Category: Homeowner tips

Make Your Home Feel Cozy This Winter

Posted on by teamrealty

Make Your Home Feel the Cozy This Winter

 

It’s wintertime in the nation’s capital! We hope you’re enjoying the festivities and sights around town. While the winter months may provide us with this beautiful landscape covered in snow, they’re also quite cold and gloomy at times. One of the best ways to combat the winter blues is to put an emphasis on cozy decor, creating an escape from the harsh outdoor weather. In this blog, we’ll cover some great ways to create the coziest interior possible this season.

 

Colour Palette

 

The use of a warm colour palette for your indoor decor will immerse you, giving you the feeling of warmth and contrasting the outdoor landscape. Now, when we say “warm”, it doesn’t necessarily mean you should go so far as to plaster your home with warm colours. Try to use browns, beiges and burgundy accents where you can. Add throw pillows, blankets and other pieces to your spaces that match this colour scheme and add to the feeling of warmth. 

 

Textures

 

The use of textured furniture, blankets and throw pillows can go a long way to compliment the spaces you’re decorating. You can use a variety of textures and consider faux leathers, sheepskins and other soft textures to give the feeling that you’ve stumbled across a cabin in the woods. Consider adding a rug or a carpet to your living spaces if they don’t yet have one. Try using dark green plants and greenery to complement the warm tones and other seasonal decor.

 

Furniture

 

Consider wooden furniture or furniture with wooden textures to decorate your spaces. Wooden furniture is well-complemented by the textures and warmer tones mentioned above. Consider buying used or sustainably-made furniture, as it can achieve the look you’re going for and lower your budget while doing good in the community.

 

Lighting

 

Lighting is everything, especially during the late afternoon and evening hours of the winter. The sun goes down much sooner, meaning much more of your time is spent in the dark. We would recommend using warm tones in your lighting, or using additional lighting appliances like lanturns or candles. If you have a fireplace, it can be a great way to brighten up your spaces while providing cozy functional warmth to your household.

 

Music

 

Just like lighting, music can trick your brain into a cozier mindset. You would be surprised how much of an effect music can have on the feeling in the air. Consider buying a small speaker and try to find a relaxing playlist that matches what you’re going for. If you don’t know where to start, try soft piano music or jazz.

 

Any questions?

 

We hope that you’re able to create a cozy escape by using one or more of the above-mentioned ideas. If you have any unanswered questions about home decor, feel free to reach out!

Should you redo your floors?

Posted on by teamrealty

Should you redo your floors?

 

Floors have a dramatic effect on your home’s decor. If you think about it, they’re some of the largest surfaces inside of your home – meaning they take up quite a lot of the space, visually. Your floors serve a functional purpose too, meaning they may have taken quite a beating over the years. Scuff marks and scratches will slowly start to eat away at the surface as time passes. 

 

They can be a great place to focus your home upgrades, no matter if you’re looking to transform a room, or the whole level. But what will be the budget? What options do you have in terms of material and style, and what are the pros and cons of each? In this blog, we’ll cover maintenance options, as well as a few different ways you can redo your floors.

 

Hardwood

 

Hardwood floors are incredibly popular from both a functional and stylistic perspective. 

 

Hardwood is often quite durable and low maintenance. It’s a long-lasting option that’s easy to clean, making it a great choice for any household – especially families with children who may cause a mess from time to time. It can also carry great resale value, seeing as it’s generally the most desired finish for buyers. This is compared to something like carpet or tile that may cost time and money to remove.

 

Hardwood is incredibly versatile in terms of style. The wide variety and different finishes available allow your hardwood floor to fit with almost any decor you would like. In future endeavors, it will allow you to change things up without having to make costly alterations to your floor in order to match. Be aware that not all hardwood floors are the same; some are solid wood and others are pre-engineered wood. Learn the difference prior to setting out on a project of refinishing because the process may be quite different.

