Congratulations! You have just purchased your new dream home in Myrtle Beach and are settling into the good life that this beautiful city provides. The movers have come and gone, the clothing is hung, the plates are put away and the cardboard boxes have all been disassembled. Now what?
The neverending list of “to-dos” that come with moving is sure to make your head spin a bit. There are a few obvious items that some families forget to do after they purchase their new home, as well as some things that may not be as obvious but can help families in the transition. We understand that the list can seem tedious so we wanted to help.
Below we have a new home checklist, complete with 11 things to do after residents have unpacked and settled into their new home in Myrtle Beach. Our hope with the checklist is to help you stay organized and remind you of a few items you may have forgotten or not thought of during the chaos that comes with moving. We are here to help and hope this makes the process a little easier for you and your family!
1. You should definitely change the locks
Do you know how many spare keys were made to your new home before you moved it? It really is impossible to tell. There is something to be said about feeling safe in your own home, and the first step in that is knowing that your front door and all points of entry to your home are secure. To accomplish this, one of the first things you should look into doing after moving in is updating the locks on all the doors. This will ensure your new Myrtle Beach home is protected and will deter any unwanted visitors that decide to drop in for a visit.
It is also a good idea to consider installing new deadbolts and smart locks. These are available at almost all local home improvements stores such as Home Depot and Lowes.
2. Copy and secure important housing documents
After you close on your house, you should make copies of the home closing documents for your records. It is helpful to store and secure them (and other important documents) in a fireproof safe somewhere in your home that is out of the way and not in plain sight (closets or offices are popular spots). You should also send a copy of these documents to your financial institution for a layer of added security. This ensures that in the unfortunate event that something was to happen to your home, that you have copies and access to documents that you may need quickly. There is nothing worse than going through a terrible, unforeseen event involving your home and not having the proper documents you need.
3. Update home technology
Continuing the home safety conversation, it may be a good time to look into updating the home technology such as the security system and smart home tech. If there is not a home security system currently installed, you may want to integrate it into your home. This extra layer of protection will help to give you peace of mind that your family is safe and your home is secure.
On that note, it is also a great time to familiarize yourself and your family with the electrical system of the home. Find where the meter and fuse boxes are to ensure you can access them easily and quickly when needed. The worst time to find these systems are when you need them!
4. Scrub-a-Dub! Schedule a deep cleaning for your new home
Let’s be honest, everyone loves a clean home. And while your new home may look spotless when you get the keys, it is always a good idea to schedule a deep cleaning from top to bottom shortly after you move in. Areas such as carpets, ceiling fans, pools, and windows have more than likely accumulated dust and dander’s prior to and while you were moving in. The cleaning can, of course, be accomplished on your own, or if you feel like you’ve put in enough manual labor while moving, you can hire a local cleaning service to deep clean the entire home.
5. Personalize your new mailbox
Now that you have unpacked and settled into your new home in Myrtle Beach, add an extra touch of personalization to your mailbox to let your new neighbors (and the mailman) know you are here! It does not make a difference if your mailbox is attached or detached – there are a variety of ways to personalize them such as updating your name and replacing the home address numbers if they are faded or weathered. These are inexpensive and fun ways to put your own touch on the home!
6. Test fire safety in your new home
It is very important (and commonly overlooked) to keep fire safety and prevention at the forefront of your mind while you are unpacking. A way families can do this is by checking to make sure that the carbon monoxide and smoke detectors have been properly installed, that they are working and that they are clean. It is also a good idea to check the expiration dates of fire extinguishers that are in the house and, if necessary, purchase new ones for the entry-level of your new home.
7. Heating and air conditioning
You should look to ensure that the air ducts in your new home are clear and not blocked, and also that the settings on the water heater and set to your preference. Homeowners should also check the air conditioning and furnace filters to ensure they are clear, and prepare to change them if necessary.
8. Freshen your new interior
One of the best parts of moving into a new home is having an excuse to start fresh and customize certain parts of the home to your liking and preferences. Put your personal touch on your new pad by updating window treatments and screens, installing new flooring, applying a new coat of paint, installing fresh cabinetry and putting in new organizational systems to help keep everything in its place. It obviously would be ideal to complete all these items prior to your move-in date, but some families do not always have that luxury. In the event you are not able to complete these before you move in, starting them shortly after you are settled would be best to avoid having to constantly move personal items and furniture.
9. Update your new address
A task that is obvious but commonly forgotten about during the moving process is to update your new address. The first place you will want to notify of your move is your local post office to ensure your mail is being forwarded to your new home. Next, you will want to let your insurance companies, financial institutions and employer know of your change of address. Lastly, you will want to make sure within the first few weeks of your move to head to your local DMV to update your license.
10. Make evacuation plans for your family in your new home
The best time to make a plan for a potential emergency is before it happens. After you move into your new home, you should locate a few exit points for you and your family to use in the event of an emergency. You should also identify a nearby meeting place for the members of your family to meet at if anything were to happen and you were to be separated. This place can be a spot at a nearby park, the nearest school parking lot or library, or even the house of a close family or friend. Some families even find it comforting to invest in evacuation tools or an escape ladder to make sure they are prepared for anything that comes their way.
11. Locate your nearest weather shelter
You never know when mother nature is going to turn and bad weather will hit. In preparation for this, you will always want to go to your basement or underground shelter first. If your home does not have a basement or shelter, it is important to pinpoint the lowest level of your home that does not have any windows to take shelter in. It again is always best to be prepared and identify these areas before you need them. Also, be sure you and your family take the time to update the severe weather alert on your phones to stay informed as the weather develops in your area.
We hope these tips and ideas are helpful for you and your family during and after your move and gave some insight on how to keep your home and family safe. Myrtle Beach is a great place to live and there is no doubt that you will enjoy all the benefits this great city affords its residents. If you have questions or if our team can help with anything, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Welcome to Myrtle Beach!
You have questions, we have answers give us a call 843-839-9870
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