Buying a new abode is exciting, but keeping track of all the things to do before moving in is a chore. While it's easy to put the new place on the back burner when packing, completing a few projects in the house while information technology'southward all the same empty tin save you a lot of headaches in the time to come.

Keep reading to discover all of the projects you should consummate before spending your first dark in your habitation.

Your Checklist for Moving Into a New Abode

Wondering what to practise when you move into a new home? Consider completing a serious deep make clean and a few safety updates to protect your home and holding before the official move-in.

Closeup of a Hand Cleaning a Stove Before Moving Into a New Home

Make clean the House From Top to Bottom

No matter how make clean the new place looks, the previous owners definitely left backside some dirt. Cleaning a house earlier moving in should be a priority. There could exist creature hair, dust or other allergens hiding almost anywhere, and in that location'south no guaranteeing they wiped down the appliances besides equally y'all'd like. Deep clean the house from top to bottom, and don't forget these spots:

  1. Floors: Shampoo carpets, bleach tile and mop hardwood floors to remove allergens and leftover smells.
  2. Walls and baseboards: Dust start and so use a mild cleaner to wipe them down.
  3. Cabinets: Wipe down the inside and lay new shelf paper to freshen the space.
  4. Stove: Scrub both the stovetop and the oven to prevent any smoky surprises.
  5. Washing automobile: Run a few cycles with vinegar and baking soda to go rid of any smells or fauna pilus the previous owners left behind.
  6. Refrigerator: Use vinegar to wipe down shelves and drawers.
  7. Ceiling fans: Remove whatever leftover dust with a damp rag.
  8. Toilet seats: Disinfect these (if you're not replacing them).
  9. Calorie-free fixtures: Remove and scrub any glass globes to get rid of grime.

Moving across the country? Consider hiring a cleaning service if yous don't have time to practise the job before the trip. Or head to the house a few days before your belongings to ensure you have enough of time to prioritize cleaning the business firm earlier moving in your article of furniture.

Person Using a Drill to Change Locks Before Moving In

Change the Locks

In that location's no guarantee the previous owners turned over all the keys. Be sure to update any external locks before moving any valuable items into the house. Take the time to update any passwords or security codes on your security system or garage doors while you're at it.

Check Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors could be faulty or have old batteries. Replace all batteries and exam them thoroughly before reinstalling. If your new home came with carbon monoxide detectors, test them and bank check it for a creation engagement. If it is more than than v years quondam, consider replacing it.

Replace Air Filters

There'southward no telling how old the air filters in your HVAC system are. This is especially important if someone in your house is sensitive to dust or animal pilus that could have been left backside. Replace the air filters and mark the date on your calendar and then yous know when to supplant them in the future.

Locate Circuit Breakers and Shut-Off Values

You'll want to familiarize yourself with these items in case of a plumbing leak or tripped breaker. Be set for an emergency by doing it earlier moving in. Take the fourth dimension to figure out which billow goes to each room of your abode and label them for future utilise. (Also, it's a good idea to store a flashlight nearby for your adjacent power outage.)

Don't exit it up to chance that yous'll retrieve all of these steps during a hectic motility. Impress out this checklist for moving into a new home so you tin make sure nothing gets missed.

Man Using Sander to Refinish Hardwood Floors Before Moving In

Dwelling Improvements to Complete Before Moving In

If you're planning to make updates to your new habitation, consider completing the project while the house is still empty. Many projects are easier (and sometimes more affordable) when the dwelling is free of furniture, pets and family members.

Put these projects at the top of your list:

Update the Flooring

Don't love the left-behind rug? Do the hardwoods demand a refresh? Whatsoever flooring project is easier in an empty house and some floor companies will requite you a discount if there is no article of furniture to move every bit they piece of work.

Pulling out carpet, sanding floors and laying laminate tin can involve a lot of clay and droppings and have more than time than you realize. When information technology comes to hardwood floors, refinishing or sanding will require the removal of all article of furniture, volition create a lot of dust and tin can require extended dry-times before normal traffic can resume, says Brett Miller, VP of Technical Education at the National Forest Flooring Association.

Instead of disrupting your beginning few weeks in your new habitation, complete this dwelling improvement job before moving

Renovate the Kitchen

If y'all are planning to update the kitchen of your new home, it'southward best to tackle this before moving in. Not only can kitchen renovations cause a mess, they can disrupt your whole abode and forbid you from making meals.

Probably the most disruptive renovation is the kitchen. Aside from food grooming, the kitchen is typically the gathering identify for day-to-day conversation and the last place the family is earlier going their dissever ways for the day.

Frank Lesh, Ambassador | American Society of Home Inspectors

Bank check for Leaks and Schedule Roof Repairs

While covering projects can be done while the house is occupied, moving into a abode where h2o is falling from the ceiling isn't fun. Check for any signs of a leak in the ceiling and the attic and call a roofer if there are any concerns. Completing this task before moving in will protect your property from h2o damage.

Paint Interior Rooms While Empty

Why waste material time and money draping or moving furniture if yous can consummate the job while the rooms are still empty? While choosing colors earlier living in the house may be a challenge, the effort will pay off in the long run.

Remove Popcorn Ceilings and Walls

If your new home was congenital more than than 15 years agone, information technology may have popcorn ceilings in the bedrooms or living spaces. Removing this feature is unproblematic, merely incredibly messy. If you're adamant to remove the dated ceiling, information technology'south best to consummate this dwelling improvement before moving in.

Ready to Move In?

Completed this moving-into-a-new-house checklist? Next stride: the actual move.
Check out these articles for more moving tips and tricks:

  • How to Prepare for a Move
  • Items to Go rid of Before a Move
  • How to Unpack After a Move

Everything to Do Before Moving into a New House Pin