There are a lot of important things to do when moving into a new home. You are now probably thinking that those important things are unpacking, rearranging the furniture, and meeting the neighbors. Although they are, there are not the only ones standing in your way of settling in. You must meet your new house, see how it functions, and find a way to prioritize all the projects that must be done. But, do not worry – doing all of this is not as complicated and as stressful as it sounds. It is not because we are here to help you out. We will share with you our list of the most important things to do when moving into a new home that will help you move in and settle quickly and safely. So, without further ado, here is what you should do before and when moving into a new home.
Do a Walk-Through
First things first – when moving into a new home, it is of key importance to do a thorough walk-through before you even start unloading the moving truck. You need to make sure that repairs that were agreed upon in the contract have been made. You also need to make sure that everything is working properly – switches, fixtures, appliances, etc. Finally, pay special attention to areas like basements, garages, attics, and storages – maybe there is some hidden issue like a termite infestation, for example. If you notice any problem of that kind or any problem that was not discussed in the contract, you should call the previous owner as soon as possible. It is his/her job to fix and pay for that problem.
If Necessary, Child/Pet-Proof
If you were moving into your new home together with your little ones, one of the first things you should do is check whether the home is safe. That means checking all the doors and windows, wires, outlets, etc. And, once you make sure that everything inside is safe and sound, you can unload the moving truck and spruce up the family house or apartment. But, child/pet-proofing does not stop there. While you are unpacking or renovating, you must also create a safe place for your children and pets. That should be a place far away from box cutters, chemicals, glass, etc. And while setting up this kid and pet-friendly zone, do not forget to unpack toys, books, and snacks. You need to keep your little ones as well as your furry ones busy and away from all the moving-in action.
Deep Clean the Entire House
The next step is deep cleaning. And, no, you cannot postpone this step either! Nobody likes cleaning, but just imagine living, eating, and sleeping in a home that is full of all kinds of dirt. You do not know who the previous owners have been, nor how clean they were! Thus, before you bring your children and pets inside, and before you even start unpacking that moving truck, be sure to deep clean the entire house. Just as previously mentioned, start with your children’s room, or the area you plan on putting your children and pets. Once you created a clean and safe place for them, start deep cleaning the rest of the house. Our advice is to clean the kitchen and the bathroom next since those are the two areas you will be using all the time. Of course, do not forget to deep clean the air duct too – this will improve the quality of the air and remove that previous owners’ smell.
Figure Out What Is Where
If this move was a long-distance one, you are probably barely keeping your eyes open. But, one of the things to know when moving somewhere far away, is that you can postpone unpacking for the next day, but you can not postpone figuring out what is where. This is especially true for things like fuse boxes and water valves. Who know what can happen in the middle of the night – there may be a power failure or the water may start running uncontrollably. And, if you moved to another state, or even to another continent, maybe there are some things around the house that simply function differently in your new home. So, research everything that is unfamiliar to you and figure out how it works before you do anything else.
It would also be a good idea to figure out what will be going where too! You have seen how the home looks, and you probably even have its blueprints. So, create a floor plan. Decide where will you put each piece of furniture before you even start unpacking it. Having a plan in mind instead of just winging it will save you a lot of time and energy!
Prioritize Repairs
Unless you are moving into a home that is brand new, you will need to do this. The home that has had previous owners must have some flaws. Maybe there are some holes in walls or floors, scratches on the furniture, broken windows or cabinets, etc. Many things might be wrong with the home. So, as initially said, do a walkthrough as soon as you arrive. Check each and every room! Open everything – closets, cabinets, drawers, etc. Once you locate all the problems, try to prioritize repairs. Of course, fix the life-threatening problems first in order to ensure a safe environment for your and your family. Once you do that, you can focus on those aesthetical renovations and upgrades that will make this home suitable to your needs and preferences.
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