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So, you’ve secured your new home—congratulations! Now, you’ll have to get it in shape to move in. Hopefully, significant issues have already been found and addressed. You’ll still need to take care of a few things yourself, such as turning on utilities and cleaning the space. Before you start, the most intelligent way to address all tasks and issues with your new home is to list all the essential functions you need to take care of.
Pre-Move Deep Clean
Deep cleaning is one of the more important tasks before moving into your home entirely. You don’t know how the last owners left it, and there’s a good chance dust and dirt have settled since it was last cleaned. Scrub down the walls, floors, and windows. Dust and polish any air conditioning vents. Wipe down the cabinets and appliance surfaces. If your home comes with a dishwasher or washing machine, clean them (you can usually run an empty load or choose a self-clean option). Change air conditioning filters. Clean the toilets, bathtubs, and sink fixtures. Vacuum and plug in any air fresheners if desired. A clean home will make you feel much better when moving in, and you won’t have to maneuver the vacuum or mop around furniture.
Inspect Safety Alarms
Safety alarms are crucial for a peaceful and happy home. Inspect smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, fire sprinklers, and security systems. Make sure they’re functional and have fresh batteries (if applicable). Many smoke detectors have a test feature to ensure the alarms work and have an adequate power supply. (You should test them without any pets or kids in the house, as the sound will be loud.) If there are any issues, consult a technician before moving in. You’ll want these alarms to work well before you move in.
Turn on Utilities
With the excitement of buying a new house, it’s easy to forget to turn the utilities on in your name. You can start a utility service online or by calling the utility company. They may require a technician to come to your house to install or turn on services manually; this is normal. Once you set up utilities, you’ll receive utility bills in your name. Don’t forget the wireless internet—some homes may take time to turn the service on, so you don’t want to delay.
Change the Door Locks
If no one has done so yet, change the locks on your home for peace of mind. You don’t know who had a house key and when. You also don’t know how many copies of the key exist somewhere. It’s always wise to consult a locksmith and get some fresh keys and locks to ensure only people you approve of can unlock your home’s doors.
Address Home Inspection Results
It’s time you located some deals on power tools for sale because you’ll likely need home repairs. It’s pretty rare for a home inspection to come out entirely clean; there’s always some maintenance or upgrades to undertake. Address any glaring issues with the home first, and then you can focus on aesthetics. Make sure cabinets and appliances are correctly installed. Address any roofing or gutter problems. Tighten screws and fasten bolts. Hire an electrician or plumber for any specialized work, however.
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Landscape the Yard
When a home changes owners, landscaping is often neglected. Clear the yard of any debris, trash, or unwanted pests. Mow the lawn and trim any excess tree or plant growth. Replenish any mulch or gravel piles if necessary. A functional and walkable yard can make your new house feel like home.
Change Paint Colors
Painting the walls is a lot more difficult when you have family members running around or furniture to protect. Before moving in, consider painting the interior walls first. You don’t have to worry about furniture that way. Of course, you can always paint later if you don’t mind covering all of your furniture.
Update Your Address
You must add your new address to your existing bills (cell phone, streaming services, internet, and utilities). You can request an address change at the post office to have your mail forwarded to your new home as you update your information with other services. Let your friends and family know you have a new address, too! Don’t forget to update your voter registration.
Update Appliances
An excellent way to make a home feel tailor-made for you is to select some new appliances to install. If your new home has outdated appliances or wants certain features, replacing them can add convenience and style to your kitchen and life.
Plan Your Interior Design
When you have an empty floor plan, you can easily designate rooms and decide on your interior design style and layout. Before you move in, you can create a general plan for what furniture will go where and each room’s purpose. You can choose an interior decoration theme and measure room sizes to select new furniture.
Meet the Neighbors
You will live in your new home for quite some time. Introducing yourself to the neighbors and getting to know them is a great idea. You don’t have to be best friends, but you can show camaraderie and interest in their lives to make life more peaceful. You never know when you might make a good friend, after all.
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