Finding a new home can be quite demanding, especially if you’ve been in your old home for a significant amount of time. From finding a welcoming neighborhood to confirming the reliability of the electricity plans in the area, the whole process can be quite hectic. But now the search is over. You’ve closed on your new home and are ready to move in! Let’s take a step back and look at the nitty-gritty. The searching phase isn’t the end of it though; the process of moving can also be a headache.
Moving can be a headache. More than just moving your boxes and appliances, you need to be checking the condition of your new home. What are some improvements that need to be made before moving in? They are lots of different scenarios whether you are moving to an awesome townhouse in San Diego, or the countryside of Montana.
Keep in mind that inasmuch as you’ll find a house that meets your needs, it’ll still need a few tweaks here and there based on your preferences. There are a few things to add to your checklist before you move. Some of these to-dos might require you to remodel or update certain aspects of your home. Check out these essentials to prepare your home for move-in day.
1. Priority List
A priority list will help you organize what’s important to you in your new home. It also is a great way to see what needs improvement. You can budget for each expense within your list. Doing so will help you avoid spending on “luxurious” needs before you’re done with the basics. So, how do you sort out your priorities?
You should first look towards what would affect you daily. Water, electricity, heating/ cooling or appliances are some of the things that you can’t go a day without them. Pay for whatever is required, especially the utility bills, and purchase the necessary appliances. Once you’re done with these primary needs, you can then look at what’s remaining in your bank account and see what you can afford. Remember, don’t use all your money because you don’t know what might come up later since this is a new place for you.
Then look at your budget and see what you can afford before you move in.
2. Upgraded Electricity
Do you want more outlets in the living room or office? Maybe you’d like extra lighting in the hallway. You will want to do any major electric work before you move in.
Make sure you’re satisfied with your lighting and wiring before moving in. It’s much easier to install wall lights or outlets before the furniture is in the way. Take note of any area you would like to improve and make sure your wiring is done well. Of course, it’s all about your preference, but it wouldn’t hurt to consult a professional. In fact, this way, you’ll have an idea of all the materials required.
3. New Locks and Security
Before moving into your new home, you want to change all of the locks. You will also want to install or update the security system. Secure your home before you move your family and your valuables.
Previous owners could still have their key copies to the current locks. So, it’s important to change the doorknobs and deadbolts. Then you can be sure that your family is the only key holder.
Security systems are common in most homes today. Look at your home’s different points of entry. You can add simple window locks and door alarms. Full-scale security systems can make your home more secure with added police and fire response.
4. Carpet Cleaner and Refinish Hardwood Floors
Carpets can be one of the dirtiest things in a new home. If the previous owners were pet owners or had small children, you can guarantee that the carpet needs a deep clean. You can rent a carpet cleaner or hire a professional in your area.
Most home’s hardwood floor will often be refinished before an owner sells. If your floors show a lot of wear and tear though, you will want to refinish them before moving in. Especially if you are going to put heavy furniture or appliances on the floor.
If you like DIY, you can try to refinish your hardwood floors. How much time and money it will take depends on what condition your floors are in. Hiring a professional will cost somewhere between $1.50 to $4.00 per square foot.
5. Clean Appliances
It’s a good idea to clean all the major appliances before you move in. You will want to tackle the refrigerator, dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer. While you clean them you can also check their function and see if anything needs repair.
Clean your fridge inside and out. You can use a simple multipurpose cleaner or a vinegar spray with a microfiber towel. For the coils first, unplug the fridge then dust off the coils using a dry cloth or a vacuum attachment.
The dishwasher should be unclogged and efficient at cleaning dishes. If you can see grime around the bottom and sides, it’s time for a deep clean. You can even by dishwasher cleaning “bombs” that do a lot of work for you.
Your washer and dryer might have self-cleaning options on them. Definitely run an empty load with some washer fluid and watch to see if it is leveled and running properly. The main thing with the dryer is to make sure the vent is clear.
6. New Furnace Filters and Efficient AC
The vents around your home should be clean and generally silent. If you hear squeaking, whistling or clanking, you will want to fix that. You can’t always depend on the previous owner to inspect or fix the vents.
Check your furnace filters to see if they need to be changed.
Having a professional Ac tech is always the best option. Clean filters means more efficient heating as well as cleaner air in your home. Filters trap dust before they enter the furnace and stop them from possibly damaging the coil or fan.
Cleaning your air conditioning unit is easier than you think. You can do it yourself with some AC cleaner, a vacuum with attachment and a hose. Or, you can call a professional HVAC tech to inspect and deep clean it. Keeping your AC unit clean makes it more efficient and keeps your energy bill down.
7. Understanding Your Circuit Breaker and Main Water Valve
When you’re preparing to move to make sure you are familiar with your circuit breaker and main water valve. These are very important for extreme weather and emergencies. Make sure you know where they are and how to operate them.
Most circuit breakers have one main circuit breaker with up to 20 individual breakers. Check to see if each breaker is clearly marked. Familiarize yourself with the area each one is connected to.
The main water valve should be shut off when there is a burst pipe (caused by freezing temperatures) or a water leak. Shutting off the main valve can prevent any further water damage. All you need to do to turn it off is turn it counterclockwise.
Prepare Your Home Before You Move In
Moving to a new home can be challenging. Avoid being surprised or disappointed by renovations and adding furnitures.Go through the whole house from top to bottom, inside to outside and make a priority list of what needs to be fixed.
Prepare your home before you even move one box. Then you can feel at peace with your move instead of stressed out. Let this time of moving to your new home be one of excitement and new possibilities!
– This is a guest post not written by the websites’ owner.