Main Content

Budget-Friendly Tips to Clean Your Home Before You Move In

Home » Blog » Budget-Friendly Tips to Clean Your Home Before You Move In

Budget-Friendly Tips to Clean Your Home Before You Move In

Now that you’ve purchased what will soon be your new humble abode, the cleaning is about to begin. As much as you hate to think about it, there is still a lot that needs to be done before you move in, but your wallet took a hit when you purchased the house. Can you afford to give your new home the TLC it needs? The answer is yes, and the tips below from certified residential specialist Michelle Metcalf will show you how.

Breathe in Clean Air

Air pollution isn’t typically associated with the air inside your home, but the reality is that the air here can be just as polluted. Dust, mold, mildew, fungus, and smoke can all be in the air you breathe, causing health problems and respiratory issues for allergy and asthma sufferers. To cleanse your air, make sure you switch out the air filters. You can find filters at retailers like Walmart that are pleated and of higher quality to trap even the smallest particles. Be sure to check for leaks in your home and ensure that bathroom exhaust fans work so that moisture doesn’t build up and enable mold to grow.

Stop Allergens in Their Tracks

Sneezing and itchy/watery eyes are all symptoms that allergy sufferers are all too familiar with, but your home shouldn’t be the culprit. Take steps to reduce allergens by removing the carpet if possible or using a high-efficiency bag in your vacuum to suck up dirt, dust, and pollen.

It might sound gross, but there’s a high chance that dust mites are living in your carpet and bedding, feasting on dead skin and pet dander. Eliminate these pests by spritzing your carpet with an allergen reducer before vacuuming, and consider investing in dust-mite-blocking covers for your mattress and pillows so that your bed doesn’t become the source of your discomfort. Depending on how small or large your new home is, take the time to map out a cleaning schedule that you can follow weekly. It might not seem like a big deal to skip your cleaning routine, but this could lead to your home sweet home becoming a trigger zone.

Clean Up High

When you walk into your new home, your first inclination is probably to clean the main areas such as the kitchen and bathroom, but dirt, dust, and grime can lurk in even the most hard-to-reach places. It is best to clean up high first, as dust and dirt will fall to the floor and surrounding area. Pay attention to ceiling fan blades, overhead lighting, and shelves. You’ll be surprised how much dust collects on these areas, especially since they aren’t cleaned as frequently as the rest of your home. Take note of the tips Real Simple has for getting rid of hidden dirt using items you already have. And don’t be afraid to make lists — these can help you check off what you’ve completed and what still needs to be addressed.

Don’t Forget About Appliances and Furniture

Did you know your washing machine could get dirty? It seems odd that an appliance whose job it is to clean can get filthy, but it can. Sterilize it using a cleaner tablet, and wipe down the inside. The dishwasher may need some elbow grease, too, especially if food has built up or there is a musty smell. Run a cycle with white vinegar, and deodorize the garbage disposal as well. Next, look inside the refrigerator and stove. Heavy-duty household cleaners will come in handy here, as will sponges, brushes, and cloths.

The same applies to furniture, as well. While secondhand furniture can be wonderful additions to any home, you do have to take extra care in cleaning them to ensure they’re free of pests, allergens, and the like. Make sure to preserve the life of your pieces by using material- and fabric-friendly cleaning implements, though. Better yet, look for professional cleaners that specialize in furniture in your area to protect your investment.

All this talk of cleaners might have you seeing dollar signs. While you can stock up on cleaning supplies at local retailers like Target, be sure to look for savings and coupons before you shop so that you can save even more. Once you have a stockpile of cleaners ready to go, you’ll be all set for future cleanings.

All of These Also Applies to Your Old Home

Cleaning a new home and getting it ready for move-in day is important, but so is cleaning up your former home. If you’re selling your home, it’s even more important, as new buyers won’t find a cluttered, unclean property very appealing. So get in there and get things cleaned up, or hire a team of professionals to do it for you! Once you’ve got this obstacle out of the way, you can take steps to get the property’s appraisal value in good shape, which includes finding ways to improve its curb appeal and staging it in eye-catching ways.

Who knew getting your home ready to move in was so much work? If you are feeling a little overwhelmed, print out this cleaning checklist, take a deep breath, and tackle one task at a time. Once you are relaxing on the couch with your feet up, you’ll realize it was worth it.

When you’re ready to find that perfect home for the next chapter of your life, get in touch with Michelle Metcalf. You can reach Michelle by calling 520-400-5735.

Skip to content