November 20, 2020

Tips for moving into your new home, energy saving and kitchen maintenance (Vancouver Edition)

Your belongings are in boxes and the moving company is booked. You’re just weeks away from moving into your new Concord home. In the midst of the excitement, it’s easy to forget fine details that will ensure not only a smooth move, but also how to get the most joy out of your new home. Live smarter with these tips.

The Big Move

You must be used to signing on dotted lines by now. Before you set foot in your new space, there are a few more essential pieces of paperwork. First up: your own homeowner’s insurance policy. When you choose one, ensure it covers your personal contents, third party liability, deductible assessment coverage, and any betterments made to your strata lot.

Then, since you’re already making calls, contact Canada Post to enquire into changing your address. The postal service has physical forms you can pick up or find at canadapost.ca. Because you’ll assume accountability for your home’s hydro, which is individually metered, on your Legal Possession Date, you don’t want to get left in the dark by not opening a new account with BC Hydro. Contact BC Hydro (604-224-9376 or bchydro.com/moving) to do so. If you don’t, you run the risk of your power supply being disconnected, which will result in reconnection charges. Also, contact internet and cable providers to activate these services.

Refer to the property management Welcome Package or contact the concierge during regular business hours to book the elevator for your move. Bookings are first come, first served, so make sure you reserve your elevator timeslot at least 48 hours in advance of your move date, the sooner the better though. During the initial suite walk-through or after possession, you’ll receive your Property Management Welcome Package. It has info about move-in procedures, including setting up your enterphone number, so you don’t miss any food deliveries from your favourite restaurants.

Help the Planet (and Save Money): Conserve Energy

Once you’re settled in, create new habits that will simultaneously help you and the planet. There are lots of low-cost ways to conserve energy. To start, Concord units are outfitted with a smart thermostat, which you control remotely. Because it’s Energy Star certified, it will reduce your energy costs by 10 to 20 per cent annually.

The savings also continue by: flipping off the lights or utilizing the master switch if applicable in your home (BC Hydro reports two 100-watt incandescent bulbs switched off an extra two hours per day could save you $15 over a year); unplugging unused electronics (standby power can account for 10 per cent of an average household’s annual electricity use. That’s $50 per year); and washing clothes in cold water (switching to cold water for an average of three loads per week could save you up to $22 per year on your energy bill).

Keep Your Kitchen Safe and Clean

The kitchen is the heart of the home, so you’ll likely spend a lot of time in it. Whether cooking old favourites or experimenting with new recipes, you want to be safe. Familiarize yourself with your gas and water shutoffs for emergency situations, and maintain clear access to them. Not that we think you’ll be burning the delicious meals you’ll make, but in case you do, ensure the smoke detector is working. Regular fire testing will be conducted annually, which is part of your condo building regular maintenance. It includes in-suite smoke/carbon monoxide detector devices testing. Be prepared that you are responsible for the cost if your property management advises you that the battery or device needs to be replaced.

Sometimes, cooking can get hectic with bubbling sauces or hot, freshly baked goods. It’s a great idea to immediately wipe up countertop spills to prevent staining, never place hot items directly on the surface, and always use a cutting board to prevent scratches. When it comes to cleaning, a soft clean cloth, mild detergent and water work best, or use a product specifically formulated for the countertop material in your home.

As you’re cooking, use the kitchen hood fan to minimize moisture and condensation. Periodically, remove the grease trap to clean it. Do the same for your oven, using caustic products made specifically for this purpose. Clean the glass stovetop, meanwhile, immediately after use. Use a special glass scraper to scrape up any spills that have dried or burnt onto the surface. Put the scraper on the surface at an acute angle and move the blade without lifting. Then, clean the appliance with detergent specifically designed for glass stovetops, and rub the appliance dry with a clean cloth. For more cleaning (and other smart living) tips and details, check out the Homeowner Manuals and Appliances Manuals at https://www.concordpacific.com/customer-care.

Moving can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. With these tips and our friendly Customer Care Team, help is always available to ensure that the process of turning your suite into a home is an enjoyable experience.