Moving Into a New House? Here’s Everything You Need to Know

Moving into a new house is exciting, but keeping a checklist of everything you need to do before moving is exhausting.

One of the biggest tips you can gain as an upcoming mover is to complete a few projects while the house is still empty. That’s the best way to save yourself plenty of headaches in the future.

If you’re planning on moving to a new house any time soon, keep reading this article to discover everything you should know and the projects you should complete before having your first sleep in your new home.

When you decide to move into a new house, you’ve probably considered a few safety updates to protect you and your property.

Even if you’re moving for the first time, you shouldn’t feel overloaded with making decisions and plans.

You can use a simple guide and checklist to ensure everything falls into place at the right time.

1. Give the House a Deep Clean

You might see a new place and think to yourself: “Wow! The house looks brand new!” Unfortunately, any new house needs a deep clean before spending the night for the first time.

Perhaps there could be dust, animal hair, or other allergens hiding anywhere, so there’s no guaranteeing that the appliances or furniture are wiped down as well as you’d like.

When considering statistics, the average American moves 11.7 times in their life, so this may not be their first or last rodeo. 

Still, no matter how many times you’ll move, remember that your new property needs a good clean from top to bottom.

Essentially, you shouldn’t forget spots such as:

• Floors: Bleach tile, shampoo carpets, and mop hardwood floors to remove any leftover or potential allergens.
• Cabinets: Clean the inside and add new shelf paper for a fresher smell.
• Walls and baseboards: Start dusting and then use a soft cleaner to wipe down everything.
• Washing machine: Get rid of odors or hair by running a few cycles with baking soda and vinegar.
• Stove: Use an oven or milder cleaner to scrub the stovetop and the oven to prevent any unpleasant surprises.
• Refrigerator: Vinegar helps wipe down the drawers and shelves and disinfect any bacteria left behind.
• Ceiling fans: Use a damp rag to remove any leftover dust that’s collected on the fan.
• Light fixtures: Remove and clean any glass globes to get rid of accumulated dust.
• Toilet seats: If you’re not replacing the seat, you have to disinfect them with a bleacher or another disinfectant.

And if you’re moving across the country, there’s no better help than hiring a team of trusted movers because they’ll ensure every item gets delivered on time and without any damage.

Or you could also go to your new house before sending your belongings to ensure you have sufficient time to do a thorough cleaning before moving in your furniture.

You may also read:

• 6 Tips And Tricks For A Seamless Moving Day
• Moving to a New City? Here are Some Dos and Don’ts
• 20 Floor to Ceiling Fireplace Ideas to to Warm Up Your Home

2. Change the Locks  

The worst fear is moving to a new house and not knowing whether the previous owners or someone else has turned over all the keys.

Can you imagine how you’d feel if you suddenly heard keys in the middle of the night and someone trying to enter your house?

Some extra protection never hurt anybody. That’s why you must update any locks before moving any items into your home.

Additionally, spare some time to correct any security codes or passwords on your security system.

3. Check Smoke Detectors’ Batteries

It may sound odd, but smoke detectors can have massive role in house fire accidents. In fact, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) report, almost 3 out of 5 fire-related deaths are caused due to a smoke detector malfunction.

If this isn’t enough reason to replace all old batteries and test them before re-installing, we don’t know what is.

4. Update the Flooring

If you’re an interior fanatic, you probably can’t stop thinking about the old carpet or the hardwood floors because they need an update immediately.

Lucky for you, any flooring project requires less money if there’s no furniture to move while the flooring companies take over your house.

If you’re working with hardwood floors, sanding and refinishing require removing your furniture, which may cause a lot of dirt and debris.

That’s why the National Wood Flooring Association states that these types of floors require certain dry times before resuming.

So the best time to do this step is before moving because it might interrupt the first few weeks of your new home.

5. Update the Kitchen

Another excellent renovation tip you must know is to renovate the kitchen before moving in. Everyone knows the mess that a kitchen renovation can cause, so why not avoid it in advance?

After all, your kitchen is used for food preparation and the ‘gathering place’ for your family conversations.

6. Check for Leaks on the Roof

Although roofing projects can take place when you move into the house, no one likes water falling from the ceiling. One of the most critical steps you should always take advantage of is to check for signs of a leak in the attic or roof.

Doing this before moving will protect your furniture and belongings from water damage and save you some money, so you don’t have to call a roofer.