![]() (Visit the Official Postal Service Change of Address website.) The postal service charges a $1 fee to verify your identity when changing your address online, so you’ll need a credit or debit card. Forward your mailĭon’t forget to update your address with the United States Postal Service. So, before your bundle of joy starts toddling around the house, take steps to fully childproof your new home. Have kids? Every year, millions of children are hospitalized because of accidents around the home, according to Safe Kids Worldwide. Also, consider labeling your home’s electrical panel. Get to know your new houseįigure out where the circuit breaker box and main water shut-off valve are before moving in so you know how to turn the electricity or water off in an emergency. Get a fire extinguisher for every level of your home, make sure you know how to use it, and plan an escape route in the event of a fire. A home warranty covers the cost of repairing many home appliances-and basic coverage starts at only about $300, says Shawna Bell of Landmark Home Warranty. Imagine waking up one morning to a busted boiler or leaking washer in your brand-new home. Check out our tips on how to hire a great contractor. Make repairsīefore moving in, Baxter recommends hiring a contractor to do any repairs that the seller didn’t agree to make. One caveat: “You have the right to bring in vendors for quotes, but work cannot start until you own the home,” she adds. “These projects are best done when the house is empty and usually don’t happen once the furniture shows up,” says Foy. So, if you want to repaint the home, resand floors, or make any other renovations, do them in advance. The last thing you want to do is have to tiptoe around a construction zone after you move in. If the home already has a security system installed, call the provider to confirm that service is set up, says Jennifer Baxter, associate broker at Re/Max Regency in Suwanee, GA. Also, read our recommendation for the best type of smoke detector. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectorsĮnsure these function properly to protect your new home from fires and other emergencies. However, “it can’t be done until after closing,” says Chris Dossman, a real estate agent in Indianapolis, IN. Swapping in new locks that only you have a key for is an essential safety measure. Don’t mind cleaning the home yourself? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Cleaning a House, with tips on how to clean a kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and beyond. “It’s never easier to do a deep clean than when the house is empty,” Beckman says. A cleaning service costs around $150. ![]() On average, a home energy audit costs about $200 to $700, but some utility companies will do them for free. This will show you how to make your house more energy-efficient (think insulating the attic, weatherstripping windows, sealing air leaks in crawl spaces), so it’s best to have one done and make related repairs before moving in. One of the best ways to cut your energy bill is to order a home energy audit, says Rachel Foy, a real estate agent in Newton, MA.Īn energy audit is a professional assessment of your new home’s overall energy performance. Plan on having a “ Property Brothers” marathon while you’re unpacking? Have your home wired for service before you arrive, advises Julie McDonough, a real estate agent in Southern California. “Chances are the seller will be turning them off as of the closing date,” says Greg Beckman, an Annapolis, MD, real estate agent. Instead, get all your utilities set up ahead of time. Electric, gas, water-don’t assume they’ll be on and operational when you arrive.
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