A home is a place where you can relax, spend time with your family, and generate some extra income. But before you can start living in your home, you need to renovate it. If it’s not done properly, your home will become a place where you don’t feel at home and where the stress of moving in becomes overwhelming. Here are some things to do before a big move:
Update Painted Surfaces
Painted surfaces vary considerably based on the type of paint used. Old epoxy or latex paint gradually turns yellow over time as it ages. Interior paints often fade due to repeated sun exposure, especially in the kitchen and over patio doors. Wood and moisture make all painted surfaces deteriorate faster, so you should reinforce them if they look old and ugly. You could also repaint your existing surface with a new combination of colors as long as you maintain the feeling in the room. You can do this renovation yourself, which will save you time and money in the long run, provided that you have time to spare for this project. You only have to apply the paint or repaint old surfaces once. Whether you are an experienced DIYer or a pro, there is no need to spend a lot of money on this project. You can opt for equipment rental. Many products that remove stains, dirt, and annoying odors come for free in large department stores like Home Depot. Other paint substitute products come free with your new appliances, like touch-free kitchen faucet controls and sensor mats.
Renew Air Conditioning System
Air conditioners require maintenance and should be cleaned regularly. Most air conditioners produce foul-smelling dust that may compromise the health of your family and pets. These products are expensive but very useful. Replacing an air conditioning system is one of the things to do before a big move. You need to hire a professional to check for any problems with your HVAC system and install new components, such as new vent filters or refrigerants, if necessary. Sometimes you need to pay a little more money upfront if you want this renovation to go smoothly, but in this case, it is worth it. After investing some money on HVAC service and repair, you will have nothing to worry about, especially if they change the filters or do repairs during the year per the manufacturer’s schedule. The process of hiring an HVAC service provider will take time, so you should make sure that they are experienced enough to give you an accurate quote beforehand. You can get recommendations from your local real estate agent.
Add Some New Artwork to the Walls
One of the things to do before a big move is to add artwork. Ask your local art studio to give you a free brochure from their walls with some examples of their work. You can check out the designs with your family, pick one out and ask them to make a small sample for you, so you have an idea of the price and quality. This type of renovation should also cost less than $100 if done properly. Start with picking an appropriate wall color and paint. Decide on the pattern and size of your new artwork by placing a few samples around your house so you can get an idea of how they will look in the space.
Then, choose art colored in a single color and create a straight line from the window to the wall. Choose a decorative piece that you don’t mind taking down or moving if you don’t like it or change your mind about it at some point. This decoration is much easier to remove if you don’t like something. When choosing art for your home, make sure it’s not too dark because this can affect energy efficiency and create problems for people who are blind or have low vision unless you want to hire someone else to do it for you.
Add a Curb Appeal
If you do not have a landscaped garden, you can add decorative elements such as wood planters. These are cheap and easy things to do before a big move. You can find them at home improvement stores and garden centers. When looking for a planter, make sure it has a strong enough foundation so that it will not tip in the wind when filled with water. The same goes for any large planters. Use these additions to give your house a little more curb appeal. On Pinterest and other social media platforms, you can find many great examples of how to accent the exterior of your house with plants and stones on the porch or wall. You need to pick either natural or artificial materials that fit in well with your current décor and property. As an alternative to using stones, consider adding some new plant life, like small trees that complement your surroundings and will help increase your curb appeal during springtime. This is an economic way of achieving curb appeal as it doesn’t require expensive measures such as heavy hauling.
Renovate Your Attic
One of the major things to do before a big move is the renovation of your attic. Choose structural elements such as ceiling beams and beams that run throughout the house. While they may seem unsightly, these wood beams can be the perfect place to hang a collection of artwork. This type of space is great for expanding your home in a really inexpensive way and will allow you to create an entirely new space in your house to use as a storage facility and kids’ playroom if you don’t want to take up any more living space on the ground floor. Although it may not look good over time or bother your neighbors, attic spaces are usually quite large; thus, once it’s renovated, you can use it for other purposes like putting away toys or whatever else strikes your fancy.
Install a Home Security System
Installing a home security system is another one of the major things to do before a big move. Home security systems can be a great way to add security to your home. If you have a family, this is especially important. You should consider installing one that uses motion detectors and can send alerts to your phone or email if the motion is detected. This will allow you to keep an eye on who’s in and out of the house at all times. If you don’t have a family yet, it’s still best to install one since it will protect your home from intruders. You may also want to consider adding one that has a camera so you can see who’s at the door when they come over without having to open the door and risk being seen by a stranger.
