Finally getting on the property ladder is a proud moment, and for a good reason. However, there are many new and interesting responsibilities that come when you move into home ownership. No longer can we call our landlord for maintenance fixes, for instance, which is perhaps a small price to pay for actually calling a piece of property our own.
So in other words, all the joy you feel now will also be met by feelings of responsibility. Don’t worry – as you move forward, you’ll become more and more familiar with the skills involved with homeownership – for instance, you’ll learn how to secure the property with care and forthright investment.
On top of this, as the years go by, you’ll also feel as if you ‘deserve’ to be a homeowner, as in, the imposter syndrome of going from renting to having your own place will dissipate, and it’s strange that this even exists.
But what steps should you take after moving into your own home? After all, a step at a time is important:
Meet The Neighbors
You don’t have to be super close with your neighbors to make use of local community – simply knowing who may live near you can help you feel more confident and capable nestled within the area. You can also better communicate issues with them if you know them – as a complaint can be a bad way to start any relationship. At the very least, meeting the neighbors will help you know who to avoid.
Change The Locks
Changing the locks immediately is an important use of your time. But as more and more people are starting to run their own home business, with storage areas, vehicle lockups, and remote working possibilities for a small team, we’d recommend using a commercial locksmith to really add a robust and verified multi-access approach here. Changing the locks will ensure your property, used for both commercial and residential purposes, will be yours and remain yours the moment you become a verified owner. Sometimes, a step up from conventional security is essential.
Check The Fuse Box & Water Mains
Make sure you’re aware of how to operate the fuse box and water mains in your property, allowing you to nullify this supply should a safety issue or leak take place. Learning how and where to switch off your power or the water supply can prevent a singular problem from getting much worse.
Resolve Your Utilities
Resolving your utility suppliers and contracts is an important place to start, because depending on your usage, and especially at this time of heightened costs, getting the best deal is important. You may be able to negotiate a better broadband package if moving away from your basic supplier, for example. This can save you plenty of money in the long run.
With this advice, you’re sure to move into your first home with care, no matter if you hope to use it as a place to raise your children, to start your home business, or to simply learn to live outside of the rental format.