Big excitement is on the way. Your moving day is around the corner to the house of your dreams. You’ve done all the packing. Your moving crew has been hired. You’ve taken care of your utilities and your new mailing address. Your priorities on your to-do list aren’t all taken care of yet. Make sure you schedule 5 services your new home will need before you move in.

1. Begin with a Thorough Cleaning
Don’t take the previous homeowner’s word for it about the cleanliness of the house. Hire a professional cleaning crew to make your home spic and span from top to bottom. Carpets should be steam cleaned. Floors should be mopped with industrial-strength cleaners. Disinfectant should be applied to all important surfaces. Make sure your windows are washed to give you a sparkling view of your new yard. Your new home should be spotless the day you move in. That will give you one less weight on your mind.

2. Bring in Contractors for Necessary Repairs
Anyone will tell you that the work involved in owning a house is never done. It doesn’t matter if it’s a brand new home. There will be something that needs to be repaired or changed to suit you. Contact a contractor before it’s time to move. Do a walk of the house to point out areas that need attention. Be sure to have a contract drawn up that specifies when the work must be completed. You don’t need a work crew underfoot when you are trying to get settled.

3. Call a Painter
Fresh paint can breathe new life into any home. It’s also a good way to make it feel like it belongs to you. You don’t want to leave everything exactly the way it was when the previous people lived in your home. This is your chance to make your mark and personalize your interior. Let a professional painter make a splash of color in each room, sparing you the hassle of trying to find time to do work on your own. You’ll have enough on your plate without spending days on end with a paintbrush.

4. Have Your Septic Tank Inspected
If your new home has a septic tank, contact a company for residential septic tank cleaning. They’ll also inspect to make sure your septic system is running up to par. They can also give you tips about getting the most out of your system, such as keeping grease out of your drain, channeling rainwater away from your septic tank, and making sure no trees are planted too close to your tank. Otherwise, roots can invade your system. If there are concerns about trees in your yard, a tree service may be next on your contact list.

5. Contact a Locksmith
You received keys when you went to the closing for your house. However, you have no way of knowing if anyone else has a spare set for your house. For your own peace of mind, bring in a locksmith to change all of your locks. You can also consider getting an electronic lock with a keypad if you would rather have a keyless entry. Your locksmith may be able to give you advice about security features for your home, including locks on your windows. Find out the best way to secure your sliding glass doors. Don’t forget to have new locks installed on the garage door as well. Your locksmith can examine the entire house to look for any areas of weakness that need to be addressed.

Take the time to get all of your ducks in a row before you it’s time to make the move to your new home. People often focus on the house buying process and everything they have to do to move out of their previous homes. You also need to think about making everything easier as you transition into your new space. Don’t forget to make sure your yard is taken care of as well. You’ll have other things to worry about besides mowing the lawn. You’ll feel a great sense of relief when your movers bring in your items, leaving you with the most important job of all. It’s time to make your house feel like home sweet home.

5 Services Your New Home Needs Before Moving In by Tracie Johnson