What are the Secrets to a Great Move-In Day?
So you purchased the new house! Congratulations! As a professional Interior Designer in Bergen County, NJ, I offer my clients advice and a guide for what to do between the closing on their new home and move-in day. It’s a great opportunity to accomplish a lot while the furnishings are not in the way. Home ownership can be a challenge but if you have a logical plan and follow the steps laid out here, it will be easy.
#1. Change the locks.
It may be obvious but so many people have had access to the house over the years, you need to make new keys so you are secure. You may wish to add additional locks if the one in place is insufficient.
#2. Home Security issues.
Speaking of security, if you want to upgrade an existing system, change the codes, or install a new system—now is the time. Check out the smart house systems available that do much more than just security, all from a keypad.
It’s also a great time to add outside lighting and trim or change plantings that may hide thieves who could be trying to get in. Cameras can help monitor what’s going on too.
To avoid problems in the future, make an appointment with the HVAC contractor to inspect and get your heating and cooling systems ready before the season begins. Replace the filters.
Ask the landscaper to turn on/off the sprinkler system depending on the time of the year.
#3. Upgrade your connections.
Internet, cable, TV, phone, Wi-Fi.
You need to make an appointment with your service provider to get your home connected for your area. You can’t do much today without all of your devices!
#4. Electrical work.
I consider this as part of the “dirty” work. If you are adding outlets, charging ports or overhead lighting, dust and dirt are created by cutting out sheetrock. Check to see if you have enough service on your electric panel. If you anticipate requiring more, this is a great time to get that work done.
With our weather creating havoc here and there, you may want to install a whole house generator. This is a excellent time to get your home ready for challenges that could occur. You will bless the day you made this decision when the lights go out!
#5. Deep House Cleaning.
Here’s your opportunity to REALLY clean. It may be the only time this house gets this treatment! Hire a professional house cleaning service that opens the windows and cleans inside the sill, the screens and the outside of the windows. Steam clean the tiles in the bathrooms and elsewhere. Deep clean the kitchen, laundry room, floors, inside the light fixtures (change bulbs) cabinets, closets and inside medicine chests and vanities.
There are two additional cleaning inspections you need now: the ductwork and the chimney sweep. There are separate companies that provide these specialty services.
Clean the gutters and leaders. Ask the roofer to inspect and repair whatever is loose or missing.
Don’t forget to clean the basement, mechanical room and attic in this deep clean.
#6. Floors
If you would like to refresh the existing wood floors and restore them to the way they were when they were new, now is the time! You may decide to change the color stain or leave them neutral and seal them. No one and nothing is in the way now. Plan to do this once the deep clean is done.
Tip: Expect no one to be allowed to enter for two to three days to give the work time to dry.
#7. Painting and Wall paper removal.
If you know the colors you’d like to use, this is a perfect time to do the painting. The house is clean and the dirty stuff is done. Spackling the cracks and repairing the holes is essential in giving you a blank canvas to hang up your art.
Hate the former owner’s wall paper selection? Take it off and prepare the walls for painting. Once you have a fresh coat of paint, you will have a brand new finish for your furnishings to be brought in.
That brings us to move-in day! I am sure there will be other things to add to the “to-do” list over time, but these guidelines are a great way to get the most important things done before you move in so you can just live and enjoy your new home, worry free.
It’s a lot to do but your new home will be spotless before you move in and you will be happy you got it all done!
