It may be tempting to move your belongings into your new house and get settled as soon as the deal is closed, all the paperwork is done, and the keys are handed over. But is it a good idea?
You may be wondering, “Why not? I’ve been dreaming of this moment for months.”
If you want to ensure that your new house is ready for you and your family when the moving truck arrives with all your possessions, it’s best to do some pre-move preparation work. Because moving into a new house is much more than just getting the keys and unloading boxes. What if the house you’re moving into has been empty for a few months? What if the previous owners left things you don’t want in your home? Or worse, the renters before you left the house in disarray?
The Challenges of Moving
Whether relocating to a new country or moving to a new neighborhood, moving can be one of the most stressful activities. You must purge your possessions, pack boxes and furniture, plan how to move everything without too much disruption, and then unpack. But you don’t have to do it alone. Working with a reliable and experienced local moving company can make the process less stressful. These moving professionals provide comprehensive services, from packing, loading, and unloading to arranging furniture in the new house.
That said, all you must do before you move in is to prepare your new house. Here are six tips to help you thoroughly clean and prepare your new home before you move in.
1. Sweep, Mop, and Vacuum the Floors
No matter how nice a house looks, you never know what’s lurking in the corners. The previous owners may have left behind dust, dirt, and cobwebs. Or debris may have come in through the windows or doors, which can attract pests. As such, it creates an unhealthy environment for you and your family.
So, before you move in, it’s essential to inspect all areas of the house and deep clean it. Start by sweeping the floors in all the rooms, including the attic, basement, and garage (if you have one). Then, mop them with a mild detergent to remove stubborn dirt or stains. If your new house has carpets or rugs, vacuum them thoroughly to remove any residual dirt and give them a fresh look.
2. Disinfect the Bathrooms and Kitchen
Bathrooms and kitchens are the two most personal and intimate spaces in any house, and you want to ensure they’re as clean and hygienic as possible before you move in.
Start with the bathroom fixtures such as sinks, tubs, showers, toilets, etc. Scrub them with a special disinfectant cleaner and wipe them down with a soft cloth. If the bathrooms haven’t been used in a while, it might be necessary to remove any rust stains. Also, clean the grout between the tiles and replace any missing grout.
In the kitchen, the same process applies: disinfect all surfaces with a special cleaner, including countertops, cabinets, sinks, shelves, and appliances. Pay special attention to the area above the stove and the refrigerator, which may have accumulated a lot of grease and dust. You can use a degreaser to ensure all the surfaces are squeaky clean before you move in.
3. Clean the Windows
Most homeowners only clean their windows from the inside, thinking that’s enough. However, it’s best to clean the windows inside and out, especially if you’re moving into a house that has been unoccupied for a while or has been rented out.
Start by dusting the blinds and wiping down the windowsills. Then, fill a bucket with warm water and a mild detergent or window cleaner and scrub both sides with a soft, non-abrasive cloth or sponge. Finally, rinse the windows with a garden hose and dry them with an old towel (or microfiber cloth). Pay special attention to the corners and edges of the windows, as this is where dirt and dust accumulate.
4. Clean Air Vents and Change Air Filters
Air vents are another area of your new house that can accumulate dirt and dust. Inspect each vent for clogs or debris, then vacuum them to remove the dirt. If your new home has an air filter system, replace the old filters with new ones before you move in.
Alternatively, you can hire an HVAC professional to inspect your system and replace the filters. It’ll help improve the air quality in your new house and ensure you and your family stay healthy.
5. Check for Mold
Mold is a common problem that can worsen with time if left unchecked. It grows in moist, damp environments and can cause severe health risks.
Inspect every corner of your new house for any signs of moisture, paying special attention to the bathrooms and kitchen where water is present frequently. You should also inspect the walls and ceilings for any discoloration or warping that may indicate a problem with water leakage or mold growth.
6. Repair Structural Issues
Your home’s structure is the foundation of its longevity and safety. Therefore, it pays to inspect every part of the house for any signs of structural damage.
Whether you’re moving into an old or newly-constructed house, issues like cracks in the walls, uneven floors, and sagging ceilings can indicate structural problems. Since these can be difficult to repair using the DIY approach, it’s best to contact a professional who can assess the situation and prescribe the necessary work. These experts can also evaluate other components of your house, like the roof, foundation, and plumbing, so you can have peace of mind that your home is in good shape.
Conclusion
Leaving your old home and moving into a new one is a major life event. You’re probably anxious to start unpacking and settling into your new abode, but before you do that, it’s essential to clean and inspect the house thoroughly. So, clean the floors and windows, disinfect the bathroom and kitchen fixtures, and repair any structural issues. Cleaning the air vents, changing the air filters, and removing mold are other important tasks before moving in. These steps ensure your home is safe, clean, and comfortable, and you and your family will have a great experience living in the new house.