Repair Tip #1-Deep Clean the House
Before moving into a home you should do a thorough cleaning on the space. Even if it looks clean, be sure to take time to scrub the house and take note of any damage or repairs that need to be done to the home. When cleaning be sure to move and clean behind all appliances. Another great tip is to thoroughly clean the cabinets and freshen the garbage disposal. Polishing all fixtures in the house will help give them a good sparkle and keep them looking fresh and new as you begin to add your own touch on the space. It’s also important to disinfect areas of the home too. Make sure you disinfect the shower, toilets and tubs.
Repair Tip #2 Deep Clean Carpets
If you are moving into a home with carpets take the time to thoroughly clean them prior to moving in any furniture. The room is empty so take advantage of it to get the carpet deep cleaned. If you can afford to hire a professional to deep clean your carpets it is one less item to add to your task list. If you prefer to do it yourself consider renting a professional machine to ensure it has the best clean possible.
Repair Tip #3 Clean Out Dryer Duct
A clogged dryer duct not only can reduce the efficiency of the dryer but it can also be a fire hazard. Before doing your first load of laundry it might be a great idea to clean out your dryer vent to ensure it is in the best shape.
Repair Tip #4 Replace the Furnace Filter
A dirty filter can cause issues with the HVAC system and cause it to not run properly. Be sure to buy replacement filters for your furnace and change it out right away.
Repair Tip #5 Change Your Locks
This is not necessarily something that needs to be repaired but it is something you should do right away and does require a couple tools, change your locks. You can never be too careful and it is best to be safe when moving into a new home. You have no idea who had access to the property aside from the sellers so it is a good idea to update the locks before moving all your personal belongings into the home.
Repair Tip #6 Change the Alarm Batteries
Take a few quick minutes to update the batteries in all the alarms. This will help give you peace of mind that they have working batteries in case of an emergency. You have no idea when the seller last updated them so it will be easier to replace the batteries prior to moving around furniture to replace them later.
Repair Tip #7 Caulk
After you have thoroughly cleaned the house it is a good idea to seal any cracks. Caulking around the tub and shower will help stop leaks and caulking around windows could help block drafts as well.
Repair Tip #8 Spackle Holes
Walls get a lot of abuse over the years. Scratches and holes get in the walls from years of hanging photos and moving things. When moving into a new home take the time to do any patching and spackling prior to painting to help give the walls a fresh new look.
Some of these items might seem minor but these small things can make a huge difference when moving into a “new to you” home. Houses get a lot of use and sometimes they are not always maintained the way that they should. When you are compiling your list of all the house projects you want to complete when moving in, be sure to add the ones above to the checklist, your home will thank you.
