Buying a first home is the fulfillment of a dream. Whether it’s a postage-stamp sized condo in the Pearl District, a historic home in Laurelhurst or a spacious new house somewhere in suburbia, buying your first house is an epic moment.
It can also be an overwhelming moment. There’s so much to do!
At Smooth Move People, we’ve helped lots of people around Portland move into new homes. We’ve seen moves go off without a hitch. We’ve also seen them when they are a bit of a disaster. To avoid the latter here’s what to do before you move into your first home.
Hire a Mover Early
Moving is a daunting task. Hiring professional movers early on will free you to take care of all the other details of a move. Don’t procrastinate. You’ll want to give yourself time to collect a few estimates. Smooth Move People moving services are the best in Portland. Give us a call as soon as you know your moving date. Scheduling early means you’re more likely to get the time you want.
Purge
It’s amazing how clutter accumulates. We all wish there were a clutter fairy that could wave a wand and make it all disappear. Unfortunately, it will be up to you to sort through your stuff before the move. Sell, donate or toss anything that’s not worth transporting. If you have furniture you plan on replacing soon, consider getting rid of it before the move.
Manage Security
As soon as you get the keys to your home, change all the locks. Do this yourself by visiting a home supply store, or hire a handyperson to do it for you. A lot of people may have copies of your house keys, everyone from real estate agents to house cleaners and babysitters. Install proper outdoor lighting if needed. If you plan on getting a home security system, have it installed before you move in. Check the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
Clean Everything
Before the movers come with your belongings, clean the house. Most homes will be superficially clean, but now’s the time for a deep cleaning. Have the carpets steam cleaned, wipe down the cupboards and go over all the closets and bathrooms. When the moving truck pulls up, your home will be ready. You can direct the movers to unpack and place your furniture exactly where you want it to be in your clean new home.
Paint and Make Repairs
If you plan on painting, it’s much easier to do before your belongings are in place. Painting walls will be simpler when you don’t have to cover and protect furniture. The same holds true of repairs. It’s more efficient to work in an empty house, especially for such things a carpet replacement and floor refinishing. Major repairs are also better done before you move in.
Introduce Yourself to Neighbors
Say “hi” to your neighbors. Sometimes neighbors become good friends. Sometimes they don’t. Either way, it’s good to be familiar with the people next door. You’ll have lots in common with neighbors because you share an environment. Neighbors are a great resource if you need advice about hiring tradespeople or a recommendation to a great restaurant.
Smooth Move People is a full-service moving company. Please contact us to schedule your move.
