7 Home Improvements to Make Before You Move In

Although New Jersey ranks as one of the happiest states in the US, the exorbitant cost of living and high taxes are chasing people away. The average property tax in NJ is about 2.42%, which is twice the national average.

So, if you’re planning to wrap up everything and move to another state, we get you. But be prepared; it’s not going to be an easy feat. You’ll have to juggle several tasks, from finding the right property to making it move-ready.

Not sure where to start?

Don’t worry; we’re here to help you get up to speed. This article mentions some home improvement projects you must take on to prepare your new home.

Let’s get started.

1.  Add Extra Storage Area in Your Home

Families with little kids usually have a lot of stuff. From Legos to unicycles, you need room to store it all. That’s why adding storage is a home improvement project with great scope and advantages.

There are several ways to go about it. You can invest in racks, bins, and shelves or build storage units from scratch. Under the staircase and in the attic are great places to set up extra storage.

But if you’re looking for an honest opinion, don’t carry your clutter to your new house. It’ll exacerbate your moving costs and kill the purpose of starting afresh.

If you have items with sentimental value and can’t part with them, look for a storage facility. If you’ve hired a New Jersey long distance moving company to assist with the move, check if they offer storage solutions. That way, you can keep your valuables with them until you have a place to fit them in.

2.  Pressure Wash the Exterior

Many areas in New Jersey receive 25-30 thunderstorms per year, as per Rutgers Climate Lab. So, chances are your new home has dust streaks and icky spots. The best thing you can do before moving in is to pressure wash the exterior. It’ll make your home look fresh and tidy.

However, before you start aimlessly spraying your home’s exterior with water, here are some tips that’ll help:

• Start from the top and move down
• Seal your windows and doors to make sure nothing enters your home
• Always keep a swift and overlapping hand movement to avoid streaks
• Choose the right nozzle, preferably a 25-degree nozzle, for the best results

Ready for a bonus? Pressure washing increases your home’s curb appeal and adds value to it.

3.  Give Your Home a Fresh Coat of Paint

Nothing feels fresher than newly painted walls. Plus, it will remove any signs of inhabitance left by the previous owners. No icky ketchup stains in the kitchen or creepy crayon drawings on the stairways – just plain and tidy walls.

Pick a paint color that’ll go with your furniture. Nothing beats the classic white, but if you want to make a statement, go for earthy tones. It’ll bring the warmth and freshness of nature to your home.

The type of paint you choose will affect how long it lasts. Emulsion paint works best for interior walls – it’s washable, flexible, and dries quickly. But if you’re painting your exteriors, stick with the weather-resistant acrylics or masonry paint. It’ll last 5-10 years and protect your surfaces from rain, wind, and snow.

4.  Change All the Locks

You can never be sure who has the keys to these already-installed locks. Get new locks to keep intruders out of your new abode.

A lock change is a small but significant step that can put your mind at ease. You’ll know that no one else can access the property. Deadbolts are more secure than spring bolts, so opt for those.

You can also install a smart lock – it’ll let you monitor the entrance to your home from anywhere with an app. That way, you can give access remotely or call in your locksmith if something goes wrong.

Another security measure you should consider is installing a CCTV system around your property.

5.  Soundproof Your Space

Living in a noisy neighborhood can get pretty discomforting, especially for the elderly members of the family. Here’s a solution – soundproofing.

Although it sounds fancy, it’s easier to achieve than you think. You only have to seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows, ducts, and vents. It’ll block outside noise from entering in. You should also install acoustic insulation in the walls, floors, and ceilings to further block sound waves.

If you’re looking for an easier solution, stick to rugs and oversized furniture; they’ll absorb noise. It is especially effective if you have hardwood or tiled floors.

However, don’t just randomly roll out the rugs; keep the aesthetics in mind. If you’re up for it, consider investing in custom soundproof curtains or blinds that match your home’s decor.

6.  Update Your Light Fixtures

Old, outdated light fixtures can leave a room feeling dreary and uninviting. You don’t want that vibe in your new home.

You’ll have to layer lighting to create a cozy atmosphere. A combination of dimmers, wall sconces, and pendant lights can work wonders. Don’t forget to check the bulbs, too – LED ones are energy-efficient and last longer than traditional varieties.

You can also opt for motion sensor lighting to add a modern touch. It’ll look chic and turn on automatically when someone enters the room.

And don’t forget about the outdoors. Install solar-powered lights around your driveway or garden to light up those dark corners.

7.  Replace Old Windows

Old windows can be a huge energy drain. Most of them have draft issues, leading to high energy bills and uncomfortable temperatures inside. New Jersey’s cost of living is already 13% higher than the national average; you don’t want your windows to add to that.

Consider getting new, energy-efficient windows. Also, check out Low-E glass windows for better insulation.

Conclusion

Moving and settling into a new house can be exciting, yet the process requires some crucial home improvement tasks. So, before you pack your belongings and transport them to the new place, decide which areas of the new house require quick repairs and upgrades. Also, check if your movers offer storage solutions so you can keep items in a secure place while renovating the house.