Image courtesy of PixabayGuest Post by Charlotte Meier of Home Safety Hub
Moving is an adventure, and just like any adventure, a certain amount of planning and preparation goes into ensuring a successful outcome. Cleaning your new home is a part of that transition, but you don’t want to overspend in the process. Here are some ways to make sure your new place is ready for settling in without going broke.
Gather Gear and Map Your Plan
A move-in cleaning is a great way to ensure peace of mind that your new home is spotless, whether you’re a renter or owner. When it comes to mapping the process of cleaning your new home, start with what’s overhead. Knock the dust, cobwebs, and other debris off ceiling fans, light fixtures, crown molding, and window trim. Work your way top to bottom, room to room, and pay attention to any surprise maintenance concerns you might need to address later. Doing it yourself is a smart way to save money, and you’ll feel right at home after putting in some sweat equity. For your convenience, make sure you have all your gear before you start. For any tools, cleaning products, or other home supplies, Lowe’s has everything you’ll need, and you can stretch your budget by using a coupon or promo code.
Hire a Pro
Cleaning a new place can feel like a major endeavor, especially with all the other work involved with moving. Even if you’re renting and your landlord gave it a sprucing-up prior to your arrival, it always feels better knowing the job was done entirely the way you like it. If it’s too much to add cleaning to your moving duties, consider hiring a professional cleaning service to tackle the situation. With a quick search, you can connect with nearby cleaners who specialize in apartments, and then rest assured your new place is spotless. If you go with a major service such as Merry Maids, you can also save money by checking on their current offers.
Take a Deep Breath
You might be surprised to learn that indoor air can be full of pollutants. Smoke, mold, chemicals, pet dander, pollens, and other contaminants too tiny to see can be floating around, damaging your health. If you’re a renter and the air is being circulated from other residents, you can be particularly vulnerable to the pollution they are creating. One suggestion is to improve airflow in your home to boost air quality. Ceiling fans are a great option, as they can not only improve the air quality through movement, but they can also improve your sleep by creating white noise. As a bonus, ceiling fans can also save on energy usage. For best results, SFGate recommends setting your ceiling fan in “forward” during warm months and “reverse” in cold months. If you don’t have a ceiling fan, a portable fan is another option, and you can purchase one from retailers like Walmart. Check their current deals to find the best one for your new place.
Another way to bolster indoor air quality is by using an air purifier. CNET notes that while there are a few different kinds of air purifiers, there is concern that versions which use electrostatic or ionizing purification methods carries risk of ozone, therefore a version using a filter is recommended. You should take into account your lifestyle, such as whether you have pets, the amount of space you need to filter, and whether anyone in your home has asthma or allergies. In the case of those who suffer with allergies or asthma, some studies indicate a machine with a HEPA filter can provide the best results. You can find sales on air purifiers through Allergy Buyers Club to match your needs and budget.
When you’re ready to transition into a new place, beginning with a solid cleaning plan can ensure your health and comfort. Give it a thorough and thrifty going-over, ensuring it’s clean right down to the air you breathe. You’ll feel at ease settling into your new abode, knowing you prepared wisely and well without overspending.