Moving into a new house in Albuquerque? Don't forget about the important tasks that need to be done before settling in. Aside from unpacking, there are a few more things to take care of. Here's a quick list of important tasks to take care of when you buy a new home in Albuquerque.

Change the Locks

Wanting new locks on the doors to your home is not a sign of paranoia, but rather a smart decision. It is difficult to determine how many people may have keys to your home, so it is advisable to take precautions. It is recommended to not only re-key the locks but also replace the hardware. This not only provides a nice update to your home, but also gives you peace of mind.

Don't forget to change your garage door opener code, too.

An In-Depth Home Tour

Yes, it is important to know the location of the water and gas shut-off valves, as well as the electrical box and water heater. Understanding how to use the sprinkler system is also crucial. Familiarizing yourself with these details and ensuring that other household members are aware can prevent potential disasters.

Seal off Rooms You Don't Use

This one may sound a bit odd. You just bought your new home, so why would you seal off any rooms? If you can, it may be a way to save some money. In the first few months of living in a new home, there are various financial challenges to consider. Moving expenses, purchasing new furniture, potential renovations, and the costs associated with activating utilities can all add up quickly. To mitigate some of these expenses, it is advisable to seal off rooms that won't be in use for a while, as this can help reduce heating and cooling costs.

Meet the Neighbors

It is advisable to proactively reach out to your new neighbors before they have a chance to do so. This can potentially lead to forming new friendships, especially beneficial for your children. Being friendly and sociable from the beginning helps establish a positive rapport.

Additionally, having welcoming neighbors can aid in your adjustment to the neighborhood, as they can provide information on local news, recommend the best coffee shops, and guide you to the most convenient routes to the elementary school.

Clean Your Carpets

When sellers move out of a home, a thorough cleaning should have been done, as it may be stipulated in the contract. However, unless specific cleaning tasks are specified, the house may not be as clean as desired. Even if the house appears tidy, the sellers may have overlooked cleaning the carpets. A proper cleaning of the carpets can extend their lifespan, enhance air quality, and eliminate allergens.

"Little do most of us realize that what we are seeing is only a tiny fraction of the soil that a carpet contains," said the National Carpet Cleaners Association(NCCA). "The visible grime we notice is only the tip of the iceberg; up to 85 per cent of the dirt the carpet holds is buried deep within the pile. And when you consider that a carpet can eventually trap its own weight or more in soil - as much as 150 pounds for an average-sized living-room - you'll agree it's no trivial matter."

Wipe out Drawers and Cabinets

This task is often overlooked, but it can result in the presence of germs or crumbs.

Change Fire Alarm Batteries

The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) advises changing fire alarm batteries twice a year. To ensure you're not caught off guard, it's recommended to change them when you move into a new place. This way, you can avoid being startled by a loud alarm in the middle of the night shortly after moving in.

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