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As one of the most stressful events in life, moving into a new house can feel exciting but overwhelming at the same time. Between coordinating with movers, unpacking, and getting acclimated to your new neighborhood, many basic new-home tasks can fall through the cracks. But these items on your to-do list are critical so you can settle in successfully.
Even if you can do most of these tasks yourself, who has that much energy while going through a move? “As you move in or out, most people don’t consider how tiring it is, both mentally and physically,” says Stacy Brown, director of technical training at Real Property Management. “In my experience, those who tackle these basics feel more confident, safe, and at home faster. They’re also setting the stage for fewer surprises down the road, because small refreshes now can prevent major headaches later.”
It’s OK to ask for help. Here we highlight some of the smartest to-dos that you can delegate, from changing the locks to sprucing up the landscape, so you can release some of the stress and enjoy your new home.
1. Change the locks.
For safety and peace of mind, changing the locks is recommended when you move into a new home. “It’s one of the simplest but most critical steps,” says Brown. “You never know who might still have a copy of the old keys, such as previous owners, contractors, or even neighbors. A fresh set of locks (or upgrading to smart locks) gives peace of mind from day one.”
Unless you are trained in this skill set, it’s best to contact a professional locksmith to change all the locks and get your new sets of keys made. A qualified locksmith will complete the job correctly with high-quality locks, and can recommend security upgrades based on your home’s specific vulnerabilities. They can also rekey existing locks if they’re in good condition, which is often more cost-effective than fully replacing everything.
2. Unpack and get organized.
One of the most overwhelming aspects of moving into a new home is unpacking and figuring out where every item will go. It’s helpful to hire a professional unpacking or organizing service to help you through this process. These experts can help unpack boxes, organize belongings, and create functional storage solutions to help make your life in your new home as streamlined as possible.
If desired, you can also ask them to help you purge and declutter as you open each box filled with items from your previous home. Getting organized as soon as possible after emptying the moving truck can save you tons of time and hassle later and help make your home easier to keep clean and tidy.
3. Deep-clean the house.
Before unpacking all your belongings, you’ll want to freshen up the place with a deep clean. You can’t assume that the previous owners left the space spotless. This tedious endeavor entails cleaning every nook and cranny, including baseboards, window tracks, ceiling corners, and inside cabinets.
While you can certainly do this yourself, imagine all the time and energy you’ll save by hiring a professional team who specializes in this task. They’ll bring all the right supplies to get the job done efficiently. “Even if the home looks spotless, a professional deep clean, especially of kitchens, bathrooms, and floors, makes a world of difference,” notes Brown.
4. Replace HVAC and appliance filters.
Make sure you service your HVAC system and replace all the filters in the home, suggests Brown. “Comfort and air quality are often overlooked until there’s a problem,” she says. “It’s better to start fresh. Having the system serviced ensures efficiency, prevents costly repairs, and makes sure you breathe clean air in your new space.” Don’t forget that there are more filters in your house than just the HVAC—refrigerators, dishwashers, exhaust fans, sink lines, and dryer vents—that need to be checked or changed, too. Bring a professional out to ensure all the filters are replaced properly, especially when you first move in. Once you understand more about the property, you can possibly change filters yourself in the future.
5. Spruce up the landscaping.
Don’t forget about the outside of your new home as well. You’ll want to make sure to properly care for the lawn and landscaping, especially if the house has been empty while on the market. “Be sure to check out the curb appeal. First impressions matter to you, your neighbors, and future buyers. Simple landscaping touches like trimming shrubs, fresh mulch, and healthy lawn care not only make the property more inviting but also protect its long-term value,” says Brown.
Consider hiring a landscaping service to handle mowing, weeding, planting, fertilizing, mulching, irrigation, and other landscaping needs. They will have the right equipment, expertise, and knowledge to address any landscaping issues that arise. Calling them in also can save you time and effort so you can actually enjoy your new outdoor space right away.
