Moving into a new place can be a tricky transition. Before you start ironing out the bedroom sheets, go over the basic pre moving-in requirements to avoid unnecessary headaches. There’s no need to be ridiculously organised. Just jot these suggestions down in your to-do list and you’ll soon be ready to place that WELCOME carpet at the front-door.
1. CHANGE THE LOCKS
Before you place your head on the newly-purchased pillows, ensure no one is running around with direct access to your house. What if the old owners forgot to give you all the set of keys? Or the workers lost one during the works? Never gamble on your security.
2. UNDERTAKE ALL MAJOR CHANGES PRIOR TO MOVING IN
Major home improvements, such as changing tiles, placing gypsum and painting generate a considerable amount of dirt and dust. Budgets might be running low during renovations, but it’s best to live without a fully-stocked kitchen and a missing wardrobe for a couple of months than having to live and breathe through health hazards.
3. ENGAGE A PEST CONTROL COMPANY
Little critters are rarely welcomed guests. Maltese summers invite bugs and cockroaches to come out in the open and make your house their new home. Leave it up to the professionals to keep you safe from the threat of insects and rodents.
4. CHANGE SMOKE ALARMS & FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
Over-used circuits, leaving candles next to flammable materials and open flames are all common fire hazards that might ruin your beloved home. Upgrade fire extinguishers, replace batteries in fire detectors and purchase a fire blanket for the kitchen.
5. SCRUB WELL PREVIOUSLY OWNED WHITE GOODS
Fridges and washing machines are the first items that need to be sanitised before use. If you’re using previously owned white goods, give them a good scrub. Hygiene should always be high on your list.
6. LOCATE THE ELECTRICITY CIRCUIT BOX AND THE MAIN WATER VALVE
When the lights unexpectedly go off during dinner or your washing machine is turning the washroom into a pool area, knowing where the circuit box and water main are can help you take quick control of the situation.
7. UPDATE YOUR HOME INSURANCE POLICY TO COVER VALUABLE CONTENTS
A secure Home Insurance policy is the best peace of mind you can get. Jewellery, art, electronics, equipment and furniture can all be covered as contents in your home insurance policy. Make a list of the items on purchase, keep receipts and head to your insurer to update the policy.
8. UPDATE YOUR ADDRESS
Head over to a MaltaPost branch and ask for redirection of mail that is received on your previous address. Any post, whether it’s cheques, bills or wedding invites will follow you home.
9. KEEP A FOLDER FOR ALL EXPENSES PER MONTH
Gone are the days where your parents handle shopping, paying the bills and making sure the house is in order. To ensure your funds don’t run out, keep an organised folder with monthly bills. You can refer back to them year on year to compare cost-efficiency.
10. INTRODUCE YOURSELF TO THE NEIGHBOURS
It’s a nice gesture to say ‘hi’ to the people you’ll be sharing the street or apartment building with. Consider handing out contact details to a few in case an emergency comes up that needs your immediate attention.
Ready? It’s time to baptise your new house and officially call it home.