Moving is a big undertaking that requires many steps, from packing to cleaning your old home. However, you don’t want to overlook what needs to be done at the new home as well. Here are a few tips on how to make the new place safe and comfortable for your peace of mind.

5 Tasks to Take Care of Before Moving

1. Deep Clean

A pre-owned home may not feel like yours until it’s cleaned to your personal satisfaction. Doing the deep clean also stocks the home with cleaning tools and supplies and lets you get to know the new house more intimately.

However, depending on how busy you are, it may be more convenient to have a cleaning service handle this task for you, especially for a long-distance move.

2. Find the Breaker Box, Water, & Gas Shut Off

Make sure everyone knows where to find the fuse box and the main shut off valves for the water and gas. This is crucial information to have during a power outage or emergency. If you have older kids, show them how to access and safely turn valves and breakers on and off. 

3. Complete Maintenance Tasks

Some maintenance tasks are only needed every few years, like vacuuming the refrigerator coils or flushing the water heater, in which case you should take care of them now while the house is empty. 

Take the filter out of the dishwasher, soak it in hot soapy water, then clear away old food particles and gunk. Use a scale remover to get rid of excess mineral buildup.

Clean the inside of the washing machine and run an empty cycle. Vacuum dryer hoses and vents too.

4. Check Smoke Alarms

Locate and check the batteries of smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace old or discolored units. You’ll feel safer knowing your alarms are all working properly.

5. Get a Pest Inspection

Hire an extermination company to do a thorough inspection to ensure your home is free of pests before moving in. Have them treat the house as necessary. These procedures, especially termite tenting, will be much easier to do in an empty house.

For moving assistance on Oahu, choose M. Dyer & Sons in Pearl City. This top Hawaii moving company assists with local, inter-island, or long distance moves to and from the mainland. Call (808) 456-4200 to request a free moving quote, or visit them online to find out more about their services.