Top 5 Post-Move Home Improvement Projects

Moving can be hard and expensive work. It doesn’t help that every time you think you’re done with a project, such as packing, you find a long list of other things you had forgotten about. There is also so much cleaning and rearranging to do before your new home finally feels like it’s yours to truly call home. Now that you’ve made it through the intimidating pile of boxes and started putting things away, you can start thinking about different home improvement projects you would like to try. These can give the place your own personal flair, as well as increase the value of the home should you decide to sell it later, and of course make your house feel like your home.

1. Painting

Painting is one of the greatest and easiest projects to take on when you move into a new home. You can really alter the mood of a room just by the colors you choose. Perhaps a bright and cheery yellow for a room that you will be spending a lot of time in, or a calming lavender or pale blue for somewhere that you want to relax in. Additionally, you could choose a neutral grey or beige for the walls and add subtle pops of color with the accents you add to the rooms, like pillows or lamps. In order to get started painting, you simply pick out the colors, tape off the room, and get started with your brushes. There is such a wide variety of ways and styles that you can paint a room, you’re sure to find one that suits your personal style for each room.

2. New Flooring

New flooring can provide a nice contrast to new painting. It can also help set the tone for the entire house, as it is one of the largest parts. A nice hardwood floor will keep your home looking updated, but you may need to purchase throw rugs for some areas of the house. Carpet, while less modern looking, can still add great color and texture to your rooms. You aren’t obligated to keep the same flooring throughout either. That is part of what makes decorating so much fun. Each room can become its own separate project with different needs depending on the atmosphere that you want to create.

3. Landscaping

If you are moving into your new home during the colder months, then starting a project outdoors may not be the best option. You are still able to plan and make decisions about what you feel will look best once the weather warms up. Some great ideas to try are a fence, your own garden, and plenty of flowers or trees if you have space. Fences are a great option because they can provide you with privacy from nearby neighbors. They are also a good idea if you have pets or children as they can give you an added layer of safety. Gardens may take a little extra work, but the payoff is excellent when you can grab lunch from the backyard instead of making an extra trip to the store. Lastly, flowers and trees can help make your yard look interesting by providing color and a beautiful aesthetic.

4. Lighting

Lighting is another great option for a home improvement project because there are so many options to choose from, and regardless of which style you pick, your room will make a statement for those entering your house. If you are unsure of how to install fixtures, then it is best to call a professional. The last thing you need after being exhausted from moving and unpacking is to have an electrical accident because you were trying to save some money on installation fees. Ceiling fans with lights are a great option because of their versatility. You also have the option of adding under the counter lights to areas like your kitchen. Lastly, you’ll want to think about the wattage of your lights as they are installed. Areas like the dining room and kitchen are best suited for brighter lights and a higher wattage, while rooms that are going to be meant for relaxation (like the living room or bedroom) work better with a dimmer lighting set up.

5. Organization

Organization is key when you are moving into a new house and getting yourself adjusted, and it’s something that can be incorporated into every room of the house. In addition, many people are thankful for already having this feature included when they purchase a home, so adding it to your home now will only increase the value of it for when you’re ready to sell. Some of the main areas you should focus on are the closets, the kitchen, and any areas near the washer and dryer units. There are several options for removable closet organization units that you can check into, and still have the ability to change as your wardrobe and closet needs change. The same goes for the kitchen and most other areas. Lastly, if the rooms you are trying to organize seem small, don’t be afraid to utilize the walls to your advantage. Sometimes just adding shelves to get things off the floor can make a huge difference.

Conclusion

As you can see there are several projects you can get started on as you unpack in your new home that are sure to help you adjust and make the place feel more like your own. Adding even one of these projects can also benefit you later on as you prepare to sell your home. Having unique add-ons, like built-in storage and a nicely landscaped or fenced in yard are great perks for people looking to buy a home, and these projects will really help increase the value of your home. Lastly, don’t feel like you have to take on every new renovation project by yourself. This will likely be overwhelming and end up leaving you feeling defeated. It may cost a little more initially to hire a professional, but the pay-off will be worth the investment.

About the Author

Hayden Stewart is a contributing writer and media specialist for the Allied Van Lines Moving Blog. He regularly produces content for a variety of lifestyle and home blogs, based around the transitional obstacles that come with moving, settling into a new home, and more.