 

Tile

 

Tile floors are generally found in the bathrooms and kitchens. This is because of their water resistance and durability. But this doesn’t mean you can’t put tile floors in the other spaces of your home. Tiles can come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and styles, allowing you to match a room’s decor with a unique pattern or colour scheme that you feel suits it best. They’re generally very affordable, bearing in mind that it would also depend on quality and availability. 

 

Like hardwood, this can boost your resale value, since they can generally be labeled as an “upgrade” due to their functional use. They’re also generally made from natural, eco-friendly materials, giving you some added peace of mind.

 

Concrete

 

Concrete floors are the ultimate candidate for low maintenance, durability and resistance. It’s a great option for open spaces, especially rooms with lots of running water like kitchens and bathrooms. Like tile, concrete floors can come in a wide variety of style and patterns, allowing you to take them in any direction you’d like.

 

Do keep in mind that concrete floors are prone to developing cracks with changing temperature, which is especially relevant in our diverse climate. They’re also incredibly hard, which may not be friendly to young children or seniors, or for standing upon for long periods of time.

 

Marble

 

Marble floors are incredibly stunning, there’s no doubt about that. They create a sense of luxury and elegance, perfect for large spaces. In terms of functionality, marble carries many of the same benefits and drawbacks as concrete – durable, but incredibly hard. Marble floors are also often very expensive, requiring a high or flexible budget.

 

Cork

 

If it fits your budget, cork flooring is chosen when searching for a comfortable flooring alternative, or for its hypoallergenic and eco-friendly characteristics; however achieving these will come at a cost. It is often more expensive that other flooring materials.

 

Carpet


Carpet floors are a great option for the communal living spaces of the home, like the living room. If you’re looking to create a soft surface or a cozy atmosphere, carpet can be a great choice. Carpeting can also be applied to stairs, which can be helpful as a sort of safety feature if you have any little ones or seniors around regularly.

 

Do bear in mind however that buyers are not currently keen on carpet floors. If you’re looking to sell, consider removing them and replacing them with something more versatile, like hardwood for example.

Any questions?


If you’re making upgrades to sell, don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have. We have countless agents with expansive networks to help you streamline your process.

Moving with Pets

Posted on by teamrealty

Moving with Pets

 

Moving can be an incredibly exciting experience. A new home, surrounded by new people and maybe even a new neighbourhood to explore. On the flipside, it can also be quite stressful. There are strict deadlines that have to be met, and many parties who require clear and frequent communication. Luckily, our pets don’t have to worry about any of this, as they simply don’t know what’s going on or where they’re headed.

 

However, this can be quite a shock on their systems, which is why you want to ensure that the moving process is as smooth for our pets as it can possibly be. In this article, we discuss some simple tips to help make moving with your furry (or not so furry) friends a little smoother.

 

Plan ahead.

 

Give yourself plenty of time to plan your move. This will help reduce stress for both you and your pet. Planning as far in advance as possible will help you find everything your pet needs before the move, like any nearby pet stores or veterinarians offices. It will also leave you and your pet more time to explore allowing you to discover some new parks and walking paths to enjoy.

 

Get your pet acclimated to their new home.

 

If possible make sure to visit the home with your pet a few times before the move. This will help them take in every new sight, sound or smell. If you can, have sleepovers with your pet before you move all of your furniture. Set up their bed, food dishes and toys with you when you visit. This will help them get used to the idea of the new place as part of their territory, and will make the transition smoother.

 

Make sure your pet is up-to-date on their vaccinations.

 

This is important for both their health and safety. New environments could potentially pose harm to your pet’s health if they aren’t fully up-to-date on their vaccines.

 

Have a safe place for your pet during the move.

 

You shouldn’t bring your pet along for the actual move. In fact, try to distance your pet from both homes while the work is done. Find a local friend, family member or pet-sitter to care for them on your moving day. If your pet sees their environment being torn down and moved around by strangers, it could make them incredibly anxious and they could even act erratically.

 

We hope you and your pet love their new home!

 

Following these tips will help you move homes more efficiently when you own a pet. Although the situation is bound to be a tad stressful, with some simple preparation you can make sure the transition is smooth for both you and your furry friend. If you have any other questions about the moving process, don’t hesitate to contact us!

