By Charlotte Meier
Moving into a new home comes with all sorts of feelings, including excitement, stress, happiness, and worry. There’s a lot to take care of before you and your family can get comfortable. In fact, it can easily become overwhelming even if you feel prepared, so it’s important to make a list of all the items you need to take care of to help reduce those feelings of stress. When it comes to getting the home move-in ready, there are several things that need to be addressed, and cleaning should be a priority.
Unless you’re having your home built, there will be several places in the house that need to be cleaned so you can remove any traces of the former owners. Even if they kept the house spotless, there will likely be pet hair left behind, air filters that need to be changed, and appliances that need to be wiped down — both inside and out. Taking care of the air quality in your new home is essential, and there are several ways you can accomplish this.
Keep reading to find out how to clean your new place before your family moves in.
Change the Air Filter
The air filter in your HVAC system can collect all kinds of dust, pollen, dirt, pet hair, and debris over time, making it imperative that you change it often — no matter what the season is — to maintain the air quality in your home. It can be easy to neglect, with all the other things you have to take care of around the house. If you aren’t able to find the right-sized filter, custom models are available.
Improve the Air Quality Itself
Studies have shown over the years that the air inside many homes can be worse than the air outside when it comes to pollution. This is because cigarette smoke, pet dander, chemicals from cleaners, and mildew/mold can live in small spaces, meaning you breathe them in every day. Some things you can do to improve the air quality include making your home a no-smoking area, using natural cleaners, and using a vacuum that includes a HEPA filter. You can also control moisture as much as possible, especially in bathrooms and basement areas.
Don’t Forget the Windows
Windows and treatments — such as blinds or curtains — need to be cleaned well, as air leaks can attract moisture and lead to mold. Once you’ve wiped down the windows and sills, wash the treatments to remove dust and other allergens. Look for a window blind cleaner, such as a wand with an electromagnetic duster that will collect all those tiny particles, to make the job easier.
Get Some Help with Your Old Place
While you’re focusing all your energy on the new house, you’ll also need some help with the old one. If you were a renter, look at your contract to make sure you don’t overlook anything; most of the time, there’s wording about how your place should look when you move out, and you want to ensure you’ll get your deposit back. Consider getting some help with the chores at your old house so you can put all your energy into the new place.
Moving into a new home can be one of the best experiences you’ll ever have, but it’s important to prepare well to avoid stress so you can just enjoy it. Making sure you have a good plan will also allow you to manage your time well so you can get moved in right away.