HOW TO SIMPLIFY YOUR MOVE

Moving into your new home is an exciting experience but it also can be a lot of work and filled with stress.  Some people found when they moved into their new home, everything was in the proper place, furniture arranged, the beds made, the kitchen and bathroom organized, and then realized the new home has not been cleaned.  To avoid this before you move make list of the things that need to be cleaned.  Make a list of the things you will need. Tools, garden supplies, rakes and shovels, lawn mower, shop, vacuum, furnace filters, ladder, carpet cleaner, grease and oil remover, hardwood floor wax, to name a few.  If you are moving from a one floor home to a 2 story home it may be best to get a second vacuum.

Start from the top floor of your home mopping and vacuuming, next move onto the stairs and repeat.  Dry clean the rooms which includes dusting, sweeping, and vacuuming.  This will get the majority of the dirt away.  Clean carpets with carpet cleaning supplies (During the move to prevent stains on the carpets use large plastic sheets for the movers to walk on). Hardwood floors can look like new using a hardwood floor care kit.  Appliances need a heavy duty cleaner.  If using a brush makes sure you use a brush that will not scratch the surface.  Apply an oven cleaner if you do not have a self cleaning oven.  Use grease remover to clean under the hood.

Remove all dust and cobwebs, especially in corners and around heating vents. Use a feather duster or the extender tool of your vacuum for best results.  Take a wet cloth and clean the insides of draws and cabinets to get rid of any residue.  You may want to line the cabinets and draws with contact paper.  For the bathroom use bleach cleaners to disinfect everything.  Clean the dryer vents.  Many fires have been caused because of clogged dryer vents.

Get address changed at post office; make sure your mail is being forwarded to your new address...Contact utility company.  Know the location of the main circuit breakers and the water shut off.  Check your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector.  Identify emergency exits.  Send out change of address notices to family, friends and business acquaintance’s.  Register to vote.