How to Make Moving Into a New House Stress-Free In Five Easy Steps

Moving into a new house is exhausting. Organizing, packing, hauling, unpacking… it can take some time to fully transition into your new place. This is especially true if either your old or new home requires repairs or cleaning. It can take weeks or even months before you can settle into your new space.

But you don’t have to do it alone! Hiring a home services pro can help get those crucial, time-consuming tasks checked off your moving list. From full service movers and storage to cleaners, handyman services and painters, there are pros near you ready to handle these dirty and difficult chores so you don’t have to.

Hire Cleaners

It’s one thing to dust, vacuum or mop the kitchen floor. It’s another to wipe down baseboards, scrub walls or deep clean neglected spots like window sills, range hoods or behind furniture.

Truth is, you, new homeowner, have no idea how much, or how little, the previous occupants cleaned while they lived in your new house. Hiring professional cleaners for important chores like steam-cleaning carpets, scrubbing bathroom fixtures or washing windows will ensure your new home is fresh and clean before you move in.

Before hiring a maid service, meet in-person with the staff who will actually be cleaning your new home. You want to feel comfortable with people that will be entering your property. Ask about licenses and insurance. Don’t settle for an estimate by phone. You might get more accurate pricing by having the pro inspect the property first.

Provide a full, detailed accounting of the services you want performed and put them in writing. Different cleaning companies specialize in different services, so choose one that best meets your needs.

Don’t forget to ask about cleaning supplies. You may want a cleaner to use more environmentally-friendly cleaning supplies. If you have special requests, some cleaning services might have you provide your preferred cleaning supplies. But sure to account for those additional costs while evaluating estimates.

Close-up view of person cleaning white carpet with professional vacuum cleaner.
Cleaning before moving into a new house reduces irritants & allergens like mites, mold & pollen.

There are also companies that specialize in cleaning exterior features, like windows, decks or porches. You might be surprised at how much grime gathers on a deck over the years. Pressure washing removes mold, sap and other substances that degrade the surface, leaving you with a newer looking deck. But renting and handling pressure washers can be a hassle, so hiring pro cleaners makes quick work of this job.

By the way, if you are moving out of an apartment you can also hire a cleaning service to deep clean your old space, ensuring the return of your full security deposit.

Hire a Handyman

A pro handyman can perform a wide variety of tasks that help provide you with peace of mind when moving into a new house.

Some homeowners neglect out of sight, out of mind chores. Examples include cleaning out gutters or making minor repairs on doors, windows, fencing, shutters, exterior lighting and storage sheds or garages.

Cleaning out gutters is an important, yet neglected, chore. Leaves, dirt, even dead animals, can build up and create blockages. Poor drainage can cause water to seep into walls or the foundation and, over time, become a very expensive repair.

Handymen can also inspect for damage and repair or replace things like worn door frames, sticky hinges, windows and drawers, loose shutters or awnings and burned out lighting fixtures.

Are you buying new furniture, like bookshelves or entertainment units, that requires some assembly? A handyman can make quick work of this task, saving you time and energy with that part of your move. They can also help with chores like hanging blinds, shades or other window treatments, providing privacy and improving energy efficiency.

Handyman writing on a clipboard while inspecting a window.
Having a handyman inspect your new home also gives you a list of items to address after moving in.

But be sure your chosen handyman is licensed, insured and bonded before you hire one. Check their online reviews and the services offered to ensure their skills align with your desired work. Don’t be afraid to request estimates from multiple pros. That way you can compare and contrast before hiring the perfect handyman for your new house.

Hire Painters

A fresh coat of paint can make any space feel like new. Before you move in, update the color of your walls. It will change up the mood of your new home and really make it yours.

Schedule a paint job at least two or three weeks before your move-in date. Doing the work prior to moving in eliminates the need to move furniture around the work. It also provides time for the paint to dry and fumes to off-gas before taking occupancy.

Be sure to discuss the expected usage of each room with a pro painter. They can help you select the right finish based on the potential for wear and tear. A more durable finish may cost a bit more, but saves you in the long run by holding better up over time.

Always get multiple estimates for painting your home. Compare the service offered against the cost. Like with hiring any home pro, check licenses and choose a painter that is insured, with positive reviews from other homeowners.

Don’t neglect overlooked areas like window and door trims, baseboards, crown molding or ceilings. Those things will become an eyesore when contrasted with the beauty of a fresh paint job if left unaddressed.

Replace Doors and Windows

Beyond just hanging new window treatments, you may also want your doors and windows inspected for drafts. You don’t want money flowing out the door to your new home. If found, a handyman can install new weather stripping and patch up problem areas.

But like with painting, the ideal time to install new windows or doors is while a home is unoccupied. From a security point of view, new locks, perhaps integrated with a smart home device, will give you peace of mind and help you to sleep easier.

Beyond improved security, not to mention appearance, new doors and windows can help reduce your energy bill. Energy-efficient models that reflect UV rays help keep your house cool, reducing the need to run air conditioners during the summer months.

Consult with installation pros to determine what kind of doors and windows are the best fit for your home. Proper installation is crucial for maximizing energy savings and providing a comfortable, secure living space for you and your family.

Hire Professional Movers

Another way to reduce the stress of moving into a new house is hiring a full service moving company to handle all the heavy lifting.

Besides hauling bulky items like couches and mattresses in and out of your home, pro movers will also carefully load your possessions and transport them safely in air-suspension equipped trucks. Full service movers also provides equipment like dollies, blankets and straps to ensure your belongings are secured during the move. Believe or not, the cost of hiring full service movers can be comparable to renting a truck.

Moving storage units.
Many movers offer free storage should you decide to clean or paint before moving in.

Always request quotes from multiple movers, check licenses and read online reviews before hiring one. A little time invested during the selection process can save you time and money dealing with unforeseen problems later on.

Moving Into a New House? HomeExpert to the Rescue!

Moving into a new house doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated. From movers and cleaners to painters and handymen, count on the experts at HomeExpert. We’ll help you find the right pros and make your move a stress-free experience from beginning to end.

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