Published: November 15, 2024

How to Prepare Your New Home Before You Move in

Moving into a new home is a thrilling experience, but before you settle in, it’s crucial to make sure your space is ready for your arrival. Preparing your new home in advance can save you time, effort, and future headaches. Whether you’re moving into a brand-new property or one with some history, these tips will ensure a smooth transition into your new space.

1. Thorough Cleaning

Before moving your belongings into your new home, give it a deep clean. Even if the previous owners cleaned up, it’s best to ensure the space is spotless. You can hire professional cleaners or tackle the task yourself. Pay extra attention to areas like:

• Bathrooms: Scrub toilets, sinks, and showers with disinfectants.
• Kitchen: Clean cabinets, appliances, and countertops thoroughly.
• Floors: Mop or vacuum every room, especially corners where dust accumulates.

Starting off with a clean slate helps create a welcoming environment and gives you peace of mind.

2. Check Safety Features

Your new home should be a safe haven. Take the time to inspect the safety features in the house:

• Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Ensure all alarms are functioning. If detectors are not in key areas, install them.
• Fire Extinguishers: Place fire extinguishers in accessible locations, especially in the kitchen and garage.
• Security System: Consider installing or upgrading security cameras, alarms, or smart locks for added safety.

By addressing these safety elements, you’ll feel more secure in your new space.

3. Change the Locks of Your New Home

One of the most important tasks to complete before moving into your new home is changing the locks on all doors. Even if the previous owner handed over the keys, you don’t know how many people had access to them. Hire a locksmith to rekey the locks, or consider installing smart locks that allow you to manage access digitally. This simple step can give you peace of mind and enhance your home’s security.

4. Plan Utility Setups

Setting up utilities in your new home is a crucial step to ensure that everything runs smoothly when you move in. Confirm that utilities such as electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable are activated before your move-in day. Here’s a checklist to keep in mind:

• Electricity/Gas: Confirm transfer or installation dates with the local provider.
• Water: Ensure the water service is functioning and there are no leaks.
• Internet: Arrange for installation or service transfer before move-in day to avoid any delays.

Being proactive with utilities ensures you won’t have any interruptions during your first few days in your new home.

5. Inspect for Repairs

Once the excitement of purchasing a new home settles, it’s time to take a detailed look at its condition. Walk through the house and check for any necessary repairs. Focus on:

• Plumbing: Look for leaks, dripping faucets, or running toilets.
• Electrical Systems: Test all light switches, outlets, and appliances.
• Structural Issues: Check walls, ceilings, and floors for cracks or water damage.

Addressing minor issues before you move in can prevent larger, more costly repairs down the road.

6. Paint and Renovate Early

If you’re planning to paint or make any renovations, do it before you move in. Painting walls, changing flooring, or adding new fixtures is easier when the house is empty. Decide on your home’s color palette and plan accordingly. This allows you to move into a space that reflects your personal style without the hassle of working around furniture or boxes. Plus, you can tackle big projects without the stress of unpacking.

7. Measure for Furniture

Before moving day, measure rooms and doorways in your new home to ensure your furniture fits properly. It’s much easier to know ahead of time if a large couch or bed frame won’t fit through the door or in a particular room. Planning where your furniture will go also makes the moving process more efficient. Having these measurements ready can save you time and frustration during the actual move.

8. Childproof and Pet-Proof the Home

If you have small children or pets, take the time to make your home safe for them. Install baby gates, cover electrical outlets, and secure cabinets containing hazardous materials. Pet owners should ensure the yard is safe and enclosed if their animals will be spending time outdoors. Preparing the space for children or pets will give you peace of mind on a moving day and also help avoid any accidents.

9. Update Your Address and Documents

Before settling into your new home, ensure you’ve updated your address with the appropriate entities. Notify your bank, credit card companies, insurance providers, and any subscription services. Also, don’t forget to file a change of address with the post office. Doing this early will help ensure you don’t miss any important mail or notifications. It’s a small step that can save you time and hassle later on.

10. Set up Essential Services

Schedule services like trash pickup and recycling so you’re not caught off guard after moving in. Additionally, locate the nearest grocery stores, pharmacies, and medical facilities in your new neighborhood to make settling in easier. This will help you feel more at home and prepared for day-to-day living in your new space. Taking care of these details early ensures a smoother transition into your new life.

Preparing your new home before you move in allows for a seamless transition. From cleaning and safety checks to setting up utilities and making repairs, completing these tasks ahead of time helps ensure your new home is move-in ready. Taking these steps will let you enjoy your new space from day one with less stress and more peace of mind. By planning ahead and being organized, you can focus on the excitement of this new chapter in your life.  It’s all about setting yourself up for a smooth, stress-free move-in experience.

Need help moving? Visit UNITS® Moving and Portable Storage of Detroit or call (248) 617-0567 for a free quote.