It's easy to only notice the cosmetic changes you'd like to make with your home as soon as you move in. Taking the time to properly maintain and tend to any outstanding repairs prior to fully moving in can save you time and money in the long run as help you better understand your home.

 

Do a walk-through

Time Required: <1 hour

Usually recommended right before closing to ensure all contracual repairs have been made by the seller, a walk-through can be more beneficial than just that. It can help you better visualize your new home as a blank canvas and espeically if you're moving into a previously owned home it can help you find and address the following in this move-in list.

 

Deep clean

Time Required: 8-12 hours

Clean and disinfect all surfaces in your new home so it can be ready for when you move in. Usually homes are in broom swept condition during the final walk-through prior to closing, but every persons' idea of "clean" can be different and depending on the time of year in Minnesota, the exterior can be difficult to tackle right away. Scrub your walls and baseboards, clean window sills, wash your windows and siding, make sure appliances are clean, etc. If it seems like too big of a job (and with moving on top of it, it can be stressful), consider hiring a cleaning company to tackle the big jobs.

 

Replace your Home's filters

Time Required: 5-20 minutes

Replace all of the filters in your home for cleaner, healthier air. If you have a furnace, replace your furnace filter. If you have an air conditioning unit, clean it out (this would have to be when it's 60° or warmer). Refer to your inspection report for where these items are OR contact an HVAC professional to show you where they are.

 

Find your water and electric controls

Time Required: 30-60 minutes

Each utility has a control panel or main shut-off valve in your home. Learn how to control your water and electricity so you can quickly shut them off for maintenance or emergency.

Main water shut off valves can be found in multiple places in a home. Typically, they're found on the exterior of the home, but they can also be found in the basement (often facing the street) or by the curb near your property line. Your inspection report should outline where this is (some companies even tag it for you) with photos.

Electrical panels usually are a larger gray box installed on the wall. Typically, they're found in your garage, laundry room, closet, basement wall, outside wall - usually a "low-traffic" area. Check to see if your panel is a fuse box or a circuit breaker and learn how to control it. Again, this should be outlined in your inspection report and tagged, but feel free to hire an electrician if you need some help locating it and understanding how to use it.

 

Check your safety devices

Time Required: 5-20 minutes

Ensure that your home is secure and all safety devices are working before moving you, your family and your valuables into your home. Re-Key your home and add any additional security systems.

Test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace alarms or batteries as needed - try to even stock up on required materials/batteries.

Time Required: 12+ hours

☐ Rake leaves and aerate the lawn.

☐ Have the forced-air heating system inspected by a professional. Schedule an inspection in late summer or early fall before the heating season begins.

☐ Check the fireplace for damage or hazards and clean fireplace flues.

☐ Seal cracks and gaps in windows and doors with caulk or weather stripping. Replace if necessary.

☐ Swap old, drafty windows for more energy-efficient models.

☐ Touch up exterior siding and trim with paint.

☐ Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks.

☐ Power-wash windows and siding.

☐ Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts.

☐ Mend cracks and gaps in the driveway and walkway.

☐ Drain and winterize exterior plumbing.

☐ Have your fireplace professionally inspected.

☐ Tune-up major home appliances before the holidays.

☐ Repair or replace siding.

☐ Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Install a smoke detector on every floor of your home, including the basement.

☐ Clean the carpets.

☐ Clean window and door screens.

☐ Vacuum lint from the dryer vent.

☐ Inspect exterior door hardware. Fix squeaky handles and loose locks.

☐ Check for frayed cords and wire.

☐ Drain and store hoses, and drain in-ground sprinkler systems.

☐ Wrap insulation around outdoor faucets and pipes in unheated garages.

☐ Check the water heater for leaks.

Time Required: 12+ hours

☐ Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks. 

☐ Change the air-conditioner filter.

☐ Clean window and door screens

☐ Polish wood furniture and dust light fixtures.

☐ Refinish the deck.

☐ Power-wash windows and siding.

☐ Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts. 

☐ Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

☐ Have a professional inspect and pump the septic tank (if you have one).

☐ Inspect sink, shower, and bath caulking for deterioration 

☐ Vacuum lint from the dryer vent.

☐ Inspect chimney for damage.

☐ Repair or replace caulking and weather stripping around windows, doors, and mechanicals.

☐ Remove the insulation from outdoor faucets and check sprinkler heads.

☐ Have air-conditioning system serviced.

☐ Drain or flush the water heater.

☐ Fertilize your lawn.