The excitement of moving into a new home begins when you start browsing listings and picturing yourself living in that space. You go through all the minor details of hundreds of homes, like the backyard size, views from the bedroom window, the color of kitchen cabinets, and even things like whether the walls are painted in “eggshell” or “satin” finish. And after visiting dozens of houses, you finally find the one that tickles your fancy and makes it your home.
However, there are several critical tasks to take care of before you move out of your old home and into the new one – tasks that will ensure a smooth transition.
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The Process of Moving Out
Moving out isn’t just about packing your bags and shifting to a new place, especially if you’re moving out of Tampa and into a faraway house. You will need to leave your old residence in a livable condition for the new residents and ensure you have no pending bills or dues. If you’re putting your house up for sale in Tampa, you must also tackle minor repairs to ensure a lucrative deal. Tampa witnessed a 4.2% increase in house prices, and to benefit from such a spike, you must make your property attractive.
Remember to purge through your belongings and donate, sell, or discard unwanted items before packing to avoid the hassle of hauling unnecessary things. Ensure to use high-quality packing materials for fragile items and make an inventory list of the boxes you pack to keep track of their location.
Also, arrange transportation and storage for all your belongings and document your move. However, ensure to work with local and reputable movers. For instance, if you’re making a long-distance move from Tampa, hire the best long distance moving companies in Tampa to ensure a smooth and stress-free move. These experts provide comprehensive moving services that cover packing, loading, and delivering your items to a long-distance location.
Home Repairs Before Moving In
Now that you’re ready to move into your new home, it’s time to perform certain repairs and maintenance tasks to ensure a safe and comfortable living.
Here are the top six unavoidable home repairs that make a move-in hassle-free.
1. Electrical Repair and Maintenance
You might have checked the house’s central electrical system while buying it. Still, minor electrical issues like loose wires in the switchboard, broken switches and sockets, low voltage or no power in some areas, etc., can go unnoticed.
Therefore, it is essential to inspect the entire electrical system of your new home before moving in. Begin your inspection from the most used areas of the house, like the kitchen, living room, and bathroom. Check for any loose connections or sparks in the switchboard and ensure all switches function correctly.
Next, look for any exposed wires and replace them with insulated ones. Alternatively, replace all old electrical cables with new ones and repair any faulty outlets to avoid electrical shocks.
2. HVAC System Repair
The HVAC system is one of the most critical elements in any home. Surprisingly, many people overlook the HVAC system check until it’s too late, which then causes expensive repair and replacement costs.
If you’re moving into an old house, chances are the HVAC system has already been used for several years and needs repair. A faulty HVAC system can cause discomfort and make the indoor air quality hazardous.
Common signs that the HVAC system needs repair include:
- An old air filter
- Strange noises or odors
- Weak airflow
- Temperature variation
- High electricity bills
3. Plumbing Repairs
Clogged drains, leaky faucets, low water pressure, and blocked toilets are common plumbing problems that can occur in any home due to improper maintenance or wear and tear. Unresolved plumbing issues can lead to expensive damages and create an unhygienic home environment.
Carry out an inspection of the entire plumbing system, including the water supply pipelines and drainage lines. Look for leaks, blockages, and signs of corrosion and call a plumber to fix it. Additionally, check the water pressure in your house and repair any faulty taps or faucets. If plumbing fixtures like sinks and toilets are old, consider replacing them with new ones to ensure safe and hygienic living.
4. Roofing Repairs
These days, most roofs are built of sturdy materials like metal and asphalt shingles that last decades. However, after a while, these materials may need maintenance and repair to extend their life and maintain the aesthetic appeal of your home.
Look for signs of damage, such as cracks, missing patches, holes, or weakened spots, to inspect the integrity of your roof. Other damage symptoms include granules collecting in the gutters, leaking after heavy rains, and discoloration.
Several factors go into determining whether you should repair or replace your roof. Call a professional roofer to inspect your property and choose the perfect roofing solution.
5. Outdoor Repair
The exterior of your home is the first thing people notice when they visit. And having a well-maintained outdoor space is essential for achieving a clean and welcoming look.
Inspect the exterior walls of your house for cracks, mold, and mildew. If you find any damaged walls or peeling paint, use a sealer or paint to protect the surface and prevent further damage.
Next, check the stairs and pathways to your home for any uneven steps or broken stones. Repair any loose and unsteady steps with cement or replace them with new ones. Make sure the pathways are properly swept and cleared of debris.
Repair damaged windows and doors, prune trees and bushes in the garden area, and clean up any accumulated debris.
Lastly, check the gutters and downspouts for any blockages or clogs. Clean them up to ensure proper drainage and reduce the risk of water damage.
6. Indoor Flooring Repair
Old, worn-out flooring can make your home look shabby and unattractive. So, before moving into your new home, check the flooring to ensure it’s free from damage.
Inspect each room for loose tiles, water stains, discoloration, or uneven patches. If the tile grout looks dirty, clean the grout and re-seal it if needed. Vacuum and mop the area to remove all dirt and dust particles.
Check for scratches, dents, buckling, or cupping in hardwood floors. If any of these problems are present, consider refinishing to make it look new again.
Furthermore, check the baseboards for cracks, holes, and water stains. Replace any broken baseboards and add the carpet edging for a neat finish.
Conclusion
Moving into a new home is no doubt an exciting experience. But you must attend to certain necessary repairs to make the transition hassle-free. Start with an electrical inspection where you can check for any loose wires, faulty outlets, or broken switches. Additionally, inspect the HVAC system for strange odors or noises and other signs of damage.
Likewise, inspect the plumbing system for any leaks or blockages and run an assessment of the roof for cracks, missing patches, and other damage. Ensure the outdoor space is clean and well-maintained by repairing damaged walls, doors, windows, or uneven pathways. Finally, inspect the indoor flooring to ensure it is free from mildew, molds, and other damage.
