5 Things to Clean Before You Move In

Buying a new home is exciting. Most buyers can't wait to move in the minute the closing is finished. If you can hold off moving until the weekend, take the time to have your new home thoroughly cleaned before loading all your boxes and furniture in. It is easier to have crews come in for a detailed cleaning while the home is completely empty and you will love moving into such a spotless environment.

1. Carpet

While the sellers may have kept the carpet well-vacuumed during showings, you should have them shampooed once the sellers move out. Traffic patterns, due to the previous owner's furniture placement, have not doubt darkened certain areas of the carpet.

Likewise, heavy furniture can leave telltale 'dents' in the carpet. While various methods exist to remove the dents, from melting ice cubes to using steam irons, the simplest solution is to turn the whole job over to the professionals before you move in. Having the carpet professionally cleaned will remove all signs of the last furniture arrangement and allow you to start fresh.

Cleaning the carpet will also help remove any pet odors from the home. You don't want to be smelling Fido months after he is long gone.  

2. Tile & Grout

Grout gets dirty and, when it does, it can make the surrounding tile look awful. Instead of replacing it, call up some experts to steam clean it. Cleaning ceramic tile will remove stains, mildew, and any scuff marks leftover from the previous owners. It will also leave the grout looking brand new.

Once cleaned, be sure to inquire about having the grout sealed to prevent future build-up of dirt and grime. In fact, commercial sealants are designed to prevent future scuff marks as well so there is no need to worry about moving your furniture into your new home.

3. Air Ducts

Over time, a home's vents can gather dust, pollen, and other allergens. Your HVAC system can filter some of it out, but cleaning the air ducts will remove it completely. Professional cleaners thread a brush system throughout the ductwork to loosen everything and then vacuum up all the debris.

Cleaning the air ducts before moving in will ensure that your family will be breathing air free from the previous owner's pet dander as well as any mildew or dust mites.

4. Windows

For many people, paying someone to clean the windows is a treat. They may spot clean the glass to remove the dog's nose print or a child's sticky hand prints, but they do not take the time to clean all the glass inside and out.

In fact, cleaning windows can be a very frustrating job for homeowners. Knowing how to use a squeegee well takes years of practice. An inexperienced person will leave streaks and drip marks no matter how hard they try. It is just inevitable.

5. Walls

If the previous homeowners were smokers, it is highly recommended that you have the walls professionally washed. It will not only remove any residue from the smoke, but washing the walls will also help remove any remaining scent. While you could wash the walls yourself, it is both a time-consuming and physically exhausting job.

Another added benefit to having the walls washed before you move into your new home is that they will be prepped and ready for new paint.

Take a few days after closing to give the carpet, tile, air ducts, windows, and walls a thorough scrubbing before you move in. Giving your new home a deep clean before you move in is a great way to start life there on the right foot.