If you’ve recently purchased a new home, then you’re probably feeling a wide range of emotions, everything from relief to excitement, concern – maybe even stress – as you figure out how to settle in..
Moving in is just the first step; getting yourself situated, unpacked, and making your home a safe place to live is a whole different challenge. Specifically, when it comes to safety, you’ll want to have peace of mind in knowing your home is up to date and free of any nagging issues or problems that could blossom into something bigger down the line.
To help put your mind at ease, we’ve developed a home safety checklist for new homeowners to follow so they can feel comfortable about their new living situation!
Create a plan for emergencies
Nobody expects an emergency to happen, but that’s why it’s important to have plans in place should one arise. Whether it’s severe weather or a fire, it’s crucial to have a plan of action in place so everyone living in the house knows where to go or what to do.
After you build out these emergency plans, go over them with your family so everyone is on the same page. A practice run might even help to make sure everyone knows what to do!
Check all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
After you’ve moved in, go around the house and look over all the smoke alarms, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors to see if they are properly working and have updated batteries.
This will let you know right away what needs to be updated and what batteries need to be replaced. Checking these items will give you peace of mind in knowing they’re all properly up to date and working.
Go over your electrical setup
Another key area to go over after moving in is your electrical setup. Do a walkthrough of the new home and be on the lookout for any damaged cords, wires, or outlets. If something doesn’t look right , be sure to call an electrician and have them come address the situation as soon as possible.
Learn the layout of your water and piping systems
We mentioned it above, but it’s good to be ready for emergencies so you know what to do and how to act should they pop up. Another way to prepare for this as a new homeowner is to know where your water and piping systems are so you can be ready to turn your home’s water off on short notice. This is valuable to know in case there is a situation where there is flooding in a basement.
Make a first aid station
This isn’t specific to the actual structure of a house, but it’s still a good idea for those who have moved into a new home to build a first aid station or designate an area for first aid supplies.
Everything from antibiotics to ice packs, band-aids, thermometers, and more – the standard first aid items – are good to have on hand and in a centralized place so they can be accessed by whoever needs them.
If you’re getting ready to move and are thinking about using professional movers, be sure to call your local TWO MEN AND A TRUCK franchise to get started on a free moving quote!
