• The June Move-In Guide: 5 Things to Do Before the Moving Truck Arrives

    Fri, 06/05/2026 - 16:43

     

    Congratulations! The paperwork is signed, the keys are officially in your hand, and you are ready to start the next chapter of your life in your new home. Whether you are moving into a beautiful detached house in Barrhaven, a bright townhouse in Orléans, or a quiet property out in Rockland, June is one of the most exciting times of the year to make a move in the Ottawa area.

    But before the moving truck backs up to your driveway and your rooms are filled with cardboard boxes, there is a golden window of opportunity. Walking into an empty house gives you the perfect chance to tackle a few essential maintenance and safety tasks that become twice as hard to do once your furniture is in place.

    To help you get off to a perfect start, we’ve put together a quick, friendly checklist of the first five things you should do the moment you get the keys.

    1. Locate and Label the Main Water Shut-Off

    If a pipe bursts or a toilet overflows, you don’t want to be scrambling behind boxes trying to figure out how to turn off the water.

    • Where to look: In most Ottawa homes, the main water shut-off valve is located in the basement, usually near the front foundation wall closest to the street.

    • What to do: Locate the valve, ensure it turns easily, and wrap a bright piece of colored tape or a tag around it. Make sure everyone in the family knows exactly where it is.

    2. Give the Interior a Deep, Empty-House Clean

    It sounds obvious, but cleaning a house that is completely empty is a game-changer. It is the only time you will have total, unobstructed access to the baseboards, the inside of the kitchen cabinets, and the floors beneath where your appliances will sit.

    • Pro Tip: Take this time to vacuum out the track lines of your sliding patio doors and windows. Dust and debris build up here over time, which can damage the window rollers and track seals.

    3. Change the Locks and Update Garage Codes

    When you buy a home, you have no way of knowing how many copies of the keys are floating around out there. From old dog walkers to distant relatives of the previous owners, it’s always safest to start fresh.

    • What to do: Swap out the deadbolts on all exterior doors. If you have a garage door keypad, take five minutes to reset the master code to something unique to your family. It's a small investment that provides massive peace of mind on your very first night.

    4. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

    Do not assume the previous owners left you with working alarms or fresh batteries. Your family's safety depends on these devices from day one.

    • What to do: Walk through the empty rooms and press the "test" button on every alarm. Replace the batteries in all of them so you know exactly when they were last serviced.

    • Check the Date: Look at the back of the alarms. Smoke alarms expire after 10 years, and carbon monoxide detectors usually expire after 5 to 7 years. If they are past their prime, replace the units entirely.

    5. Check Your Furnace Filter After the Move-In Dust Settles

    Moving involves moving a lot of dusty boxes, rugs, and furniture. Once the truck is gone and you've spent a few days unpacking, your home's air will have carried a lot of airborne debris straight to your furnace filter.

    • What to do: Put a fresh, high-quality pleated filter in your HVAC system about a week after moving in. This keeps your indoor air clean and ensures your A/C runs efficiently during the hot June days ahead.

    Moving with Confidence

    Getting a new home ready is a journey, and you don’t have to do it alone. If you are still in the process of house hunting this summer or need a thorough look at a property before your conditions close, we are here to help you move forward without any second-guessing.

    At Atlas Peak Inspections, we treat your future home with the care it deserves. To keep your moving schedule on track, we provide:

    • Next Day Report Guarantee: We deliver your comprehensive inspection report by the very next day so you can make fast, informed decisions.

    • 100% Customer Satisfaction Guarantee: We stand behind our work completely to ensure you feel supported and secure in your investment.

    • A Complete Warranty Suite: Including our 90-day mechanical and structural protections to give you a true safety net during your first few months in the home.

    Whether you're settling down in Kanata, looking at a listing in Stittsville, or exploring a neighborhood in Gloucester, let us bring total clarity to your real estate journey.

    Schedule Your June Home Inspection Here Or reach out to our team at: 613-292-PEAK (7325)

    "Your Home, Your Future—Inspected with Confidence."