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A man preparing to make home improvements

After a long search, you've found your dream home and can't wait to move in. However, it's a good idea to wait a little longer - at least until you've checked if it needs some home improvements.

To move into a new home safely, you'll need to make sure it's suited for normal living. In this case, moving belongings and renewing furniture is not enough. Find out what you need to pay attention to before you move in by taking a look at our quick guide.

Check and renew floor coverings

The floor is an important part of any home's interior. If there is significant damage to it, repairing it should be a priority. If possible, plan this home improvement before transporting your belongings to avoid unnecessary aggravation and prolonging the repair process. This way, you'll make the cosmetic changes to the floor before cluttering it with boxes and massive furniture.

In case you can’t completely renew the flooring, and there are signs of shabbiness on it, consider options of how to hide these areas. Do a deep clean of the floor and then use a carpet to cover up imperfections. You could place a large houseplant or a piece of furniture, as long as it doesn't disturb the usability of the space.

Repaint the walls

Repainting would be significantly easier before you move your belongings. This way, you won't have to worry about clearing out all the rooms again or covering the furniture with plastic. Painting earlier would give the unpleasant smell time to evaporate until it's time to move in. Choose colours that would bring comfort to your new home.

Before you start painting, inspect the walls and ceilings for cracks. These are common in older homes. You can hire a professional to plaster the walls. Keep in mind that making these home improvements creates a mess. This is yet another reason to organize your processes before moving in.  

How to furnish the new home?

Before moving into a new home, it's good to have a vision of how you want to furnish it. Think about what look you want your new home to have and stick to it. If you're going to use some of the more massive furniture from your previous home, be sure to include it in your design. Take plenty of time to match them in colour and style with your new home acquisitions.

In case you are starting the furnishing from scratch, you would need to do deeper research. If you wish, you can consult an interior designer. They will set the whole process of creating the project and making it a reality. This way, you will save yourself a lot of time and effort and have the opportunity to prepare yourself and your children for moving in. Research the prices of this service well and look for a company with a good portfolio. 

Check the utilities

This check may seem obvious, but many people underestimate its importance. Make sure the utilities are in good working order beforehand. Be sure to contact your mail service, internet and TV providers in advance to transfer them to your new home address.

When moving into a new home, it is important to have access to electricity, water and quality heating. The utility inspection is a good time to test the heating and lighting units. If improvements are needed, arrange for their repair or replacement. The last thing you’d want is to stand in the cold or dark. 

Are there any leaks?

It is a good idea to inspect your plumbing system prior to moving in. Over time, leaks can lead to multiple problems. If you don't take care of the moisture that appears, it will lead to mold, corrosion, and the risk of tile delamination in the bathroom. 

If you don't want to have leaks in your pipes, make sure everything is in working order. Leaks may not be visible, but behind walls. To identify a hidden fault, you need to contact a professional. After doing a thorough diagnostic with a thermal imaging camera of your new home, you would know for sure if there is a problem with the plumbing system.

a man who does home improvements using a ladder and tools

Smoke alarms

Ask the previous homeowner for more details about the specifics of the alarm system that was installed. Make sure smoke detectors are working before you move in. This routine check could save your life. Don't hesitate to change the batteries on the sensors to make sure they have enough charge.

If the home you're moving into doesn't have a smoke system in place, make sure you install one. In order for this home improvement to ensure your safety, you need to place it in the proper locations. Avoid putting the sensors near windows and doors. Air currents and air currents occur near them and will make smoke detection difficult. To be more assured of effective positioning of the detectors, consult a company to help you place them.

Replace locks

Put the safety of you and your family first. No matter how friendly the previous owners were, you can't be completely sure that other people can't access your home. Replace all door locks and alarm system codes before you move in.

Before you make these home improvements, familiarize yourself with the types of locks that are available. Classic locks are usually the first choice, but electronic locks are becoming increasingly popular, and they can keep track of the frequency of unlocking and the numerical combinations used. If you want to be even more protected, look into smart locks. These can be accessed with your phone and allow you to unlock your home remotely at any time. They also have a fingerprint option and additional features to enhance your home's protection.

Replacing your locks will take little effort and save you a lot of worry in the future. If you opt for more sophisticated locking methods, look for an experienced locksmith or a reliable company to take care of the safety of your future home before you move in.

Plan for more storage space

The first spaces to get cluttered in your new home are the closets and pantry. Before you start unpacking boxes, think about whether you have anywhere to stack them. Install extra shelving and plan where you're going to put what. Doing so will make your spaces more efficient and organized. You can also reduce the initial clutter by starting with unpacking only the essentials and gradually moving on to the rest.

Call pest control

Even if you don't see animals when you move into a new home, that doesn't mean they can't show up later on. To protect yourself make sure to contact a professional pest control company. If your neighbour homes are already treated with professional products and yours isn't, it will make it more easily accessible to any ants, cockroaches and other insects. Make sure you build a chemical barrier against them. After application, keep your home clean and disinfect regularly.

Make your home safe for children

If you are moving into a new home with a child or pet, you need to make it safe for them. Start by covering electrical outlets, secure sharp edges, and install barriers if you have an interior staircase. Locking low cupboards will also give you peace of mind that little ones won't pull all the stuff out of them. If the previous owners of this home have secured it, double check that all the fixtures are in working order. Provided that the new home has an outdoor patio, check that the fencing is in good condition. If it is not - have it fixed as soon as possible.Moving into a new home is an important step that often involves a lot of planning. Before you start organizing it, make sure that your future home has the necessary home improvements made. To transport your belongings safely and make the moving process go smoothly, consult the professional team of Movega Removals. Contact us for a free consultation using our contact form or chat bot.

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