You have a new home! What an exciting time full of new ideas followed by a bunch of questions. The process should be fun the whole way through. Our tip to you is: keep things organized and accessible. This way, you’re able to stay on top of everything and always be prepared.
The tips we will outline are very simple and definitely something you’re able to pass along to your friends as they move into their new home. As always, if you need anything at all, we’re here for you.
Homeowners Binder
The process is just like when you started school. Grab a three-ring binder, some tabbed dividers, and even folders if you’d like. Have fun with the process as you’re creating your home’s go-to resource. In the homeowners binder will be your home information, your closing paperwork, any appliance manuals, neighborhood information, insurance, etc. Place this binder where you can always access it and you’re ready for anything.
Air Filters
Get several air filters. The cost of air filters is very reasonable so grabbing 5 or 6 at one time is very doable. On the side of each filter, there is a cardboard/paper surface where you can write the dates you’ll need to swap filters. – write the months on each one. You will avoid a lot of unnecessary furnace or clean air issues by staying on top of replacing filters. The thinner the filter, the more often you change it. Regular filter replacement is every 3 to 6 months.
Emergency Fund
Start an emergency house fund. Homeowners are responsible for any improvements or repairs. Tucking away money (even a little at a time) will take the stress and pressure off when it comes to replacing a roof or fixing a pipe down the road. Isn’t there a saying where if you prepare, you won’t have to use it? I’m sure there’s something like that.
Save on Energy
Save money by saving energy. Simple changes like swapping light bulbs for LED bulbs, turning your water heater to 120 degrees and moving the refrigerator away from the oven can cut costs on the amount of energy needed for your home. Daily habits also play a role in saving energy. The top energy-sucking things in your home are cooling and heating, the washer and dryer, lighting and the water heater. A full list can be found HERE.
Electrical Box Labels
Relabel breakers. Open up that electrical box and take a look at the labels for each breaker. Is it in pencil? Are they correct? Make sure you know what’s what and have labeled them permanently. There’s nothing worse than needing answers about your power and the label is impossible to read…or is wrong.
Maintenance Dream Team
Build your home maintenance dream team. Choosing the people you’d like to work with before something happens is a lot less stressful and less pressure than having to scramble to find someone in an emergency situation. A good list to start includes an HVAC company, a plumber, an electrician, a handyman, a roofing company, pest control, and a locksmith. We are more than happy to share our recommendations as well. Contact us for any of the above.
Change of Address
File a change of address with the post office. With everything going on with the move, it’s really easy to overlook the simple stuff. While you’re at it, changing your address on your driver’s license is a good idea. This should be done within 30 days of your move.
