It can be both exciting and overwhelming to move into a new place. Here are some pointers to ease the transition:
- Begin early: Prepare your belongings for the move by starting to pack and organize them well in advance. This will make sure that on moving day everything is prepared.
- List everything: Make a list of the things you need to do before and after the move. You can stay organized and on schedule by doing this.
- Pack a moving day essentials box: An essentials box for the day of the move should be filled with everything you’ll need, such as snacks, toiletries, and a change of clothes.
- Change your address Keep your address current with the post office, your bank, and other crucial institutions.
- Set up utilities: Before you move in, be sure to set up your utilities (such as electricity, gas, and water).
- Introduce: Introduce yourself to your neighbors and spend some time getting to know them. This may make you feel more like a part of your new neighborhood.
- Get to know your new house: Spend some time getting to know the layout and features of your new house.
You can ease the transition to your new home and ensure that you settle in quickly and comfortably by using these suggestions.
Move Like a Pro
Here is the ultimate printable checklist PDF for moving those people usually forget to do. Even if your move is last minute or planned these tips will get you on the road prepared like a pro. Moving out of your parent’s house or moving in with a roommate this checklist has it all.
Time to move in. Get a life in a new house and off to a great start with fresh paint and switch plates, new locks, a deep cleaning
Homebuying a new house is very stressful already, but it becomes even more chaotic as you move into your new home!
“The key to maintaining your sanity throughout the process is approaching it with patience, clear priorities and realistic expectations.”
Tackling these must-do tasks before settling down will make your life a whole lot easier.
Demolishing your popcorn ceiling
Demolishing your popcorn ceiling is fairly invasive — you will have to cover the walls, spray the ceiling with warm water, and scrape off the junk. Be sure to knock this off your to-do list immediately. Otherwise, you will be stuck covering all the surfaces in your home to help avoid the mess.
And plus, when your home was built before 1980, that popcorn might contain lead or asbestos. Be sure to hire a pro to test for asbestos, and purchase a kit to test for lead.
Looking out for any water damage
The best time to make the discovery is before moving in —so that way you can replace damaged drywall, trim, wood, or carpet without exposing your family to allergens and/or odors.
Exterminating
Hopefully, the only bugs you need to worry about are silverfish, cockroaches, spiders, or ants, especially being fortunate to live here in beautiful Southern California, (where larger bugs and animals are not such a worrisome issue).
And you can easily eliminate most pests with store-bought sprays and traps.
It is best to take off this issue and spray all those nasty chemicals before you’ve moved in or unpacked. You can also call an exterminator in case things get out of hand.
Identify termite damage & make necessary repairs
In case you see signs of termite damage — “tunnels in the wood, a sickly sweet smell or a sawdust-like substance — remove the drywall to see how far the tunnels extend, remove and replace rotted wood, and vacuum up any debris.”
Also, be sure to consult with a local termite exterminator immediately when you see or suspect a living termite colony.
Cleaning your homes air ducts
Though duct cleaning usually isn’t necessary, according to the EPA, in case you suspect that the previous owners had a previous mold or vermin problem, do not take the chance.
Hire a licensed professional before unpacking — blowing out the ducts can make quite a mess.
Deep clean floors
Let’s be honest some old homeowners don’t bother to clean when they move out. Steam cleaning carpets and grout in a furnished home is a hassle, especially when moving around furniture.
So, while your floors are still a clean slate, take this chance to rent a steam cleaner from the hardware store or hire a professional.
It also is a good time to consider replacing any cracked tile or any carpet that is not worth reviving.
Painting Walls
Be sure to thoroughly clean the existing coat of paint, fill any of the holes or imperfections with spackle, and protect the floor with painter’s tape and tarps.
Also, to save on time and expense, make sure to use primer and paint with neutral colors.
Unclogging the dryer ducts
A lint-clogged duct will make your dryer slower and less efficient. And can also be bigger of a risk for a fire.
That’s why cleaning out your new one immediately, before moving in is a must-do step in making your home a safer and cleaner environment.
Purchase a cleaning kit instead of removing it with a wet-dry vacuum. The “long, flexible rod works with your power drill, and the included attachments can remove enough lint to knit yourself a sweater.”
Sanitize
When you purchase a home, it will most likely need a thorough cleaning. For your protection from chemicals, be sure to use gloves, wear long-sleeve shirts and pants, and a dust mask.
Start by using a damp rag, a bucket, and the cleaning product of choice to deep clean each room. Be sure to hit the light switches, trims, and walls.
This can take time, so be sure to turn up the music, and invite any of your friends and family to be involved. Be sure to “provide enough pizza and drinks for the whole gang.”
Cleaning out the garage
Even though the garage is not a priority for most and it is typically used as a storage room when you first move in you still have to clean it so be sure to remove the dust and use a blower or wet-dry vacuum to remove any debris, clean the floor with a garage floor cleaning product and push broom.
Now is also the best time to take advantage of the empty space and paint/ refinish your garage floor.
