You’ve finally found your perfect home – the Panama City Real Estate search is over, and it’s time to settle into your new space, or is it? It turns out that some projects are best done before you even move into your new home. Everyone knows that moving can be one of the most stressful times in your life, so it’s hard to think about adding even more tasks to your to-do list. But, if you want to save time and headaches down the road, it’s best to consider a few renovations before you schedule the moving trucks. Keep reading to learn what projects are easiest to tackle before the move.

8 Improvements To Make Before Moving In

1. Change Your Locks

Whether you call a locksmith or do it yourself, you always want to put safety first. You never know who might have an old key, which isn’t worth the risk. Don’t forget back doors, garages, and any sheds or other structures on the property.

2. Flooring

This renovation is a bit more pricey, but if you choose to update the floors before moving in, you may save some big bucks in the long run. Whether you’re dealing with carpet, vinyl, or hardwood floors, you’ll be able to keep costs lower if the installation company doesn’t have the added task of moving furniture.

3. Interior Paint

A fresh coat of paint is a simple and affordable way to freshen up a space and add some personality. And, just like with the floors, it’s far easier to tackle this project in an empty house. This project is considerably easier before moving in without worrying about covering up furniture and removing things from walls. Plus, you don’t have to worry about living with the smell of paint fumes!

4. Popcorn Ceilings

If you’re moving into an older home, you may have unsightly “popcorn” ceilings. While this trend was popular, it’s now more of an eyesore that immediately dates your home. Scraping the popcorn texture off is a messy job, and if your home was built before 1980, there’s a strong possibility that your ceilings contain asbestos. Best to have a professional test and remove it.

5. Electrical Updates

Realistically, you can do these upgrades anytime, but everything is easier to get to when the house is empty. If you’re moving into an older home, you may want to consider adding more outlets or light fixtures. Plus, additional outlets will make arranging furniture and lights easier when moving day rolls around.

6. Fencing

If you have children, pets, or just like some privacy, you will probably want to install a fence. Installing a fence goes a long way to helping your house feel like home. And, it’s a desired feature by many in the Panhandle real estate market, meaning this improvement will pay off whenever it comes time to sell your home down the road.

7. Closets and Organization

Set yourself up for success and avoid having to de-clutter soon after moving in by optimizing your closets and storage spaces before you unpack. Finding a new place for everything is hard enough – make it easier on yourself by adding shelves and customizing your organization first.

8. Deep Clean

Unless you’ve purchased a brand new home, odds are the space could benefit from a top to bottom detail clean. Hire a professional or tackle it yourself – there’s real peace of mind knowing your new home is clean to your standards. Don’t forget to give the insides of cabinets and drawers a good wipe and install new shelf liners to help preserve their longevity.

Moving is a big undertaking, and it can be equally challenging to plan for future home renovations. While you can’t do every project at once, you can do yourself a favor by accomplishing these renovations. Trust us — your future self will thank you!

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Counts Real Estate Group is your partner in finding the perfect house to call home in the Panama City area. Our expert real estate agents are ready to help!