New home? 3 top items to handle before moving in

(BPT) – Whether it’s your first time or you’ve done it all before, it’s always a big transition to move into a new home. Why not do whatever you can to make the transition smoother? It’s easier to feel comfortable in your new home if you tackle certain items before move-in day.Here are top areas to check off your to-do list well before the moving trucks head out.1. Secure your homeBefore moving in all your possessions — and family members — set up a security system for peace of mind.A home security system can help deter intruders and alert you (and authorities) in the event of a break-in, fire, flood, or carbon-dioxide issue. Whether wired or wireless, home security systems range from relatively simple burglar alarms to professionally installed and monitored protection. Security professionals at ADT say it can be efficient to arrange for a security system contractor to visit during your new home inspection or final walk-through so you can schedule your security system’s installation immediately after closing on your house and in advance of your move-in date. That way, you can feel safe from the moment your family sets foot in the house.Some home insurance companies require that certain environmental items be monitored to receive favorable coverage rates. It’s common for homeowner policies to mandate monitoring for smoke, at a minimum, and ADT experts suggest that if a basic monitoring unit is necessary for an insurance policy, it can be cost-effective to install a complete home security system at the same time.Not sure where to start? Modernize Home Services is a reliable and trustworthy solution that thoughtfully connects homeowners with contractors for home improvement services. Modernize can connect you with a trusted local contractor to help you identify home security weak points, identify the best security system options and make sure installation is properly conducted to protect your home. Visit modernize.com/home-security to learn more.2. Upgrade flooringUpdating your home’s flooring means not only adding a beautiful design element but also increasing its comfort and may even increase its value.New flooring is also one of the best improvements to make to your home before moving furniture into the house. According to the flooring experts at Empire Today, if a house is empty when a project is scheduled, contractors may be able to complete the work more rapidly and avoid charging for labor to move heavy items from room to room, potentially saving homeowners time and money.The Empire Today sales team notes that vinyl plank floors are an extremely popular flooring choice right now due to their resistance to dents and scuffs. They are also completely waterproof and allow homeowners to put down beautiful wood-look floors in any room (including water-prone areas such as laundry rooms, basements, and kitchens).Having a professional install your new flooring means knowing the job is done right the first time. Find a flooring contractor near you at modernize.com/flooring.3. Protect your investment with a home warrantyBuying a home is one of the biggest investments most people make, and purchasing a home warranty is a common strategy to help protect that investment. Unlike homeowners insurance, which protects against damage from events like fires and storms, a home warranty typically covers either whole-house systems, like HVAC, plumbing and electrical systems, or appliances such as your oven, refrigerator and dishwasher, against malfunctions. You can also purchase a larger plan covering a combination of both systems and appliances, while some companies let you build a custom plan.“Having your home warranty before you occupy your home helps ensure that, if you should discover one of your covered appliances or systems isn’t working properly, you won’t be out hundreds or thousands of dollars for repairs,” explains Joseph Shrem, CEO of Select Home Warranty.If you’re buying a home with brand-new appliances, they may still be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty. However, older systems or appliances may mean you’ll have to deal with repairs or replacement sooner rather than later. Find tips about home warranties at modernize.com/home-warranty.For more information and homeowner resources, visit modernize.com.