Bring Your Gardening Hobby Indoors

Posted on by teamrealty

Bring Your Gardening Hobby Indoors

 

Just because the weather is getting cooler doesn’t mean your gardening hobby has to take a back seat. Luckily, there are many approaches you can take with a variety of different styles to make your indoor garden just as fabulous as outdoors. In this article, we’ll list some tips, tricks and ideas that could prove useful in the coming seasons.

 

First, choose a direction.

 

There are many directions you can take indoor gardening. 

 

  • Consider a vegetable garden. It’s a fun way to help cook delicious meals with your own produce.

 

  • Decorate your bathrooms with indoor plants, as it can freshen up the space. The moisture from hot showers and baths can also be healthy for them.

 

  • Low-maintenance succulents are becoming very popular in a variety of rooms.

 

  • Consider faux-plants if you live a busy lifestyle. You’d be amazed how life-like they’ve become.

 

  • Vines and other crawling plants can create a nice atmosphere if your home permits.

 

  • Putting plants in window-sills can help give them sunlight for their growth.

 

  • If you’re planting flowers, try to match them to the colour palette of the room.

 

Next, prepare for your indoor plants.

 

A logical place to start is with a pot or planter. Many different materials can make for effective planting containers, including terracotta, glazed ceramic, plastic or hypertufa. Just be sure that your pot has drainage holes in the bottom so that excess water can escape and roots don’t become waterlogged. Also make sure that any excess water drains or collects somewhere, and doesn’t damage your floors or create a slipping hazard.

 

Buy a good potting mix. Commercial mixes are widely available and generally provide everything plants need in terms of drainage, aeration, nutrients and water retention. If you’re making your own mix, just be sure to use materials that will promote good drainage while still retaining some moisture for the plants to absorb. A combination of peat moss, perlite, compost and sand can be a good starting point. 

 

Water your plants strategically. When it comes to watering your plants, the general rule is to water deeply but less often. This encourages roots to grow deep into the potting mix in search of moisture, which results in a healthier plant. Water until it begins to drain out the bottom of the pot, then empty the drainage tray. Let the top few inches of potting mix dry out before watering again.

 

Fertilize your plants regularly. Fertilizing is important for keeping your plants healthy and strong. For potted plants, it’s best to use a water-soluble fertilizer that can be mixed with water and applied to the plants on a regular basis.

 

Prune as needed. Pruning helps to encourage new growth, remove dead or damaged leaves and stems, and promote air circulation. When pruning, be sure to use clean, sharp shears or scissors. Don’t forget to disinfect your pruning tools before and after you use them.

 

Next, do your research!

 

Now that you’ve got an idea of what’s involved in maintaining an indoor garden, the next step is to do your research and decide which plants you’ll be incorporating into your home this season. No matter what direction you take, the addition of plants will likely improve your air quality and freshen up your home.

 

Plants are just one of the many ways to beautify your home, but are they best for staging your home for quick and profitable sale? Let us put you in touch with one of our experienced realtors so they can get your home looking it’s absolute best.

Fall Maintenance Checklist

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Fall Maintenance Checklist

 

It’s September, and fall is in full swing. As the seasons change, the national capital region will put a wide variety of colours on full display for us to enjoy. But while the leaves are beautiful, they can provide their own set of tasks to deal with. Your property will need some additional work in order to stay beautiful and come back to its fullest in the springtime. That’s why we’ve put together this fall maintenance checklist, so that you can keep your home and property in tip-top shape as the days get cool and blustery. If you follow these tips and tricks, you’ll see how a small effort can go a long way.

 

Inspect your gutters and downspouts.

 

As the leaves start to fall, they can quickly clog up your gutters and downspouts. You should check them at least once a month during the fall (and more often if you have many trees on your property). This, along with any residue left throughout the summer by critters and stray gusts of wind, could lead to water damage on your roof and sometimes flooding inside of your home. Fall and winter can bring a lot of rain and snow, which is why you want to be extra careful as there’s increased risk for water damage.

 

Rake leaves regularly.

