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Priority Tasks for Your Move-In
Moving into a new Westfield area home is an exciting time. You’re probably daydreaming about decor, paint schemes, and new furniture. But before you get into the fun stuff, there are some basic priority tasks for your move-in that you should cover first.
Priority Tasks for Your Move-In
Change the Locks
Even if you’re promised that new locks have been installed in your Westfield area home, you can never be too careful. It’s worth the money to have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that no one else has the keys to your property. Changing the locks can be a DIY project or, for a little extra money, you can call in a locksmith to do the job for you.
Steam Clean the Carpets
It’s good to get a fresh start with your floors before you start decorating. The previous owners may have had pets, young children, or just some plain old clumsiness. Take the time to steam clean the carpets so that your floors are free of stains and allergens. It’s pretty easy and affordable to rent a steam cleaner—your local grocery or home improvement store may have them available.
Call an Exterminator
Prior to move-in, you probably haven’t spent enough time in the house to get a view of any pests that may be lurking. Call an exterminator to take care of any mice, insects, and other critters that may be hiding in your home. Trust me. You can thank me later.
Clean Out the Kitchen
If the previous occupants wanted to skip out on some of their cleaning duties when they moved out, the kitchen is where they probably cut corners. Wipe down the inside of the cabinets. Clean out the refrigerator. Clean the oven. And, finally, clean all of the nooks and crannies underneath the appliances.
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes
Decluttering Tips That Help Sell Your Home and Organize Your Move
One of the top priorities when getting your Westfield area property ready to sell is to get rid of the clutter. This helps prepare your home for staging. Remember, staged homes sell faster and for more money than unstaged ones. However, clearing your space with intention performs double duty. How? Organizing your “stuff” not only clears the clutter but also helps you when it comes time to move. Use these decluttering tips when preparing to list your home for sale.
Decluttering Tips
Start Right Away
First, start the declutter process right away. It might surprise you how long it takes to go through personal items, memorabilia, etc. The sooner you begin, the less stressed you will feel about meeting your home listing deadline. Also, simply start in one room and work your way throughout the house so as not to feel more overwhelmed than necessary.
Sort
Another one of my helpful decluttering tips is to sort everything you come across into three separate piles: keep, donate, and trash. If you want, you can even make a “maybe” pile. Box these particular items up and include a detailed label. Then, if you find that you have not opened that box in six to twelve months, you may want to consider donating them.
Pack
Next, start packing. Clear bins work best because they make it easy to see the contents inside. However, cardboard boxes offer a cheaper alternative. When using cardboard boxes, make sure to clearly label which room it belongs in and what the box includes inside. That way your dishes do not end up in the bedroom and your clothes do not end up in the kitchen. Trust me. You’ll thank me later. Make sure to write the appropriate room on more than one side of the box in large letters for easy recognition.
Trash the Paper
Finally, get rid of all that unnecessary paper. Receipts. Magazines. Old bank statements. Junk mail. We tend to accumulate paper. Shred any personal or financial information to avoid identity theft. Recycle junk mail and envelopes. Magazines can either be tossed out or donated to libraries and retirement homes.
Perhaps the most important one of these decluttering tips is to just get started as soon as possible. Before you know it, your Westfield area home will be ready to show. Plus, you will already be well on your way to being ready to move out when it sells.
Scott Gleason, CRS at Coldwell Banker Realty – East, NJ Luxury Homes
