues. Don’t forget to look around outside too; inspect the exterior of your home and keep an eye out for any problems. You should then work out how to get all of these issues fixed – whether it’s calling up a qualified plumber to fix any plumbing issues or carrying out some DIY around the house to fix minor problems.
It’s also worth giving your new home a thorough clean before you settle in to ensure that it is as fresh and welcoming as possible. Unpacking can leave your house dusty and dirty, so once you’ve unpacked all of the boxes and put everything in its right place, give your property another good clean. This will ensure that your new house is clean and hygienic.
Take care of utilities
Ideally, the utilities should be set up and connected before you move into a new property. But, as we’ve already established, moving can be extremely stressful – so there’s a chance you may have been wrapped up in other tasks and forgot to organise your utilities. Make sure you get your utilities set up as soon as you move into a new property; the first utility companies you should contact are power and water providers.
You’ll need immediate access to water, gas and electricity so make sure that it is sorted as soon as possible. Once these have been set up, you’ll need to make arrangements to set up internet, phone and other services.
Check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
Before you spend your first night in your new property, it’s important that you ensure that all of the smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working. It’s a good idea to stock up on batteries before your move to ensure that you’re ready to change them if need be. Take the time to go through your home and check every single smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector to ensure that it’s working correctly.
If you notice that your property doesn’t have a carbon monoxide detector, make sure you install one as soon as possible. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a serious issue and it is important that you and your family are protected. You can easily purchase a carbon monoxide detector online or from a home improvement shop.
Notify friends and authorities of your new address
You’ll also want to make sure that you notify the right people and places about your move. It’s better to notify everyone sooner rather than later to avoid any confusion and to ensure that you receive bills and any important post. Even if you do choose to use the Post Office’s mail-redirection service, it’s always wise to inform important companies and authorities of your move yourself.
You’ll need to contact important government bodies to inform them of your change of address, including the DVLA, HMRC and the Department for Work and Pensions (if applicable). You’ll also need to notify the electoral roll and TV licensing company. Your banking, savings account providers and credit card companies should be notified, too. This is especially important as many current account and credit card providers may use your current address as a security check or to verify your identity.
Further companies to notify of your move include:
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Car insurance
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Home insurance
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Life insurance
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Pet insurance
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Mobile phone insurance
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Health insurance
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Water supplier
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Electricity provider
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Gas provider
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Broadband
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Home phone
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Local NHS doctor’s surgery (make sure you register as soon as possible to ensure that you have access to a GP should you need one)
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Employers
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Schools and colleges
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Newspaper, magazine and newsletter subscriptions
Don’t forget to notify your friends and family members of your move too so that they can easily pop by!
Secure your property
It’s important that you feel as safe and secure as possible in your new home. It’s always worth taking some extra security measures to ensure that your home is monitored and protected at all times. A home security system will provide you with peace of mind and ensure that your property is safe. There are lots of different options available to suit different budgets and requirements, all of which are designed to secure your new home against unauthorised access or harmful acts of nature.
A security company will be able to install and activate a security system in no time at all, and it will give you peace of mind that your property is safe and protected for years to come. If you’re a single homeowner, having a system that allows you to set the security alarm when you’re inside your home at night can provide you with extra comfort.
Many people like to install CCTV cameras in their property for extra peace of mind. A CCTV camera that connects to a mobile app allows you to watch footage in real time and store the footage should you ever need to take it to the police. In addition, many CCTV cameras today also feature motion detection, night vision and weatherproof casing.
Campbell & McGovern Locksmiths: superior home security systems in Bootle
At Campbell & McGovern Locksmiths, we offer home and business owners smarter ways to deter thieves with a selection of the very best and most effective security products on the market. Our highly experienced team is dedicated to ensuring that your property is protected against intruders with our range of superior security systems. Our effective security products include access control systems, master key systems, CCTV, Smartair Security systems and a range of products to protect your windows and doors.
We understand that the security of your home is extremely important, which is why we always go above and beyond to ensure that you feel safe and protected in your property. For more information about our services and products, visit our website. We also provide extensive locksmith services in Liverpool, serving customers in Bootle and beyond.
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