Things You Should Do After Moving into Your New House

A fire extinguisher is something everyone needs, but very few folks have.  I strongly recommend you get a small one like this and store it under your kitchen sink.

Obviously you don’t want to play firefighter if something crazy happens and your house goes up in flames, but this guy just may help you save your kitchen from a grease fire one day.  Just get it, and know how to use it.

This will only apply to you if you live in a two story home.  It’s a no-brainer to give yourself a fast route to get out of a burning house. Ladders like these: FIRE ESCAPE LADDER are a good option, as they break down and fit in a closet until needed. There are multiple options available, so do some research and find the one that fits you best.

Fire Escape Ladder

Yes, it will usually cost a few bucks, but it’s not nearly as costly as getting all your stuff swiped.  Change the locks, or have a locksmith re-key them. You have no idea how many keys to your new house are floating around out there. It doesn’t matter if your home is a new construction or not. I promise you there are extra keys out there. It’s much better to be safe than sorry.

And don’t buy cheap locks, as these most certainly fall under the “you get what you pay for” category.  Check out this guy’s Youtube channel.  It’s scary how quickly he can get through most locks. Here is a cool lock that you can add a PIN number to.  Great for small kids that lose keys: NEW DOOR LOCKS

Some people take things to the next level and replace the whole toilet, and if you are dealing with old units that use a ton of water on each flush, that would be a good idea.  I’m partial to Kohlers Highline.  I’ve used them for years and they work great.  If a whole new unit is not in the plans, a new seat will help make it feel like you’re not using a public restroom.  Here is a soft close toilet seat.

I know, I know, who would replace their sump pump before it quits?  Me, that’s who.  I replace my pump every 5 years.  Why? Because sump pumps are cheap, and the last thing I have time for is a panic attack when my sump pump quits during a storm, and the water starts rising.  A good sump pump is about a $140.00.  I like Zoeller pumps–made right in my backyard in Louisville, KY. This is the one I use:  The M53 Mighty-Mate.   Note* – I always rotate my pumps, and leave the old one on stand-by.  Anything with an electric motor can fail, and it’s nice to know I have a backup in case things get crazy some stormy night.  Fingers crossed it never happens.  If you can swing it, these water powered backup systems are really great as well.

Leaving an old rusty sump pump in place until it quits on you is a big gamble. I highly recommend you go ahead and replace it once you move in to your new home.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are an estimated 15,500 fires, 10 deaths and 10 injuries every year due to clothes dryer fires.  Several hundred people a year are also subjected to carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from improper dryer vents. The total damages come to nearly $100,000,000 yearly.  That’s one hundred million dollars a year. Sometimes, it’s a faulty dryer that’s the problem. But more often than not, it’s the vent.  Have you ever cleaned a dryer vent in your life?

Also, unless your vent hose is semi-rigid metal or smooth wall vent pipe, have it changed out.  The foil connectors and those old plastic ones are a fire waiting to happen.  Here is a brush to help you get out all the old lint. 

It’s not everyday you hit a life milestone.  Buying your home is a big deal.  You should take a moment and celebrate!