Moving into a new home is so exciting! Your mind will probably also be reeling with all the to-dos after you move in. If it’s an older home or a fixer-upper, there really are a myriad of details to attend to!
Sometimes we get so caught up in the superficial, like decorating and organizing, that we can overlook some basics that actually have a longer-term impact on our lives. Here are some tips on DIY projects and tasks around the house that will help you save money, making your home safe and feel like…. Home.
Make a list, and check it twice
There are going to be a whole slew of things to do – and it’s not likely that you will remember them all. So, grab a notebook or dedicate a whiteboard for the tasks, and create a list that everyone in the house can add to. Then, break it by priority to help keep things on track and ensure that the tasks are attended to in their order of importance and need.
Cleaning, safety and security, unpacking of essentials, and basic setup are obviously top of the list to make the house liveable and safe (and remember to get house and contents insurance. Visit AMI Insurance for more information and advice). Next on your list should be to take care of maintenance and organisational tasks, like cleaning out filters and putting up shelves.
Check all locks and bolts
Obviously, the first step towards securing your home is ensuring that all the bolts and locks for doors, windows, and cupboards are functional – locked doors and windows are the first deterrent for criminals. Ensure that your front and back doors, as well as the garage and any door or window leading to the outside, have working locks. Many people also prefer to get all new locks installed when they move into a new home, so as to avoid any risks from other people still having keys. It is also a good idea to understand whether water or strong winds come in from any window or door, so you can secure them in rainy weather.
Know where your switchboard is
You should have access to your home’s electrical panel. This means you can turn off the power supply if needed in an emergency or during some repairs. Understand the circuit breakers and test them to know which ones operate which circuits, and then mark them so you can turn off individual sections of power as needed. Also know the main breaker so you can, in one shot, turn off power to the entire property.
Know where to find the water mains shut-off valve
This may not be something you think of until a pipe bursts or there’s a leak that needs to be attended to. Knowing where the mains for your water supply are and how to turn them off should be a top task. Look near the water meter (which you should also know where to find!), and the valves are likely nearby. A tip here – don’t mess about with the various nozzles, knobs, and valves that you see. Only touch the main shut-off valve to shut off the water supply.
Smoke detectors and CO alarms
One of the first DIY things you should do, given that cooking is probably something you will start doing, is make sure you have a working smoke detector in the kitchen and other important points around the house. Check that the batteries are fresh, the alarm works, and is loud enough to be heard. If you have CO detectors in place, do the same for them – or if there are none, put that on your (next in line) to-do list.
Install door, window, and garage alarms and motion sensor lights
Alarms don’t have to be expensive. There are numerous affordable and easy-to-install alarms out there in the market. Wireless alarms go a long way towards increasing the security of your home. From alarming external doors and windows to putting in motion sensor lighting, there are ways to deter would-be criminals. Noise and light, which attract attention, are the last thing a burglar wants to deal with. If there are already alarms installed in the home, make sure the batteries are good.
Walk your property, inside and out
You really should make the time to get to know your house – every nook and cranny, every border wall and fence. Take a walk around the property and take photos of everything, including any damage that needs repairs or security vulnerabilities that have to be corrected. Inside the house, head to the roof space, crawl spaces, and inside cupboards and at the edges of walls, for any signs of leaks, mould, infestations, or other possible problems that will become problematic if left unchecked. Similarly, check all pipes, panels, and electrical points to ensure they are not leaking or sparking. This is also a good time to check or, if necessary, update your home insurance.
With this list of tips and tricks in mind, you are sure to make the new house not just comfortable, but safely yours.
