This action plan will help you tackle the most important tasks before moving into and enjoying your new home.
After saving up and months of searching for the right home, applying for a bond, and patiently waiting for the keys to the front door, it is finally time to cross the threshold and move into your new home. Now what?
“Buying a home is a very exciting time and amazing milestone to achieve,” says Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, “Regardless of whether you have never owned a property before and are moving into your first home or whether you have sold a property and are moving into another home that meets your evolving needs, purchasing a home is opening a new chapter in one’s life. It is a special moment most people want to celebrate. However, before you can sit back and enjoy your new home, there are a few things that you will need to do first, as well as adding a few personal touches. This is why each new homeowner should have a plan of action to get their home looking and feeling like their own personal space in no time at all.”
Here is a simple five-point action plan that will assist you to get their home into shape:
Start with the practical issues first
Start by making a list, prioritizing the most important elements so that they can be addressed first. It is best to start with the practical easy repairs and upgrades, especially those that have an impact on day-to-day life. “A few subtle and cost-effective changes can instantly make the home better, such as fixing a leaking tap or replacing outdated fixtures. While most sellers would have painted the home before placing it on the market, a new coat of paint in the colour of your choice will add your personal taste and style to the property. Although it might be your ultimate plan to completely renovate the home, small practical upgrades and fixes will make a big difference in the meantime,” says Goslett.
A complete head-to-toe clean
It is far easier to give the home a good clean before all the furniture has been moved in. Take advantage of the fact that the home is empty and hire a professional cleaning service to clean every corner of the home. “There probably won’t be another time that the home is completely empty until you decide to sell and move out, so while you can, make the most of the opportunity to get into any hard-to-reach spots and give them a clean,” says Goslett.
Consider the view
A window treatment can dictate the overall feel of a room, so spend some time selecting the right option. Not only can the choice of window treatment impact the home’s privacy, comfort, and ambiance, it can also potentially save money in the long run. “During the summer months, curtains, blinds, shutters or drapes keep out unwanted light and help to keep the home cool, while in the winter months they help to insulate the home and keep in warmth,” says Goslett.
Look at lighting
Another aspect that impacts the feel and comfort of the home is the lighting. Once you have moved in all the furniture, you will be able to see if there are areas in the home that require different or additional lighting. After a week or two, you will see whether there are areas in the home that don’t get enough light and perhaps areas that get too much light.
Choose the right appliances
Major appliances in the home such as the stove, washing machines, refrigerator, dishwasher, and dryer will have an impact on daily life, as well as the monthly running cost of the home. When researching and selecting appliances for the home, consider functionality as well as aesthetics.
