Preparing a Home for Move-In Day: Necessary DIY Projects Before Moving In
Most people spend months shopping for their new home before settling on the perfect place for their family and loved ones. But even after you purchase the home, there are still several things that need to be done before you move in. From updating the locks to cleaning the house and changing out light fixtures, the following list will help you decide what to DIY before you move in.
If the previous owners of your new home had the same locks for a while, it’s a good idea to hire a locksmith to switch them out. Changing your locks will give you peace of mind knowing that you and your family or friends are the only ones who have access to the bona fide keys and, therefore, your house. In addition to this, also check all of the exterior doors and adjust any that need further fittings and lubrication. If they are in disrepair, be sure to replace any faulty hardware.
The systems in any new home can be a mystery and the heating and cooling systems are no different. Before you move in, have a professional come in and evaluate the situation. You’ll probably want your service agent to do a thorough assessment and cleaning of your systems. If you are new to the area, be sure to check the reliability of any company before you sign a contract to have work done. Making sure that you’re comfortable as soon as you step foot in your new place should be the top of your priority list.
Before you move all of your things in, make sure that the house is clean. You can either do all of the cleaning on your own or hire a service to come in and do the job for you. Including an interior paint job in your cleaning process is also a worthwhile idea. If you decide to take on painting on your own, make sure you have the right supplies and equipment. Put all of your supplies and equipment in one area so you’re not scrambling for products and can move swiftly from one cleaning project to the next.
Do a thorough assessment of the closets in your new home. You may find that they are inadequate for your needs and you’ll have to buy organizers for the space. If you need several organizing structures, visit your local hardware store and speak with a service professional about all of the options available.
Make sure that the windows of your new home are up to your standards. Check the seals on all of the windows for areas that are worn where air and insects might be able to get into your house. If your windows are dated, you may want to consider replacing them with ones that are more energy efficient. When you have your windows set the way you want, decide on the treatments you need to cover them. From blinds to curtains and everything in between, make sure you’re happy with your window coverings before you move in.
The last step before moving in is to consider lighting. Check all of the existing light fixtures to make sure they’re functioning. If the fixtures are dated, consider looking into modernizing them. In the same vein, take a look at the landscaping outside. Trim the hedges, pull the weeds and add some plants that require minimal care.
Making some changes before you move into your new home will make all of the difference in how you feel about it. From updating the locks to cleaning and updating fixtures and lighting, these DIY projects will help make the transition from one home to another with more ease.
