Five To-Do’s for New Home Owners
Disclaimer – This post is sponsored by The National Association of Realtors. All opinions are 100% my own. For additional home finance tips, check out HouseLogic.com
Moving into your new dream house can be a daunting task. Between unpacking, cleaning and trying to find that stray roll of toilet paper, it may feel like you have lost your mind in a sea of bubble wrap. That is why I wanted to share with you five simple things that you should do that first month of living in your new home. These items may feel like back burner tasks but really, they will help you sleep better at night in your new abode and make you feel like your new place is less like a new house and more like your new home. When we moved into our dream house, we were tired, overwhelmed and couldn’t remember where we put the sippy cups for our 10 month old son…and we had no idea what to do first. Of course, we cleaned and unpacked….but what next? This handful of to-dos walks you through each of those tasks and why it should be done first and foremost.
Let’s get to it!
source – Bower Power
#1 – LOCK IT UP
Security is the number one concern of most people in a new environment. You can easily switch out your locks and deadbolts to your new home to protect your valuables, your family and of course, yourself. Now is the time to consider the finish and the options are endless! When it comes to exterior locks, make sure you choose something that looks timeless and can be cleaned easily. A new security system is also a good idea. The options for this are endless as well. Systems with online monitoring, iPhone compatibility, thermostat control and even video monitors for the interior as well as your baby nursery are super helpful. Even if the room is empty now, it won’t be in the future – so go ahead and secure it!
source – Bower Power
#2 – REMOVE TOILET SEATS
Some folks may think it’s unnecessary to replace toilet seats but my point here is to simply remove them. By removing your toilet seats, you will be able to really deep clean under the bolts and hinges where the ‘yucks’ like to hide. Your goal is to make sure your royal throne is YOU-worthy. After a thorough scrubbing, you can reinstall your existing seat or choose to shop for a new one (new versions with night lights, padding or even child sized attachments are now available!) and either way you will know your favorite seat in the house is ready for your entire family.
source – Bower Power
#3 – IMPROVE YOUR HOME AIR
Changing an air filter is really a three minute task but it should be done immediately after moving into a new home. Even if the previous owners swear the chore was just done, changing out a filter can help improve the performance of your air conditioning and furnace units and help with any allergies in the home. This inexpensive fix can also save you money! The US Department of Energy says that replacing your dirty air filter with a new one can lower your A/C’s energy consumption by 5-10%. It’s a good idea to write directly on the filter when you put it in so that you can be sure to know how long it’s been since the last change. Also, take the time to test and change out batteries in all your smoke alarms and monoxide detectors. These are often tested during inspections but the batteries can die or tampered units are common especially if a house is left vacant.
source – Bower Power
#4 – PAINT YOUR FRONT DOOR
Painting your front door (or freshening it up with a coat of oil if it is wood) can show your new neighbors that you have arrived on the block and are investing in your home. This simple task is so easy! After you do proper prep work, make sure you pick an exterior grade paint and use a high quality bristle brush to give it multiple thin coats for the best coverage. It’s a great time to show off your personal style and these days any color goes! Every day you walk in through your newly made over door, you will feel welcomed to your new home and inspired to keep creating a space you love.
source – Bower Power
#5 – CHOOSE YOUR SIGNATURE SCENT
Every house has a smell. You know what I am talking about. It’s that ‘other people’s smell’ that is definitely not your own particular brand of aroma. Even if the smell isn’t bad, it just isn’t yours and that makes you feel like an intruder in someone else’s space. Make your dream home even more dreamy by filling it with your signature scent. Don’t have a signature scent? Check out a candle store or the air freshener aisle to peruse the options and then use your favorite regularly in your new home. In homes that have particular distressing ‘stanks’ – try getting the carpets cleaned before moving the furniture in. It can eliminate the smell as well as remove allergens, dirt and stains. My favorite is an a lemon-vanilla-rosemary mix that I let simmer all day on the stove and it fills every room of the house!
You did it! You are well on your way to making your house feel (and look and smell!) like home. It’s amazing how small changes can turn any place into your safe haven and make you feel comfortable. Making it your own is the best part of home-ownership! Looking for more ideas of what you need to do when you first buy a house? Here is a list of other things you should do when you first move in. Happy DIYing!
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