Moving into a new home can be exhausting. There are a million things which have to be transferred from the old house to the new one, and although moving is a challenge in and of itself, the challenges don’t end just because the boxes have been unpacked. There is plenty more to be done to transform a house into a home.

Change the Locks

People want to trust the previous owner to be upstanding, and in most cases, they are. However, it is best to err on the side of caution. Have all the locks replaced with high quality models and change the codes of electronic entry devices on garage doors or other entries.

Change Filters

Moving in should be the start of something new for both the owner and the house. Change all of the filters, including those above the stove and in the heating and air conditioning units, as well as aeration filters in kitchen and bathroom spigots.

Also check the dryer vent before doing any loads of laundry. It can become clogged with lint, which presents a fire hazard if it isn’t attended to.

Clean Everything

If possible, do a thorough cleaning of the new house before the moving van arrives. Having an empty space in which to work allows cleaning to go much more efficiently as there’s no furniture or other clutter to work around.

There is no way of knowing what the previous owners may have left behind. If the previous owner had pets, pet dander might be an issue, as it can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Deep clean the carpets, dry clean curtains, scrub walls, wipe down countertops, and wash all appliances. 

This is also a great time to do painting, but it will require thinking through colors long before moving day.

Deal with Pests

Pests should be dealt with as soon as they are detected, whether they are insects or rodents. It is not a bad idea to have an exterminator evaluate your Ham Lake home to see whether there are any problems that need addressing.

Identify Problems

No home is perfect. Homeowners should take some time scrutinizing their new Minnesota home for any problem areas, including the potential need for childproofing.

Referencing the home inspection will illustrate many potential issues. While the issues listed may not have warranted changes to the sale price, the report offers a helpful list of spots new owners should be aware of.

Learn the Breaker Box

In an emergency, no one should have to stumble to find the breaker box or identify the switches within it. Take the time now to locate the box and identify where all the fuses are linked. Make sure belongings do not pile up around the breakers either. They should always be within easy reach in case of emergency.

Find the Main Water Valve

Similar to the breaker box, the main water valve is something commonly only needed in an emergency. This valve shuts down all water flow to a house and is most often used in case of a catastrophic leak. Homeowners should be sure to know where it is.

Check for Water Leaks

Even minor plumbing issues can quickly escalate into disasters. The quickest way to detect a leak is to note the number on the water meter.  Refrain from using any water for a couple hours, then check the meter again. If the number has advanced, there is a leak somewhere, and a plumber should be called.

Homeownership is a rewarding experience, but it pays to keep one step ahead of potential problems. Starting with a well-maintained house is the first step in having a terrific home experience for years to come.