Efficiency Manitoba
Moving into a new home is not only considered a huge milestone in people’s lives, but also an opportunity to start fresh. Whether you are newlyweds buying your first home, relocating for work, or simply upsizing or downsizing, there are ways to make the process way easier. From to-do lists to coordinating the ordering and delivery of new furniture ahead of time, we will show you how to get ready to move-in like a design pro!
If you are already set your mind on a new home, made the down payment or signed the lease agreement, then you’re likely counting down the days to the final move-in date. While you wait in anticipation, here are the things you can do to prep for the big day! Let's first start with 5 pre-move must-dos:
1. Create Both Pre-Move & Post Move Lists
Your first priority should be the pre-move essentials list but make sure to start a post-move to-do list at the same time. This will help clear your mind (and stress) of those future tasks and keep you from getting overwhelmed. Don’t get tempted to mix up tasks on the pre-move with the post-move checklist by trying to do it all now, instead prioritize each task by date. The minute you walk into your new home, your mind will be racing with things that need to be done. That's when your handy post-move list will be ready to go!
A couple of key items to have in mind for the pre-move list are:
Create an inventory per room of your main furniture pieces, then select what you want to keep with you moving forward, what can be donated, and what can be disposed of. The key to this step is planning the layout of your rooms ahead of time, so make sure to get the dimensions of your new home.
A purged list will also help you later on, to know what items need to be purchased and give you a better sense of what kind of furniture & decor budget you will need.
Pop Sugar
2. Do Your Research
If you’re moving to a new country or city, it’s important to understand how things work there. There is a lot to consider, but with proper planning and organization, it can go just as smoothly as moving across town. Check if the building codes for that area are different or if the municipality has special requirements, you can easily check this online. If you are planning on doing major renovations then make sure to consult your architect, interior designer, contractor, or contact city hall directly. Do your research on the neighbourhood you're about to move into to find out what the regulations allow.
Reno Assitance
A couple of key elements to be clear about in the pre-move phase :
Confirm laws and permits that regulate special requirements for building patio structures, placing fire pits, and landscaping before having a vision for your new place.
If you are planning to build any additions to the house, modify your basement to rent it as an independent unit, or do any significant alterations to facades, consult the city regulations on this and make sure you have the proper building permits to do so.
3. Inspect The New Home
Make a list of things you want to inspect during your next walk-through of your new home. If anything needs fixing or maintenance by a professional, request the previous owner or your property management company to take care of it beforehand. It's important to this before the moving process so any expenses and time needed for this phase won't conflict with post-move plans.
Some important things to keep an eye on and fix asap are:
Test all of the water fixtures in the kitchen, bathrooms, basement, hoses, and pools.
Check that exterior doors and windows are in good shape before winter hits.
Make sure the faucets turn on evenly and drain properly with both cold and hot water, and of course check for leaks.
Check the heating systems, air conditioning, light switches, doorbells, security systems, and all other electrical outlets.
Make sure all appliances are working properly and are in good shape.
Schedule improvements ahead of time so you are ready to enjoy your new home the second you move in!
LJ Hooker
4. Plan Your Home Design Ahead
This will be crucial: Plan ahead! Do this step at least a month before your move so you have time to purge. Ask the previous owner or the property management to provide you with floorplans that include dimensions. This is the best time to sit down and see what you can fit in each room. Sometimes furniture pieces that work in your current place won't fit in the new one, they will be just simply too small or too big. Here are some common living room layouts to spark your creativity!
Dimensions Guide
Having a layout in mind that works for your lifestyle and family needs is critical. For example, do you entertain often, if so how much seating do you need for your average dinner party? How much storage will you need? This is where planning ahead can help you start enjoying your home sooner than later. Most furniture vendors need at least a few weeks to ship your order ready-made order and anything custom usually takes 6-10 weeks.
Pro Tips:
Always keep your furniture hardware handy and provide quick access to the tools you will need the most such as hinges, pulls, and knobs.
Check your doors and corridor widths to see if the items you are taking with you will fit through the doorways.
Painting in advance gives the house time to air out before you're actually living there, and also your furniture won't be in the way while you're working.
We always recommend planning the design and furnishing of your new home prior to your move so you can start enjoying the space right when you get there! If you need help with the design and figuring out what to donate or take with you, book your free design consultation call with us!
5. Bring Only What You Need
Now that you have a design plan bring only what you need! Unless you cannot live without it, this is the perfect time to get rid of it. Use that inventory list you did in step one, decide what will be stored, repurposed, or disposed of. There is no point in spending the time packing and paying movers to bring an item you will just dispose of at the new home.
The best way to repurpose furniture is to donate to those in need to your local donation centers, give them a call and they may even pick it up! Another way is to hold a garage sale to make extra cash and boost the costs of your move.
Post-Move to-dos!
Real Simple
Nothing beats the feeling of walking into your new home for the first time! We know how exciting this is since we see it as a blank canvas with so much potential. However, there are a few key things that still need to be done before furnishing. First, a few important essentials to get through before enjoying your new place are:
1.Take A Tour of the Empty House
This is the best time to take a complete tour of your empty house. It might be the only time you will ever do that. Before unpacking your boxes and setting up your furniture, look around to double-check on some things from your pre-move list. Review all the inspections that should have been made by the previous owner. Check all your appliances, outlets, switches, heating/cooling systems, and all sorts of utilities if they’re in working order. Now, if you haven't done it yet, it will be a good time to do some research on the direction you're going with the new design.
Pintesrest The Chriselle Factor
Pro Tip: A few very important things to start thinking about:
Have a color palette or a style in mind and stick to it. Having a cohesive design style all throughout your home will help when choosing furniture and decor pieces, plus, it will make your home look and feel put together!
Plan ahead before deciding on a fixed location for wall decor and art pieces. You can use paper and painter's tape to play around with potential layouts for gallery walls. You can also do this with furniture pieces, by taping the floor to make sure the larger pieces fit before assembly.
2. Get to Know Your Space
It's always important not to rush through things, and even more, not to make quick decisions on something you will have to live with every day! Before making any major changes, live in your home for a week or two before deciding to, for instance, tear down a wall to create an open kitchen. You need to experience living there to know what you want differently. What you thought you wanted may change after finding your groove in your new home.
Homes to Love
We understand how exciting settling into a new home is and also how overwhelming it can get regardless if it's your first or fifth time moving. Moving is not an easy job but who said it can't be fun and just a little bit easier? Don't forget that planning ahead will not only save you time, tears, and money, but it will also give you the opportunity to create the perfect space you always dreamed of and now call home!
With Love,
- White Dahlia Design
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