Before you buy a new home, you usually have an inspection that informs you of any major health hazards - radon, termites, etc. The people vacating the home may even do some light cleaning for you. While these things can help assure you that you’re not walking into a nightmare, they still leave quite a bit to be desired. Here are some ways to ensure your new home is truly clean and move-in ready when you’re on a budget.
Prioritize air quality
While you can see a dirty carpet or grime in a tile shower, you can’t really see poor air quality. Poor air quality is discovered through symptoms - allergies, fatigue, irritated breathways, etc. Before you move in, it’s vital that you consider what you can do to improve the air quality in your new home. Both radon gas and carbon monoxide can exist in non-lethal levels that still harm you and your family. Detectors for these dangerous, naturally-occuring gases aren’t that expensive, but before you buy, make sure to look for coupons and deals at retailers like Amazon and Kohl’s.
While standard air filters (attached to your HVAC system) help keep your air clean, modern technology has made specialty filters like HEPA, Photo Catalytic Oxidation, and UV more affordable. These can be options if your family is more sensitive to air quality than most. An even cheaper thing to install in your home to help improve air quality is a good houseplant or two. Your local Walmart’s garden section offers lots of options, so keep an eye out for online coupons and sales in the weekly deals section of their website.
Remove as many allergens as you can
The most common allergens present inside homes include dust mites, cockroaches, mold, pollen, and pet byproducts (hair and dander). Though vacuuming and regular washing of fabrics and linens help to reduce them, the simple truth is that a new home can be full of these allergens. You should employ an allergen-reducer spray to help pre-clean surfaces in your new home. Another great tip is to begin dehumidifying the home as soon as possible. Allergens - especially mold - thrive in damp climates. Be sure to look for promo codes, coupons, and sales at retailers like Target before investing in a dehumidifier.
Clean, clean, clean
There really is no substitute for good old-fashioned elbow grease when it comes to making your new home move-in ready. The chances that the previous owners took the time to truly deep clean the home before moving out are low, so all you can do is get to work yourself so you can skip the bill for hiring a housekeeper.
Your first tip is to start high and work your way down. Dust, webs, and other impurities settle on top of fans, light fixtures, and shelving. Don’t forget this crucial area, and do it first so that when you clean the lower levels of your home, you aren’t working double-time. Moving.com suggests cleaning fan blades with an old pillowcase to trap dust.
Don’t forget to thoroughly clean appliances - your new oven, fridge, washer/dryer, and dishwasher. Previous tenants often neglect the inside of appliances, and since they deal with food and dirty clothing/dishes, they tend to get the grimiest. Bed Bath & Beyond notes that there are special cleaning tablets and solutions for these specific jobs. Getting them as clean as possible on the first try will save you time and money in the long run.
You’ll want to stock up on cleaning supplies, but before you shop, don’t forget to search for promo codes, coupons, and cashback opportunities at local stores - Bed Bath & Beyond should have just about all you need. And if you don’t know where to start, check out this solid move-in cleaning checklist.
A dirty, messy, neglected house really can make you and your family sick. There’s no time like moving to a new home to give yourself a fresh start. Do what you can to improve air quality on day zero and take time for a thorough deep cleaning before you have to navigate your boxes and furniture on move-in day.
Guest Blog by Fix It Dads
Photo by Unsplash