Changes You Must Make in Your New House Before Moving In
It all suddenly feels so real when you pick up the keys to your new house. You might have spent months or even years planning, browsed hundreds of properties, talked to countless agents, and finally found the perfect place to call home. It’s an overwhelming sensation, a mix of excitement and apprehension. And as soon as you see those empty rooms, you can’t help but dream of all the potential – how you’ll set it up, the furniture and decorations you’ll buy, and all the changes that will turn this house into your humble abode.
But before you get carried away with dreams of designing and decorating your new abode, cater to the most critical task at hand – the moving process.
Making Moving Easier
Moving is time-consuming and challenging, whether you’re moving within the same neighborhood or across the state. Imagine having to declutter your whole house, pack your belongings, arrange logistics, and transport them all to the new place. Not to mention the constant worry you feel about the safety of your belongings in transit and the fear that you might lose something important.
So, if there’s anything that can make the moving process smoother and less difficult, it’s the professional movers. Hiring an experienced moving company, like Upline Moving, can be a lifesaver during this stressful period. These experts have the knowledge, personnel, and equipment to make your move a breeze. They can help you organize your move, pack and unpack your belongings carefully, handle bulky items like furniture efficiently, and transport everything safely to your new address without any hassle.
Now that your move is taken care of, you must perform these six essential changes and modifications in your new house to create an ideal living space.
Change the Locks
You don’t know who had access to your new house before you or how many keys are out there. So, it makes sense to change the locks to ensure your home’s security and peace of mind. It includes the front door, back door, garage door, and any other access points to your property. If your windows are lockable, you should change those locks too.
When picking the locks, explore the various types available in the market, such as lever handle locks, keyed entry doorknobs, and deadbolts. Weigh the pros and cons of each type and pick a reliable and secure lock system best suited for your house.
Clean and Sanitize All Surfaces
No matter how clean, luxurious, and well-maintained your new house appears, there could be hidden dirt, dust, and germs you can’t see. A thorough clean-up of the whole place is necessary to get rid of these unseen invaders.
Start by sweeping and mopping the floors with a disinfectant. Clean surfaces like shelves, cabinets, countertops, and light switches with a mild cleaning solution. Also, sanitize doorknobs, faucets, and other frequently used objects with an appropriate disinfectant. Wipe the walls with a soft cloth to remove any dust particles.
If you want to avoid chemical-based cleaning solutions, use essential oils to clean your home and make it smell great.
Change the Air Filters
Air filters play a crucial role in the air quality of your home. If they are clogged with dirt and dust or the airflow is hindered, you’ll experience allergies, breathing issues, and other health problems. Besides the health risks, dirty air filters can affect your HVAC system’s performance and increase energy bills. So, changing the air filter should be your top priority when moving into a new house.
Consider your HVAC system’s size, type, and capacity to purchase the correct air filter. If you’re unsure which kind best suits your home, consult a licensed HVAC professional for help.
Paint the Walls
Imagine setting up all your furniture and belongings in a new house only to realize that the wall color takes away from the beauty of the space. How disappointing would that be?
To avoid such scenarios, choose a color palette you like and paint the walls before moving in. A fresh coat of paint can effortlessly transform a disjointed, dull space into a warm and inviting one. It can also help patch any small cracks or holes in the walls.
If you’re unsure of color combinations or want to play it safe, opt for neutrals like beige, cream, and light gray. These colors offer a blank canvas for other decor elements and bring a sense of calmness to the room. Or you can use the best colors to create an inviting atmosphere in each room.
Installing Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are lifesavers when it comes to fire and gas leaks in your house. Ensure you install these detectors on each room’s ceiling or wall, per local regulations.
Choose quality smoke detectors with a long battery life designed to detect smoke and carbon monoxide. Test the devices periodically and replace the batteries when needed.
If you have a gas stove in the house, consider investing in good-quality stove guards to detect leaks from the appliance and alert you of any danger.
Pest-proof Your Home
Pest control is an essential part of house preparation. Pests such as rats, mice, cockroaches, and bed bugs are the worst enemies of a clean and hygienic environment. They can quickly spread diseases, contaminate food items, and create an unpleasant atmosphere.
To keep these pesky critters away:
- Thoroughly inspect the house to identify any areas where they can gain access.
- Seal off small holes and cracks, check doors and windows for gaps, and fix broken screens.
- Install fine mesh screens on your doors and windows to prevent flying insects from entering your home.
- Lastly, trim the trees, bushes, and shrubs close to the house, as these make excellent hiding spots for pests.
Conclusion
Although the excitement of a new house is indescribable, so is the responsibility of preparing it for occupancy. If not done, you’d be dealing with various issues, and the “dream” of owning a home will soon become a nightmare. So, clean and sanitize every area of the house, install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and perform pest-proofing measures. Repainting the walls, changing the window and door locks, and replacing the HVAC filter can also go a long way in creating a safe and comfortable living environment and making your home truly yours.
