Moving into a new house marks an exciting chapter, but it also presents the perfect window to undertake crucial upgrades before fully settling in.
Addressing necessary improvements while the property is empty not only minimises disruption but can also save substantial time and money.
And these early interventions also enhance safety, comfort, and boost the long-term value of your home, ensuring you can enjoy your new space with complete peace of mind from day one.
From securing the premises to modernising interiors, these are the key projects to prioritise during this fresh start.
Change the locks
Replacing all locks on external doors, garages, outbuildings, and any access points is the essential first step for new homeowners.
While a seemingly simple task, it is fundamental to ensuring that only you and your trusted family members have access to your property.
The previous owners, real estate agents, contractors, or anyone with old keys pose a potential security risk, so installing durable, high-quality locks — considering options like smart locks or keyless entry systems — maximises security and convenience.
Remove popcorn ceilings
Popcorn ceilings were a common design feature from the 1950s through the early 1980s, but are now widely regarded as outdated and visually unappealing.
More importantly, many of these textured ceilings contain asbestos, a hazardous material linked to serious respiratory diseases, and homes built before the mid-1980s should undergo professional asbestos testing before any removal project proceeds.
If asbestos is detected, licensed abatement professionals must perform removal under strict safety protocols.
For ceilings free of asbestos, there are a variety of safe methods to update the look, including wet or dry scraping, covering with drywall overlays, or skim-coating with plaster for a smooth, contemporary finish.
Do a deep clean
Before moving furniture and beginning everyday life, undertake a thorough, room-by-room deep clean.
Kitchens, bathrooms, and storage spaces such as cabinets and drawers require special attention to remove dust, grime, and lingering allergens.
This cleaning provides a fresh start, crucial for households including small children, allergy sufferers, or those sensitive to dust and mould.
Additionally, installing shelf liners or drip mats in cupboards and fridges during this time helps prolong cleanliness and prevent damage.
Paint the interior
Painting walls and ceilings before moving in dramatically revitalises your home’s interior, giving rooms a clean, bright appearance and sealing surfaces against stains and wear.
Painting while rooms are unfurnished simplifies the job, allowing painters unobstructed access and reducing the risk of damage to furniture and flooring.
Furthermore, a freshly painted space is thought to positively affect mood and wellbeing, setting an inviting tone for your new environment.
Add storage options
One of the smartest upgrades you can make to your new home is installing additional shelving and storage solutions in closets, pantries, and utility rooms prior to moving in.
Customisable shelves, hooks, or organisers tailored to your lifestyle make everyday organisation easier and reduce clutter from the outset.
This foresight is particularly beneficial in smaller homes or older properties where original storage provisions may be insufficient.
Add power outlets
Older homes often have limited power outlets placed in inconvenient spots, inadequate for contemporary lifestyles filled with smart devices, home offices, and modern kitchen appliances.
Installing additional outlets, USB-integrated outlets and upgrading electrical wiring to include smart home wiring capabilities while the house is empty is far simpler and less disruptive than doing so after furniture is in place.
These upgrades can also improve your home’s resale appeal.
Replace the flooring
Addressing flooring before moving day avoids the inconvenience of shifting heavy furniture repeatedly.
Whether refinishing existing hardwood, opting for durable, eco-friendly materials such as reclaimed wood or polished concrete, or upgrading trims and baseboards, investing in quality flooring pays dividends in durability and home value.
Choosing hypoallergenic, moisture-resistant flooring options may also contribute to improved indoor air quality — a key consideration in rooms like basements or bathrooms.
Install fencing
Installing or upgrading fencing around the property perimeter significantly improves safety — especially if young children or pets are in the household — by creating secure boundaries.
A well-constructed fence also affords privacy from neighbours and passersby, reducing noise and enhancing comfort.
Furthermore, attractive fencing boosts the home’s external appearance, contributing to stronger kerb appeal and higher market value.
Call pest control
Even when no signs of pests are visible, preemptive professional pest control inspections and treatments are essential.
New homes may harbour hidden insects like termites, ants, or rodents that can cause significant structural damage and health hazards if left unchecked.
Hiring licensed pest control experts to conduct thorough assessments and apply preventative treatments ensures a pest-free environment from the outset.
Complete major renovations
Major renovations, especially in high-use areas like kitchens and bathrooms, should ideally be completed before you move in.
Projects such as replacing countertops, installing new cabinets, swapping windows or doors, and upgrading fixtures are cleaner and less stressful when the home is unoccupied.
Obtaining necessary permits and inspections ahead of time ensures renovations comply with regulations and avoid costly delays, too.
By carefully planning and undertaking these pre-move upgrades, homeowners not only protect their property but also create a safer, more comfortable, and inviting living environment from day one — setting the stage for many happy years ahead.
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