Things Every Homeowner Should Do Before Moving In

Moving into a new house is a time of excitement, adventure – and a lot of stress. There is always a to-do list to be completed before the move, and no new homeowner wants to add more to that list. Nevertheless, there are several essential tasks that should be accomplished before moving into your new place.

• Change the locks. The safety and security of your new home should be a top priority. There’s no telling who has a copy of your house key, so it’s vital to change the locks before moving all your stuff in. If you’re happy with the locks as they are, you can also have them re-keyed, which involves removing the lock cylinder and changing the pins. A reliable locksmith can take care of the re-keying for you.
• Replace old batteries. There’s really no way to know the age of the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, so your best bet is to replace all of the batteries prior to moving in. This way you’ll know exactly when the batteries need replaced again, and you won’t have to deal with the annoying chirping of dying batteries while you’re trying to get unpacked and settled.
• Clean out the vents. If you’re moving into a home that has been built recently, it’s important to ensure that the vents are properly cleaned out before you start using the HVAC system. Otherwise, drywall dust and other particles will be blown right back into your house. You could have the vents cleaned professionally, but as your builder should have already cleaned them out once prior the sale of the home, using a vacuum with a hose attachment should suffice. Be sure to check the air filters frequently and change as needed.
• Steam clean the carpets. Carpets can contain an untold amount of dirt, so it’s always a good idea to have them cleaned before moving in. This also helps avoid the hassle of moving the furniture out of the way later. Professional steam cleaning will run you about $50 per room, or you can save money by renting a steam cleaner and doing it yourself.

Let Handyman Connection Help

With so much already on your plate, why not give Handyman Connection a call? From handyman painting services to general home repair and maintenance, our skilled craftsmen have the experience needed to handle whatever you throw at them. Make your life (and your move) easier by giving us a call today at 1-800-88-HANDY!