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Originally posted by RaOne

Hi,

What are some essential things one should do before moving into a house, in terms of cleaning?

So far, I am planning to do the following:

1. Get the house inspected by a pest control company.

2. Get the carpets cleaned by a professional cleaner.

Let me know what you think.

Thanks.

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Many of us want it VERY VERY Clean. But do you have the time to accomplish it. That is the question.?!
Fumigating is one such action you can take, but an inspection only is just a waste of money. Also getting the carpets professionally done by a cleaner will only be good if it is accomplished after moving in, because the movers don't give a hoot to your floors or the carpets as time is a precious commodity to them.

Cleaning the painted walls is a must. It will take more than 15 minutes each side, if there is a steam wand is available. Also you already know which room will need painting, before you enter. If you are doing the whole house, then you will have to find the costs.
Removal of wall paper. Do you want to do it before you enter? Costs, what are they.

Changing of the Carpets or steam cleaning? Change it, steaming is just a waste.

Take Care of The Messiest Tasks While Your Home Is a Blank Slate.:

With your home completely empty, you've got a unique opportunity to prep it perfectly. As anyone who has tried to remove wall papers can attest, some things are best done without furniture, people, and other obstacles are around. These tasks include: Painting or wallpapering the walls, ceiling, and, perhaps, the kitchen cabinets and/or inside of closets (Once your clothes are in there, you know the closets will never get painted). Use a top-down (ceilings, then walls) method to reduce the mess that falls downwards towards the floor. Deep cleaning or replacing carpets or refinishing hardwood floors calls for an empty house. Anything else that requires sanding, spraying, or other messiness like waxing. Installing wiring for your home network, if you need it OR use WiFi and Blue Tooth. Cleaning out and disinfecting the fridge and replacing the toilet seats. (Nothing says this is my home, than A brand new toilet seat.)

If there is NO TIME LEFT but to enter, then a quick 15 minute cleaning of each room, and dusting.
If you do have an hour a Room, then Vacuum, and Mop, clean the window sills, wall switches.
If you have a day to a room, then Paint it and vacuum the rooms and disinfect the room.

And if you have the money and the time, then, get it done the way you want it and do it professionally.

Check the Carbon Monoxide Detector, Fire Alarm, Burglar Alarm, if fitted. Remove all of the fire hazards. Clean your Fridge and the OVEN inside. All of the air ducts and vents and re-circulation ducts too. Dryer went connecting tube to the dryer and to the outside damper. If you have a wood burning stove or a fireplace, the Chimney and the Vent to it.

There will be many more, have not made a comprehensive list as yet.

Congratulations on your New Purchase.

Good Luck in your New house.

FH.