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Never forget to do 5 essential tasks when moving house for your own safety and well-being

Moving house is always a mix of emotions. You’re excited about your new home, but there is also a long list of things that need to get done, and it can be quite stressful. Amid the chaos, people often forget to do some of the most essential tasks.

On top of moving all your belongings, getting the bills set up and giving back the keys to your old place, there are a few things that must be carried out for your own safety and well-being – from changing the locks to deep cleaning surfaces.

Family unpacking moving boxes in doorway of home
Family unpacking moving boxes in doorway of home. Credit: MoMo Productions (Getty Images)

Never forget to do these 5 things when moving house

Karl Graham, a home moving expert from Click Storage has shared five vital tasks you should never forget to do when moving into a new property.

1. Change the locks

The number one thing people forget to do when moving is change the locks, an essential task to keep your family safe.

“You dont know how many people still have keys or access to your new property, so this is a non-negotiable first step,” Graham said.

Changing the locks ensures that only you and those you trust can access your home, bringing an extra sense of security.

2. Inspect plumbing for leaks

Next up, it’s important to check your plumbing system for leaks, which could come back to bite you down the line.

“Check for leaks, especially under sinks, around toilets and in any exposed pipes. Even small leaks can turn into bigger problems if left unchecked,” the expert said.

You don’t want to wake up one day to a flooded bathroom or kitchen, which could cost a lot to fix and cause unnecessary stress.

3. Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

Most homes have smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to alert you if there is a fire or gas leak from your heating system.

“These devices are your homes first line of defense against potential dangers,” Graham continued. 

Making sure they work and replacing old batteries if needed should be a top priority on your move-in day and could save a life one day.

4. Replace air filters

Another thing people forget is to replace their air filters, which can accumulate dust, allergens and mold. Did you know, 47% of US homes have unsafe levels of mold?

This could make you unwell and cause respiratory problems, so swapping them out is a vital task for maintaining a healthy indoor environment. 

It’s a really simple task that can improve your home’s air quality, making the space feel fresh while preventing illness.

A firefighter has warned that you need to check exhaust fans in your bathroom too, because they are a fire waiting to happen.

5. Deep clean surfaces

Finally, everyone gives their new house a clean when they move into it, but are you actually cleaning your home well enough?

You have no idea what bacteria could be lurking on surfaces, and you could become seriously ill if not cleaned properly.

Use a disinfectant, especially on high-touch surfaces like door handles, light switches, and countertops, for an extra level of safety.

Here are 10 bizarre but useful cleaning hacks youve never heard of, like washing the toilet with Coca-Cola.