When it comes to fully settling in your new abode, there’s a whole list of things you need to do. While loading/unloading the moving truck is the first thing that springs to mind, it’s so much more than that. From finding reliable professionals to deciding on the pre-move-in projects to boosting home safety, here are five steps homeowners need to take before moving into a new house.
Pack and organize your moving boxes
The first step you’ll need to take before moving into a new house is to make sure everything’s packed properly. Most of the time, this will mean using the appropriate moving supplies for each item in your current home. Sometimes, you’ll need to use professional packaging, especially if you’re moving specialty items such as electronics and musical instruments.
It’s also important that you label all the boxes properly. Try to be as descriptive as possible while you’re at it. Describe the content of each box briefly and use red labels for fragile boxes. Pack the items from each of the rooms together, and use location labels to keep your moving boxes organized. Alternatively, you can use itemized packaging, or rely on color-coded labels to make the unloading process easier and smoother.
Work with the pros to make your move easier
Moving can be expensive and complicated, mostly due to the overwhelming number of tasks that need to be tackled. The whole process becomes even more challenging for homeowners looking to buy and sell a home at the same time. As with all things in life, taking the DIY approach to moving, selling, and buying has its pros and cons.
Sometimes, hiring professionals simply makes more financial sense than handling everything on your own. This is especially true when it comes to the real estate market which can be a confusing place. According to a reputable Phoenix real estate agent, an experienced and qualified realtor can help you comb through real estate listings quickly while alleviating the stress of an already demanding process. They can help you decide about the best time to list your current home and make a move. Plus, they’ll act as your personalized moving company guide, giving advice on everything from the moving company to moving insurance.
Tackle all the essential pre-move-in projects
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There are instances where a new home ticks all the boxes and homeowners don’t have to make repairs or updates. If you are, however, planning to make some changes around your new place, it’s better to do it right away. This can mean anything from repainting the walls and changing the flooring to renovating the kitchen and removing popcorn ceilings.
These tasks are messy, disruptive, and time-consuming, so it’s best to tackle them before bringing in the furniture and appliances. Some other essential pre-move-in tasks include replacing air filters, changing exterior door locks, locating circuit breakers, and checking smoke detectors.
Clean the entire house from top to bottom
Speaking of tasks you should cross off your pre-move-in checklist, you should also give your home a deep clean. This is again, something you can delegate to professionals. If you decide to do it on your own, make sure to do it while the rooms are still empty. If you’re thinking of hiring a kitchen or bathroom remodeler and making a couple of updates, now is the right time to do it since there are no furniture or appliances cluttering up your living space.
As for the cleaning, start by vacuuming and dusting, and move on to wiping down everything from floors and walls to shelves and cabinets. Disinfect the tiles and hardwood and shampoo all the carpets and dust the ceiling fans, baseboards, and lighting fixtures. Don’t forget to disinfect the refrigerator, toilet seats, and washing machine, too!
Child and pet-proof your new home
Children and pets, just like adults, need time to get used to new surroundings. Because they love exploring and are naturally curious, it’s best that you child- and pet-proof your new home right away.
While you’re still unloading the moving truck, take a couple of minutes to create a separate zone by using gates. This will be the place where you’ll discard the packing materials and it’ll be off limits to kids and pets. When unloading potentially dangerous items such as glassware and household cleaners, do so with caution. Place them in areas where they’ll be impossible to reach, break, or spill (e.g. on high shelves). Also, make sure to cover all the reachable outlets, and keep your pets and/or kids occupied so that they don’t get in trouble.
Wrapping up
Moving house can be a complex, stressful, and life-changing event. It’s a challenging journey, but it’s also an opportunity to start fresh and build a new life for yourself. Tackle these tasks in advance and you’ll manage to make this upcoming change far less stressful and much more enjoyable.