Congratulations… you just closed and got the keys to your new home!! Here are some things to do before you move in.
1. Change the locks
You never know just how many people have keys to your new home… many copies of keys could be floating around with friends, family, neighbors of the former owners. For your protection and peace of mind, change the locks right away. This is also a good time to have all locks keyed to one universal key!
2. Paint while the painting is easiest
There will never be an easier time to paint than while it is empty. Have you ever tried painting a full closet?!
3. Install or refinish flooring
Again, there will never be an easier time to update the flooring than BEFORE you move in and have to shuffle furniture around, or find a place to stay while hardwood floors are being installed or refinished!
4. Get new toilet seat(s)
No explanation needed… this is the time to do it.
5. Swap switch plates and outlet covers
It’s easiest to find the outlets when the house is empty and it’s not uncommon that they often haven’t been touched in decades. Hardly anything gets as many fingers and hands touching them as light switches and most replacements are both inexpensive and simple to do. This is a good time to assess what should be changed and do it before they are hidden by furniture.
6. Change furnace filter, update smoke and carbon monoxide detectors as needed
While you are picking up that new toilet seat and switch plates, also get a supply of furnace filters and update smoke and carbon monoxide detectors if needed.
7. Bring in lighting if needed
Visit your new home when it is dark to find out if you need more lights or light bulbs anywhere. Many homes were built at a time when rooms were light by lamps rather than overhead ceiling lights. This is a good time to check out whether you will need additional lights/lamps/bulbs right away and get them before you move in and can’t see!
Sharlene Hensrud, RE/MAX Results – 612-419-0560 –Â shensrud@homesmsp.com
