Buying a new home and choosing a new residence are two of the biggest decisions you'll make as an adult. Buying a new home in particular is a major milestone. But just because you have the keys doesn't mean you're ready to move all of your belongings into your new abode.
Whether it's your first time moving or you're a seasoned pro, you probably already know the basics: how to pack all of your belongings into boxes, how to transport those boxes to your new location (maybe with the help of movers and trucks), and how to unload it all once you arrive. In the hustle and bustle of moving, it's easy to forget to tackle some important home projects before the moving truck arrives.
While there are plenty of projects you can tackle while living in your home, some are best completed before you move in to avoid extra stress. Consider updating, replacing, remodeling, and completing these home projects before you move in. Once you've finished those, research the best internet providers and consider whether you should invest in solar panels.
Utility bill transfers and address changes
Updating your address and utilities seems like common sense, but it's easy to overlook when you're busy with the home buying process. Make sure your utilities and core services are set up and running in your new home before you move in. There's nothing worse than spending a night without electricity in your first home. Don't forget to: Email forwardinginternet, TV service, regular deliveries to your new address, etc.
Floors are just one of the areas you should clean in your new home.
Deep Clean
Even if your new home looks clean and visibly dusty, it's a good idea to give it a thorough cleaning before you move in. The previous owners may have left behind dirt, pet hair, dust, and other grime, visible or not, so it's best to start fresh.
Make sure to clean these areas before you move in. While you're at it, change the air filters and check the smoke detectors, too.
1. Kitchen
2. Cabinet
3. Stove
4. Refrigerator
5. Bathroom
6. shower head
7. Toilets
8. Floors, walls and baseboards
9. Ceiling fans and lighting fixtures
10. Washing machine
11. Dishwasher
Vacuum, mop, and polish your new home before you move in.
Essential cleaning tools
Deep-cleaning your entire home is easy with the right tools. Here at CNET, we test a lot of different products, but here are some of our favorites.
Don't like the color of your room? Paint it.
paint
Paint can completely transform a space. Hate that purple dining room or that jet-black bedroom that used to be occupied by your teenagers? It's best to get that painted before you settle in. It might not be as intrusive as other major home renovations, but if you have the space, you'll need to move all the junk to the middle of the room.
Also, paint will splatter, so if you have items in the room, you'll need to provide additional protection with plastic sheeting, tarps, etc. Pro tip: Paint the walls and rooms before replacing your floors so you don't have to worry about getting paint on your new floors.
If you are replacing or refinishing existing floors, you should make sure this is done before you move in.
Replacing or refinishing flooring
Everything in your home that isn't attached to the walls takes up floor space, so if you're replacing or refinishing existing floors, make sure you do so before you move in. The person hiring the work will need to leave the affected rooms empty, so they don't have to fill them in beforehand.
Even if you do the work yourself, you will still need to move your belongings around, which will significantly increase the time it takes to complete the project and make the job even more difficult.
Plumbing and electrical updates
If you're buying a home that's a bit older and needs significant updates to core systems like plumbing and electrical, consider getting these projects completed before you move.
If you're doing a major renovation, it's likely that the job will involve cutting out sections of drywall and floors to make way for updated plumbing and wiring. The demolition and subsequent drywall repairs will generate a lot of dust, so you'll probably also need to paint the walls and repair the floors.
Cutting out sections of drywall can create a lot of dust and may require you to repaint walls or repair floors.
Kitchen Remodeling
If you're planning on remodeling or renovating your kitchen, it's a good idea to do it before you move in. A full kitchen remodel can disrupt your daily routine in many ways. Not only will you not be able to cook, especially if you have to move or unplug appliances, but you'll also have no space to store food. You'll need space to store all your dishes and kitchen utensils, and you'll also need somewhere to dispose of all the scraps and materials needed for your kitchen remodel.
Bathroom renovation
Another inconvenience is a full bathroom renovation. If you have multiple bathrooms, this may or may not be a big deal depending on how many people live in your home. If you only have one bathroom, being unable to use it for days or weeks can be a pain. In either case, if you're paying for work, it's wise to plan for a longer time than the contractor estimates and be prepared for limited bathroom space.
Luckily, replacing major HVAC components is usually not a very lengthy process.
HVAC replacement
This depends on when you buy your new home. Replacing major HVAC components is usually not a very long process and doesn't require many renovations to the rest of your home. If you live in a place with sweltering summers and frigid winters, you may want to get this done before you move to avoid exposure to extreme temperatures.
Change your locks and install home security
It's never a bad idea to change the locks and install home security elements in your new home before you move in. Changing the locks will prevent the previous owners from getting into the home, and home security cameras and video doorbells can deter burglars and allow you to keep an eye on your home no matter where you are.
Every home is different, so there's no one-size-fits-all rule for where to place a security camera. Common locations are the front door, back door, and side door. Avoid placing cameras in bedrooms, bathrooms, or other places that invade your privacy or that of your neighbors. If you're still wondering where to place your new security camera, CNET brings you their best and worst spots.
Make sure your home is pet-proof before bringing it into your home.
Child and pet safety
Safety can't just be achieved with locks and security cameras – if you have small children, you'll want to install child-proofing devices before letting them into your home. Similarly, if you have pets, you may need to implement similar safety measures in your home and install fencing around any new gardens.
Also, take this opportunity to walk around your home and note where the main shut-off valves for electricity, water, and gas are located, as well as other safety fixtures, so you can start thinking about a home safety plan for your family in case of an emergency.
To sum up, these tasks may occur while you are already in your new home, but checking them off in advance will reduce stress. You are much more likely to love your new home than to get frustrated by the complications it will make your life. While you're there, check out our list of tools you'll need to maintain your new home. Plus, we'll show you how to make friends with your new neighbors and make your new home a pleasant place to live.
