What to do in your First 100 Days of Living in a New Property
When someone starts a new job, it’s often the first 100 days in their role where they can start to understand the lay of the land, what their priorities are and how to make the changes that are necessary. The biggest job in the world, the US Presidency, has a new incumbent, and he’s already signed executive orders on the distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine, re-joined the Paris climate agreement and more.
Now, we know moving into a new home isn’t quite as important as assuming the US presidency, but it is the centre of your universe. So, here’s our list of what you can do in the first 100 days of you moving into your home, to make it as comfortable for you and as suitable to your needs as possible.
Make a list of your priorities
Then start ticking them off one by one. This list should include all the essential tasks for the first 100 days of living in your new home. With this to-do list to hand, you won’t forget any crucial steps, which set you back time and money if they go unnoticed and un-tackled in the long term.
First month - safety and functionality
In the first month after becoming a homeowner, you should focus on issues which ensure the safety of your property and the wellbeing of your loved ones that live in it. As well as turning to issues of safety, it will be important to address functionality too.
Safety issues to address will include your home’s electrics and water meter. You’ll first want to check that they’re working as they should be, and that there are no issues compromising its safety. PropertyChecklists.co.uk have a helpful resource to enable amateurs to confirm whether their electrics are indeed safe and working as they should.
You’ll also want to confirm that your water is running as it should be. Check all your taps are working properly, including outdoor taps. If your water is flowing freely, it’s also prudent to confirm that your boiler is functioning efficiently, so that you have an appropriate water supply available for drinking, showering and to heat your radiators in the winter.
Once you know your electrics and water are working properly, you might want to check your broadband is up to speed. Carry out a speed test to ensure your upload and download speeds are as advertised, using any number of free-to-download broadband speed test apps on your smartphone.
When all the above is ticked off the list, it’s time to meet and get to know the neighbours! Being on good terms with your neighbours is always handy, as they can keep an eye on your home, and they provide a friendly face in the neighbourhood.
Second month: Unpacking and organising
Now you’ve ensured your home is safe and functional, it’s time to really bed in by starting to organise your spaces and consider some room décor ideas and design or layout changes which will help make the most of your space.
If you want to put your own stamp on your property, you can. With a Home Reach property, you’ll face none of the restrictions that renters are plagued by. This means you have the freedom to redecorate.
Firstly, you’ll need to unpack, or you could have a box room in your home for weeks, months or even years to come. It’s time to start unpacking non-essentials. Yes, they’re called non-essentials for a reason, because you don’t use them every day, but if you took them to your new home, they must be worth something to you. When sorting through your non-essentials, you might find that you have bought things with you which you really don’t want or need anymore. In which case, give them away to friends or family, or list them on a freecycle website.
Third & fourth month – stock up on DIY supplies
Research and buy the supplies you need for any interior design changes you’d like to make. We hope you enjoy the opportunity to decorate your living spaces. When you’re spending more time at home during and post-pandemic, you’ll want a comfortable and relaxing environment, where you can feel safe.
Start planning!
Your first 100 days in a property are essential to set yourself up for success during your Journey in your new home. With Home Reach, it’s up to you how you choose to live in your home, so it’s never too early to start planning home improvements!