Congratulations! You’ve just moved into your new home, a place where you’ll make countless memories, celebrate milestones, and find comfort after long days. While it’s exciting to unpack and decorate, one of the most important steps you can take right after moving in is ensuring your home is safe. From securing your property to protecting your family, here are some essential tips to help you feel confident and protected in your new space.
1. Change the Locks
You never know who may still have a copy of the old keys—neighbors, contractors, or even previous owners. Changing or rekeying all the locks is one of the first steps to take. Don’t forget garage doors, side doors, and back gates. Some locks are easy to replace, look at the locks and rekeying instructions. For example if they are Kwikset they may be easier to rekey. Kwikset SmartKey Security tool and the existing working key, while electronic locks require changing the code or performing a factory reset to establish new user codes and a new master code. Do a little research. Before changing all of the door knobs.
2. Check All Entry Points
Walk through your home and test every door and window. Make sure locks function properly and add extra security features where needed, such as deadbolts, window latches, or security bars for sliding doors.
3. Install (or Update) a Security System and save area Patrol Numbers.
A home security system gives peace of mind whether you’re home or away. Options range from DIY smart systems with cameras and motion sensors to professionally monitored services. Even a video doorbell can add an extra layer of protection. Depending on the area you move into it, it may have a private patrol. Check out your Homeowner’s Associate or Neighbor hood Facebook page and save the safety information and phone numbers.
4. Replace Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Ensure all detectors are working and replace batteries immediately. If your home doesn’t have carbon monoxide detectors, install them right away—especially near bedrooms and the kitchen.
5. Check Electrical & Plumbing Safety
This is a good time to review your inspection report and make any repairs that may not have been addressed in your inspection period. Hire a professional to inspect wiring, outlets, and plumbing if the home is older. This can prevent hazards like electrical fires, water leaks, or gas issues that may not be obvious during your walk-through.
6. Create a Family Safety Plan
Talk with your family about emergency exits, meeting spots outside, and how to handle situations like a fire, storm, or break-in. Keep fire extinguishers handy, especially in the kitchen and garage. If you have a two-story put fire ladders in bedrooms.
7. Improve Outdoor Safety
Good lighting is a strong deterrent for intruders. Install motion-sensor lights around entryways, garages, brush and walkways. Trim bushes and trees near windows so no one can hide behind them.
8. Childproof (if Needed)
If you have little ones, childproofing should be high on your list. Install outlet covers, secure furniture to the wall, use safety gates, and lock cabinets that contain cleaning products or medicine.
9. Update Your Address with Emergency Services
Make sure your new address is registered correctly with local emergency services. This ensures first responders can reach you quickly if needed.
10. Meet Your Neighbors
Getting to know the people around you builds community and safety. Neighbors can keep an eye on your property when you’re away and may be the first to notice something unusual. Ensure you are on any neighborhood safety groups and alerts.
Final Thoughts
Moving into a new home is the start of an exciting chapter. By taking these safety steps early on, you’re not only protecting your investment but also creating a safe and comfortable environment for your family. Once the essentials are in place, you can settle in with peace of mind and focus on making your new house truly feel like home.