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Buying a new home is an extremely exciting event. Deciding to buy a new home and choosing a new place to live are two of the most impactful decisions you can make. However, just because you have the keys to your new home doesn’t always mean you’re ready to go.
Whether it’s your first move or you’re a seasoned pro, you may already know the basics—like how to pack all your belongings in boxeshow to transport these boxes (perhaps with the help of movers and moving truck) to your new space and then how you should unload everything once you get there. With all the hustle and bustle of a move, it’s easy to forget to take care of a few important home projects before pulling into the moving van.
There are many projects you can tackle while living in your home, but some are better done before you move in to save yourself the extra stress. Consider updating, replacing, remodeling, and removing these home projects before you move in full time. And after you finish them, look the best internet providers and should you invest in solar panels.
Transfer utilities and change your address
Changing your address and updating your utilities may seem obvious, but it can be easily overlooked when you’re busy with the home buying process. Make sure utilities and essential services are set up to be active in your new home before you move in. What a bummer to spend your first night in your first home without power. Don’t forget too transfer mail, The InternetTV services and any regular deliveries to your new home address.
The floor is just one place you need to clean in your new home.
Deep cleaning
Whether your new home looks immaculate or is visibly dusty, it’s a good idea to do so give it a deep clean before settling in. The previous owner probably left dirt, pet hair, dust or other debris behind. Whether you see it or not, it’s best to start over.
Before you move in, you’ll want to clean these areas. While scrubbing, take a moment to change your air filters and check yours smoke detectorstoo.
1. Kitchen
2. Cabinets
3. Stove
4. Refrigerator
5. Bathroom
6. Shower heads
7. Toilet
8. Floors, walls and skirting boards
9. Ceiling fans and lighting fixtures
10. Washing machine
11. Dishwasher
Before you move in, you’ll want to vacuum, mop, and scrub your new home.
Mandatory cleaning equipment
Deep cleaning your entire home is easier when you have the right tools. CNET tested a lot of products, and these are some of our favorites:
Don’t like the color of the room? Paint it.
Paint
Drawing can transform a space. Hate that purple dining room or the black bedroom previously occupied by a teenager? It’s best to do it before you settle down. It may not be as intrusive as other major home updates, but you’ll need to move all your junk into the middle of the room, provided there’s room.
Also sprays and splatters of paint, so if you have belongings in the room you will need extra protection with plastic sheets or towels. Pro tip: You can paint walls or rooms before you do flooring updates so you don’t have to worry as much about painting your new floors.
If you intend to replace or repair an existing floor, you definitely want to do this before you move in.
Replace or repair the flooring
Everything in your house that isn’t attached to a wall will take up floor space. If you intend to replace or repair an existing floor, you definitely want to do this before you move in. Whoever you hire to do the job will require the affected rooms to be empty, so there’s no reason to pre-fill them.
Even if you do the work yourself, you will have to shuffle your belongings and this will drastically increase the time it takes to complete the project and make it difficult for you.
Plumbing and electrical updates
If you’re buying a home that’s a bit dated and needs major updates to major systems like plumbing or electrical, you might want to consider getting these projects done before you move.
If major updates are being done, there’s a good chance the work involved will involve cutting out sections of drywall or sub-flooring to make paths for updated pipes or wiring. The demo and subsequent drywall repairs will create quite a bit of dust, so you’ll probably also be painting walls or refinishing floors.
Cutting out sections of drywall can create a lot of dust, which may require you to repaint the walls or repair the floor.
Kitchen renovation
If you’re planning to remodel or renovate your kitchen, it’s best to do it before you move in. Going through a complete kitchen remodel can disrupt the daily flow in many ways. Not only will you not be able to prepare food, but you will also have no place to store food, especially if appliances need to be moved or unplugged. You’ll need storage space for all your dishes, kitchen gadgets, and all your kitchen renovation scraps and materials will have to go somewhere too.
Bathroom renovation
Another inconvenience is the complete remodeling of the bathroom. If you have multiple bathrooms, this may or may not be a huge problem depending on how many people live in your home. But if you only have one full bathroom, going without it for days or weeks will be a pain. Either way, if you’re paying to have the work done for you, it’s wise to factor in more time than your contractor estimates and be prepared for limited bathroom space.
Fortunately, replacing major HVAC components is usually not too long a process.
Replace the HVAC
This may depend on the time of purchase of your new home. Replacing major HVAC components is usually not a very lengthy process, nor does it usually require a lot of repairs to other areas of the home. However, if you live in scorching summers and arctic winters, you may want to get this job done before you move in so you don’t have to expose yourself to extreme temperatures.
Change locks and install home security
It’s never a bad idea to change locks in a new home or put home security features in place before you move in. Changing your locks ensures that the previous owner no longer has access to your home while home security cameras and video ringtones deters would-be thieves and lets you keep an eye on your property no matter where you are.
Every home is different, so there is no one-size-fits-all rule for security camera placement. Some common places to put them are the front, back and side doors. Whatever you do, however, avoid placing cameras in places that violate your or your neighbor’s privacy, such as bedrooms and bathrooms. If you’re still wondering where to put your new security cameras, CNET outlines the best and worst places for them.
Be sure to pet-proof your home before bringing your furry friend.
Protection from children and pets
Security can go beyond locks and security cameras. If you have small children, you may want to install child safety devices before having them in the home. Likewise, if you have Petsyou may need similar precautions inside or a fence around your new yard.
This is also a good time to walk around your home and make sure you know where the main stops for electricity, water and gas are, as well as any other safety features. This allows you to start thinking about your family a home emergency safety plan.
To summarize, any of these tasks can happen while you’re already moved and living in your new home, but you’re likely to be less stressed if you make sure they’re ticked off ahead of time. You’ll be much more likely to grow to love your new home than become frustrated with how it complicates your life. While you’re at it, check this out tool list you will need them to maintain your new home. Also, here how to become friends with your new neighbors and how to turn your new house into a home.
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