Becoming a new homeowner is an exciting life event. You’ve signed on the dotted line and have already pictured how you’ll make every space your own. When it comes down to move time, however, many homeowners fail to realise that there’s a lot more to do than just moving in furniture.
Although it is often expected that the previous owner should have done what they can to keep up the house – the reality is that, in their haste to move out, the chances of you arriving to a squeaky clean and problem-free home are quite slim.
While you may be tempted to move in despite what you may find when you get there, it’s a good idea to dedicate some time to getting your new house in order before you transfer your belongings into your new home.
- Start up high
Most new homeowners will give their abode a general clean when they move in, but often neglect the oft-missed corners that haven’t seen a duster in years. While your house is still empty, start cleaning from the ceiling and work your way down, ensuring that you remove the cobwebs, dust and dirt that builds up in ceiling corners and mantels. This includes light fixtures, ceiling fans and electrical outlets.
- Tackle carpet dirt
If your new home has carpets, a simple vacuum may not be enough to remove years of accumulated dirt and grime that has sunk deep down in the fibres. Carpet shampooing or steaming will ensure that odours, stains and bacteria are removed effectively – but make sure that whatever method you choose facilitates quick drying, like
dry carpet cleaning, leaving carpets ready to be walked on in as little as two hours.
- Let the light in
No one likes cleaning windows, which is why it’s likely that the windows at your new home haven’t been cleaned in a long time. Get out the squeegee and thoroughly clean your windows inside and out, being sure to also wipe out the inside of the window frame and sill where grime often collects. Don’t like window cleaning?
Click here to learn more about our window cleaning services.
- Degrease and de-grime
If the previous owner left behind appliances, the chances are that they haven’t been moved since they were fitted in, let alone given a good clean. Stoves, ovens, range hoods and fridges all collect an extraordinary amount of grease and grime over time, which not only makes it unsanitary, but also affects its operation. Now is the time to get in there with the degreaser and scrub away. Don’t forget to clean the space under and around these appliances while you’re at it.
- Seal the deal
Inspect your new home for cracks, gaps or holes in walls and your foundation. If you find any, fill or seal them as soon as possible to prevent ants, termites, roaches, mice and other pests from entering and infesting your new home.
- Leaks be gone
Standing water can attract a number of different pests looking for a water source to settle near. As soon as possible when moving into your home, inspect for and fix any leaking pipes, faucets and appliances that you may have missed in the initial house viewing.
- Keep it trim
Depending on what time of the year it is, your lawn may already need to be mowed and your flowerbeds neatened. This is also a good time to trim back any bushes, shrubs and trees that may be too close to your home, thereby providing an easy way for pests to move indoors.
- Remove the extra
When moving out, previous owners often leave behind materials that they didn’t want to take with. You may have moved in to find leftover paint cans, pieces of wood and steel, old bricks and other building materials lying around. While some of it might be useful, most of it will just sit in your garage or garden, becoming an excellent shelter for pests looking for a cosy home of their own. Take what you need and clean up the rest.
Consider getting in the professionals
During a big move, homeowners often find themselves too busy and overwhelmed with packing and physically moving that they skimp on other important tasks that could ensure a clean and pest-free home from the get-go.
If deep cleaning your house seems too daunting or if you move in to find a pest infestation waiting,
get in touch with The Specialists to get your home move-in ready in no time.
