Buying a new Waterloo Region home is exciting, but keeping track of all the things to do before moving in is a chore. So much so that moving to a new home can quickly become something you dread rather than the exciting start of a new chapter in your life that it should be.
Your Checklist for Moving Into a New Waterloo Region Home
Wondering what to do when you move into a new home? Here we are going to take a closer look at the things you can do ahead of time to make moving into your new place far easier.
Clean the House From Top to Bottom
Regardless of how clean the new property appears to be, the prior owners undoubtedly left some dirt behind. It should be a top priority to clean a house before moving in. Animal hair, dust, and other allergens could be hidden practically everywhere, and there's no assurance they cleaned the appliances as thoroughly as you'd like. Deep-clean the house from top to bottom, paying special attention to the following areas:
Floors: Shampoo carpets, bleach tile and mop hardwood floors to remove allergens and leftover smells.
Walls and baseboards: Dust first and then use a mild cleaner to wipe them down.
Cabinets: Wipe down the inside and lay new shelf paper to freshen the space.
Stove: Scrub both the stovetop and the oven to prevent any smoky surprises.
Washing machine: Run a few cycles with vinegar and baking soda to get rid of any smells or animal hair the previous owners left behind.
Refrigerator: Use vinegar to wipe down shelves and drawers.
Ceiling fans: Remove any leftover dust with a damp rag.
Toilet seats: Disinfect these (if you’re not replacing them).
Light fixtures: Remove and scrub any glass globes to get rid of grime.
Change the Locks
There’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 test them thoroughly before reinstalling. If your new home came with carbon monoxide detectors, test them and check it for a creation date. If it is more than five years old, consider replacing it.
Replace Air Filters
There’s 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 hair that could have been left behind. Replace the air filters and mark the date on your calendar so you know when to replace 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 ready for an emergency by doing it before moving in. Take the time to figure out which breaker goes to each room of your home and label them for future use. (Also, it’s a good idea to store a flashlight nearby for your next power outage.)
Plan to Practice Smart Unpacking
Unpacking after a move can be a daunting task, but with a little bit of organization and pre- planning, it doesn't have to be. Here are some tips to help make the process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Start with the essentials: Before you start unpacking, set aside a box or two of essentials that you will need right away. This might include items like toiletries, clothes for the next few days, and bedding. By having these items easily accessible, you can make sure that you're comfortable in your new home from the very first night.
Unpack room by room: Rather than trying to unpack everything at once, focus on one room at a time. This will help you stay organized and make it easier to keep track of what's been unpacked and what still needs to be done.
Make a plan: Before you start unpacking, make a plan of where you want things to go. This will help you avoid the common mistake of unpacking items in the wrong room and having to move them later.
Use packing materials: Don't throw away all of the packing materials just yet. Bubble wrap, packing paper and cardboard boxes can be used to protect fragile items during the unpacking process.
Prioritize your belongings: When unpacking, prioritize the items you'll need first. This might include things like clothes, kitchen essentials, and bathroom items. By unpacking these items first, you can make sure that you have everything you need to live comfortably in your new home.
Get creative with storage: Moving to a new home is a great opportunity to get creative with storage solutions. Take advantage of this by using items like under-bed storage containers, hanging organizers, and stackable shelves to make the most of your new space.
Take your time: Unpacking can be overwhelming, so don't rush it. Take your time and enjoy the process of making your new house a home.
Involve the whole family: Make unpacking a fun and inclusive process by involving the whole family. Assign tasks to different family members and make sure everyone is on the same page when it comes to organizing and decorating.
By following these tips and taking the time to plan and organize before the big moving day itself, you can make the process of unpacking in a new home a much more enjoyable and stress-free experience. Remember to be patient and take your time, and soon enough you'll be settled in and enjoying your new home.
Home Improvements to Complete Before Moving In
If you’re planning to make updates to your new home, consider completing some of the projects while the house is still empty. Many projects are easier (and sometimes more affordable) when the home 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 carpet? Do the hardwoods need a refresh? Any flooring project is easier in an empty house, and some flooring companies will give you a discount if there is no furniture to move as they work.
Pulling out carpet, sanding floors and laying laminate can involve a lot of dirt and debris and take more time than you realize. When it comes to hardwood floors, refinishing or sanding will require the removal of all furniture, will create a lot of dust and can require extended dry-times before normal traffic can resume.
Instead of disrupting your first few weeks in your new home, complete this home improvement job before moving
Renovate the Kitchen
If you are planning to update the kitchen of your new home, it’s best to tackle this before moving in too. Not only can kitchen renovations cause a mess, they can disrupt your whole home and prevent you from making meals.
Paint Interior Rooms While Empty
Why waste time and money draping or moving furniture if you can complete the job while the rooms are still empty? While choosing colors before 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 built more than 15 years ago, it may have popcorn ceilings in the bedrooms or living spaces. Removing this feature is simple, but incredibly messy. If you’re determined to remove the dated ceiling, it’s best to complete this home improvement before moving in.
Getting ready to buy a Waterloo Region home, or sell the one you own? Let Team Pinto use their huge local real estate experience and expertise to help you. Contact the award-winning Team Pinto to learn more, or book a free Zoom consultation to discuss your unique Waterloo Region real estate needs in detail.