Repair any Water Damage
Water damage is a common problem that requires a lot of attention. One way to repair water damage is by using a plunger. If there is too much water in the area, you can use a vacuum cleaner to suck out the water. You can also use a hairdryer to dry the walls and ceilings. If you live in an apartment, you should also check for smoke detectors and smoke alarms. Make sure all of your windows are locked and safe if there is a fire. You can also contact a drain cleaning company to help with the repairs.
Change the Locks
If your home has multiple doors and windows, you need to change the locks before moving in. You can get the services of a professional locksmith if you want to do it yourself. Make sure that you replace the locks with locks of similar quality to the old ones. If they are weak, change them to sturdier locks. Garage doors can be repaired by a garage door repair company.
Replace Damaged Flooring
You can’t live in a house with damaged flooring, so make sure you replace broken tiles or wood floors before moving in. This might be a challenging task, but it will be well worth your time and effort. There are different types of flooring that you can buy based on your preferences. You could ask sales representatives from flooring companies to help you pick out the flooring similar to the original one. Good quality flooring may not be cheap, but it will last longer and save you money in the long run. If you have time and budget issues, consider used or refurbished flooring.
Update Old Appliances and Fixtures
Old appliances and fixtures may not work well with your new home, so you need to get them replaced as soon as possible as part of the things to do before a big move. You can contact a professional plumber for bath remodel or an electrician to handle this renovation. If you are doing it yourself, make sure you understand everything about the system before touching it so you don’t damage other appliances or fixtures. Make sure you follow building and electrical codes when doing this renovation.
Replace Old Countertops
All countertops in your kitchen should be replaced, especially if they don’t look nice. The damaged ones can be put in a dump rental. You could opt for a renovated countertop that maintains the original appeal of the kitchen. Refurbished countertops also look nice, although they are not as durable as the original ones. Finally, newer and more durable options like granite or quartz will add beauty to your kitchen. You can also replace kitchen cabinets. You might need to consult a contractor or sales representative before deciding on a particular material. As a general rule of thumb, granite, quartz, and wood are naturally sourced materials that add beauty to your home while being eco-friendly. They are considered more sustainable than manufactured materials.
Upgrade Your Furniture
If you have an old set of furniture that’s not in good shape, replacing it is one of the things to do before a big move. If you’re looking to upgrade your furniture, several companies offer high-quality pieces at affordable prices. You can also check out the consignment shops in your neighborhood, where you can find great pieces at a fraction of their original price. Don’t forget to take advantage of online retailers like eBay and Craigslist, as well as local garage sales for great deals on furniture. Your local mover can help in transporting the furniture.
Add Enjoyment Areas
Adding enjoyment areas is also among the things to do before a big move. You can add a great deal of enjoyment to your home by adding a few areas that encourage the family to spend time together. One of the best ideas is to install a TV area where everyone can gather and watch movies and TV shows. If you’re looking for something that’s more interactive, you may want to consider adding a gaming area in your basement or even an outdoor patio with a pool table. If you live in an apartment building, you may also consider installing a balcony for lounging in the summer and additional seating areas for dining outdoors during the warmer months.
Add a Fire Place
If you live in a cold climate, a fireplace can be a great way to keep warm and add some character to the room. This is another one of the things to do before a big move. The fireplace must be properly insulated to avoid leaking and damaging your walls. You should also make sure that the chimney is properly cleaned before lighting it. Otherwise, it may not work as well as you’d like. If you want to add a fireplace to your home but aren’t sure how you may consider hiring a professional. You can find several professionals in your area that offer fireplace installation and repair services.
Add Privacy Fences
A privacy fence is another great addition to any home. The fence must be properly installed so it won’t pose a safety hazard and cause problems with neighbors who may be curious about what’s going on behind it. You should also make sure that the gate is properly locked at all times so no one can come in or out without your permission. You can purchase privacy fences from many different companies, but you may also consider building one from scratch if you’re handy with tools and have access to some materials. There are several things to do before a big move. Renovating your home before moving in can save you a lot of time and money. You’ll need to be prepared to do some basic repairs, such as painting and repairs, as well as move all your belongings. And if you have any pets, make sure to get them moving too!
