Congrats! You’ve just closed on your new home. But before you can settle into your new abode, there are still some tasks that need to be taken care of. Here is an overview of the five most important things to do after closing on a home.
Deep Clean the House
You may have done a thorough walkthrough before closing, but it never hurts to give the house another once-over—especially if it has been vacant for a while. Dust and clean all surfaces, including walls, ceilings, and floors. Vacuum or steam-clean carpets and rugs. And don’t forget about the windows too! A deep clean is also a great opportunity to assess any areas in need of repair or improvement prior to moving in your furniture and decor.
Change Out the Locks
It’s always wise to change all locks on exterior doors after closing on a home—even if you’re purchasing from someone you know or trust. It’s unknown who else may have copies of the keys from previous owners or contractors that had access during renovations. Have an experienced locksmith install deadbolts with at least an ANSI Grade 1 rating for added security measures.
Have Your HVAC Units Cleaned
Depending on how long it has been since they were last used, older HVAC systems can accumulate dust, dirt, and debris that can reduce their efficiency over time. To ensure they work as they should, have your air conditioning and heating systems professionally cleaned before turning them back on again post-closing. This will not only improve their performance but also make sure they are running safely and efficiently throughout the year ahead.
Update Your Driver’s License
Moving requires changing your driver’s license to reflect your new address (not to mention any other documents such as bank statements or voter registration). Contact your local DMV office for further instructions on how best to update these documents with your new address details—often, this just requires filling out a quick form online or via a mail-in application process.
Submit a Change of Address
Before you move into your new home, be sure to submit an official change of address form with USPS so that all mail sent to your old residence will be forwarded correctly (this includes online purchases). Submitting this form online is easy and takes only minutes—simply enter in all required information such as name(s), date of birth(s), etc., pay applicable fees (if any), then submit!
Time to Enjoy Your New Home
Moving into a new home is exciting—but before you can unpack boxes and get comfortable in your new space, there are some important tasks that need completing first!
From deep cleaning the house to updating your driver’s license information, double-check this list of five essential items after closing on a home for peace of mind that everything is taken care of prior to settling in for good!