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Congratulations! You’ve finally done it. After weeks—maybe months or even years—of searching, planning, and paperwork, you’ve got the keys to your first home.
Very few people are lucky enough to achieve this milestone; you’re among them. Approximately 32% of Americans bought their first homes in 2023. That’s up from 26% in 2022.
Buying your first home is exciting, liberating, and a huge milestone. The urge to decorate the nest is often high.
But wait. Don’t rush into decorating the space. There are certain tasks you would want to tackle before you can settle in and truly call the place “home.” Taking care of these tasks can significantly impact how comfortable and secure you feel in your new space.
So, what are those? We’ll break them down for you.
#1 Change the Locks
You might have got shiny new keys. But think about it: how many other people might have had access to your home before you? The previous owners, their families, maybe even contractors or real estate agents—you just never know.
Security is something you can’t overlook when moving into a new home. So, first things first: change the locks.
You can either hire a locksmith or do it yourself if you’re handy. If you plan to hire a locksmith, expect to shell out between $50 and $200. Sure, the task will cost you a pretty penny. But it will give you peace of mind knowing that you’re the only one who has access to your new space.
Upgrade to good-quality deadbolts. They are built with high-quality mechanisms and materials like stainless steel. That makes them resistant to forced entry.
These days, you’ve also got the option of upgrading to smart locks. Unlocking your door is a breeze with them since you have to use your phone or a keypad instead of the keys.
#2 Arrange for a Moving and Storage Company
Book a moving & storage company right after you sign the deal. Waiting until the eleventh hour can lead to unnecessary stress and limited availability, especially during peak moving seasons.
Whether you’ll move into your new space a month later or two, research your options now. Take quotes from multiple companies.
Consider whether they offer flexible scheduling, good insurance coverage, and transparent pricing. Inquire about any hidden fees that may not be obvious right away.
Compare the quotes you receive and weigh them against the services provided. Hire the one that not only fits your budget, but also meets your specific needs for packing, loading, and storage.
Confirm the moving date with the company, ideally, three weeks before the move, suggests Redwood Moving & Storage. That way, you will secure your spot without paying any extra money.
#3 Hire Pest Control
Just because you don’t see any bugs doesn’t mean they aren’t there.
Ants, beetles, and cockroaches might live in your new home’s attic, basement, closets, bathroom, laundry room, or kitchen and pantries.
According to Forbes, cobwebs, wood damage, wood shavings or frass, or dead insects are tell-tale signs that your new home may have an insect problem.
Insects are relatively harmless to structures as well as humans. Still, it’s best to hire a pest control company. That will help your new home stay comfy and critter-free.
Schedule an inspection with a pest control service before the moving company arrives with your stuff. That way, potential issues can be addressed before you start moving in.
#4 Refresh Rooms with Paint
A coat of fresh paint can make your home look like new, irrespective of how old it is, remarks MoonDance Painting.
Say farewell to cool neutrals, dated grays, and stark whites, and hello to unexpected and traditional shades like ravishing rubies and electric brights. You’ll find those everywhere in 2025.
Don’t forget to paint the ceiling—that’s one of the trends of 2024, says Ideal Home.
If you’re not up for DIY, consider hiring a painting company. They can offer professional advice on color choices and finishes and handle the job efficiently, leaving you with a beautifully refreshed space.
Expect to pay around $4,750 to $12,000 to professionals for the painting job. That is expensive, but there are several benefits to hiring a professional. They will get the job done quicker. Plus, the overall finish will be clean and smooth.
There you have it—the essential tasks to tackle before you settle into your new home!
These steps might seem small, but they can make a huge difference in how smoothly your transition goes. Don’t try to tackle all of them at once. Take it one task at a time; soon enough, you’ll be cozied up in your dream home.
