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It might have taken you weeks or months to find the perfect home, and once the keys are in your hands, the excitement of moving in quickly follows. You cannot wait to start decorating, settling into your new home, and making memories. You may have even decided on the theme of your housewarming party to celebrate your new abode and get to know your new neighbors. 

Moving Out

While organizing and planning is fun, moving houses isn’t a cakewalk, especially if your new house is across the continent. For instance, let’s assume you’re moving to Europe from Florida, U.S. You’re leaving behind a country you once called home, the sights, sounds, and smells you have grown so familiar with, the people you know and love, and relocating to an entirely new environment. Besides, as a Floridian, you’re bound to experience a cultural shift in Europe. Plus, all the packing you must do, the means of transportation you must decide on, and the documents you must arrange can affect your emotional and physical well-being. Fortunately, you can easily find moving companies to help you organize and simplify your relocation. But since not all international movers are the same, research before hiring one. Consider your location and the destination of your move to find an international mover that best suits your needs. 

Florida families have trusted the professionals at Solomon and Sons Relocation Services for years when moving from Florida to Europe, as they offer a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective move.

Once you’ve found the mover and planned your trip, follow this checklist of ten essential home improvement tasks before settling in your new home:

1. Clean the Whole Place 

You don’t know when somebody last cleaned the place, so starting with a deep cleaning can make your new house feel like home. Make sure to clean all windows and doors, vacuum carpets, mop floors, wipe down walls, scrub bathrooms, and dust furniture. Use natural cleaning products to create a healthy and safe environment.

Additionally, inspect every room and spot possible signs of pests, mold, bed bugs, and other infestations. These can cause serious health problems and make your new home inhabitable. If you find infested areas, take the necessary action to remove them. It’s best to hire a professional to assess the situation and make sure it’s taken care of properly. They have the expertise and resources to eliminate any infestations effectively and can even offer advice on preventing them from happening again. 

2. Freshen Up the Paint

Painting your new home is a great way to personalize and make it more inviting. Choose colors that match your new lifestyle, and pick high-quality paints for a lasting, beautiful finish. You can select a color scheme for each room or use a neutral palette. Avoid overcrowding one area with too much color and choose complementary hues that work well together. Use chalk paint in your home for a unique look and fun DIY painting. 

Remember to patch up any major wall holes or damage before applying a fresh coat of paint. Use a primer to ensure that the new layer of paint sticks firmly and is protected from cracks and fading. Keep the windows open for adequate ventilation, and use drop cloths to protect the floor and furniture from drips. Get creative with your painting technique to add interesting textures and designs to make your house feel like home.

3. Inspect Plumbing and Drainage Systems

Plumbing and drainage systems are essential for a safe and comfortable home. Before you move in:

• Check the plumbing pipes for any signs of leakage or damage
• Inspect all faucets, showers, and toilets for proper functioning
• Make sure there are no clogged drains or overflowing sewers in the home
• Check if the water heater is working and in good condition

Check the water pressure, water quality, and drainage pipes’ condition in the kitchen. If you have a dishwasher, ensure it works properly, and the hoses are not worn. Look under the sink to ensure all the pipes and connections are secure. 

Other areas to look into include the laundry rooms, basements, and outdoor areas. Make sure all the drains and pipes are in good shape. Look for any signs of corrosion or blockage, and call the experts immediately if any problems are found. 

4. Test All Electric Sockets

Whether it’s in the living room, kitchen, or bedroom, make sure all the electric sockets are in working order. Test each one individually and look for any signs of damage that could be hazardous. 

How to do it?

Use a voltage tester to determine whether the socket is receiving power. If any sockets don’t work, contact a certified electrician to fix them. 

Besides, look for any faulty wiring or exposed cables. Check for burnt-out switches or melted insulation. And finally, make sure all the socket covers are tightly screwed in place and not loose or broken. Consider calling an electrician for repair or replacement if these issues are present. It will help to ensure your safety when using the sockets and keep your home safe from potential electric shocks. 

5. Change the Locks

Even if you’ve received all the keys from the previous tenants, changing all the locks for security is still highly recommended. After all, you don’t know who else may have a copy of the keys, and it’s best to be safe. 

Start by changing the locks on the front and back doors and any side access points, including windows. Make sure you select locks that are of good quality and ensure they all work correctly. 

Consider investing in a doorbell camera or motion sensor lights for increased security. These solutions can be beneficial for alerting you of any suspicious activity around your new home. You can also install a monitored home security system to provide extra protection. They are equipped with features like alarm systems and security cameras that can help make your home safer.

Conclusion

Once you’ve found a new home, the excitement of moving in follows. You can’t wait to start settling into your new space and making it your own. However, perform some basic home improvement tasks, such as painting walls, cleaning the whole place, and checking for any plumbing problems before you move in. You must also test all electrical sockets and change the locks for increased security. Taking care of these tasks before you move in can help make your transition smoother and ensure you can start enjoying your new living space as soon as possible.