There are few moments as rewarding as when you’re handed the keys to your new house. Unfortunately, once the initial excitement wears off, it’s bound to hit you: there’s work to be done. In the quest to make your home as comfortable, inviting, and safe as possible, unpacking is only half the battle.
From setting up essential services to scouring each of your rooms, there are tasks every homeowner should tackle as they get the lay of the land. If you’re moving into a new house, here are five tips you can use to make it feel more like home…
1) Perform a mini inspection
If there are any major issues with your new house (or things the sellers promised to fix but didn’t), they should turn up in your final walkthrough. That said, you may find some small repairs or replacements that need to be done once you move in. From small annoyances to safety hazards, it’s best to deal with these little fixes all at once.
Start by carrying out your own mini inspection. Take steps like turning the light switches on and off to make sure they work, checking the water pressure of your showerheads, and testing your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Once you’re done, make a list of everything you need so you can pick it up next time you head to the hardware store.
2) Tackle the basics
During the period when you’re settling in, you want to feel as comfortable as possible. Luckily, by taking care of a few basic tasks on your to-do list, you can make day-to-day life easier than it otherwise would be.
Changing the locks is crucial. It’s hard to know whether there are any copies of your key floating around, and calling a locksmith can provide peace of mind. Next up, WiFi. For most of us, life without it is hard to imagine—so you’ll want to get yours set up as soon as possible. Service providers typically have a backlog of potential clients, so book your appointment as soon as you can.
Getting to know the essential services in your neighbourhood can also help you avoid some short-term stress. When are garbage and recycling days? You may also want to take the opportunity to refresh your knowledge of waste disposal—from the green bin, to what you should do with those post-move cardboard boxes.
2) Do a deep clean
Your home may look pristine when you move in—but chances are, you’ll feel a lot more relaxed once you’ve scoured everything yourself. Needless to say, you’ll want to devote a good chunk of time to the bathroom. Don’t forget about the grout between those tiles!
In the kitchen, all major appliances will need a good wipe down. Stove drip pans are often overlooked, so be sure to check yours for collected grease and grime. In general, you’ll want to pay attention to spots that aren’t cleaned frequently in a home—from the ceiling fan blades to the baseboards.
While pests aren’t something anyone likes thinking about, you may want to take measures to prevent potential infestation. Closing up possible entry points (like unsealed doorways and gaps around your pipes) is never a bad idea!
4) Reconfigure your belongings
Just because you had everything laid out a certain way in your last home doesn’t mean it will work well in your new space. When you’re setting up your possessions, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.
The arrangement of your furniture can completely change the look and feel of your rooms—so don’t be afraid to try different things! Just be sure to focus on spacing, traffic, and flow. That means thinking about how people will move through your home. For example, most decorators will suggest leaving at least 14 to 18 inches between a sofa and a coffee table.
If you’re a plant lover, think about how much sunlight your new rooms receive. You may want to consider the directions your windows face, and what that means for the types of greenery you have. That said, a good general rule is to provide each plant with conditions similar to those they had in your last place (if possible).
5) Consider repainting
Want to liven up your new space and make it your own? One of the simplest ways to do that is by applying a fresh coat of paint to your walls. It’s actually easier to take this step before everything has been unpacked, since you won’t have to move as much stuff out of the way.
Let’s talk colour. One of the nice things about painting because you want to (as opposed to when you’re planning to sell) is that you don’t have to cater to anyone else’s taste. That said, you may want to put some thought into the hue you choose. There’s no harm in being playful, but will you be happy with a fuchsia living room in the long run? There’s a reason most people prefer neutrals (and there are some beautiful, multifaceted options that fall into this category).
Also worth noting: investing in good paint is worth the extra cost. A coat of the poor-quality stuff can start looking dingy pretty quickly!
Looking for the ideal new home to make your own? Get in touch, and we can set up a time to discuss your needs!