 

While you’ll find this task on your spring checklist, it’s important to do several rounds in the fall as well. Your grass is still alive during the wintertime, it’s only gone dormant fighting to conserve precious nutrients. Not only can raking boost your curb appeal, but it also prevents rotting leaves and other debris from harming your lawn.

 

Fertilize, dethatch and aerate.

 

Fertilizing, dethatching and aerating are other ways you can care for your lawn during the fall. They will help keep your lawn healthy so that it can come back to its fullest during the springtime. Dethatching and aerating can both be done with a variety of machines and tools, likely widely available for rent and/or purchase.

 

Trim any overgrown branches.

 

Fall tends to be a pretty stormy season, so make sure you trim any overgrown branches that could cause damage if picked up by a strong gust of wind. Trimming these branches may also reduce the amount of leaves that fall on your lawn, which is an added benefit.

 

Keep cozy this season!

We hope that through following all of these tips and tricks, you and your and your household will be able to enjoy a comfortable, stress-free fall season! If you have any further questions about keeping your home in tip-top shape during the fall, don’t hesitate to contact us!

Summer Curb Appeal

Posted on by teamrealty

It’s Prime Curb Appeal Season!

 

Ottawa is a city full of natural beauty. From the outskirts to the city centre, you’re guaranteed to find green spaces and gardens full of colour around almost every corner. Now that summer is in full swing, it’s time to start thinking about your own curb appeal. It doesn’t matter whether you’re putting your home on the market, or just want to spruce up your yard for the season, we’ve summarized a few small tips and tricks that can make a big impact this year.

 

Yard Maintenance

 

A well-kept yard is typically a sign of a well-kept home. Trim back any overgrown plants or trees to help create a neater, more polished look. If you want to add a bit of colour to your yard, consider planting some annual flowers alongside your perennials. These will add a bright and cheerful touch to your garden that’s sure to impress. Also make sure your lawn is in tip-top shape by mowing regularly, pulling weeds and watering as needed. Consider installing a sprinkler system if your budget permits, this will help you save time and ensure your lawn stays healthy and green all summer long. If this sounds like too much maintenance for you, consider hiring a professional or creating a more low maintenance yard.

 

Home Exterior

 

The exterior surfaces of your home take up a lot of visual space on your property. Given that these surfaces can accumulate quite a lot of dirt and grime, it can cause gradual discolouration. One of the simplest ways to fix this is by pressure washing your siding. Doing this will immediately make your property look brighter and cleaner. If you don’t have a pressure washer, you can rent one from most hardware stores. Be sure not to be too close or use too high pressure as this can damage certain kinds of siding. (Please make sure you’re aware of any safety considerations before you begin). Consider repainting the front door and adding complementary potted plants to your front porch, as it can give a splash of strong colour to the public-facing side of your home. Also check to make sure that your home is well illuminated in the evening hours for optimal curb appeal.

 

Driveway

 

Your driveway is one of the first things people see and feel when they pull up to your home, so it’s important to make sure it’s in good condition. Start by giving both your driveway and walkways a good pressure washing. This will help remove any dirt or grime buildup. Once that’s been done, fill in any cracks or holes that may have developed over the winter. If you have an asphalt driveway, you may want to consider resealing it. This will help protect your driveway from the elements, and can prevent future cracking and damage.

 

Now, go make your home look its best!

By following these tips, you can give your home a quick summer facelift that will make a noticeable difference for your curb appeal. If you’re exploring the Ottawa real estate market and  would like more information regarding our services, please reach out! We’d be happy to help.

First Time Homebuyer Resources

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Your First Home is a Big Deal.

 

Buying your first home is monumental. It’s a huge financial investment and a major life milestone. Unfortunately, nowadays it’s more difficult than ever to make the purchase by yourself. Luckily, in a market as diverse and ever-evolving as ours, there are many resources available for first-time homebuyers. In this blog, we cover some of the different ways that people commonly seek financial aid. With proper use of the available systems, you’ll be able to find a great home within your budget. 

 

Government Incentives

 

There are many programs available through the government which can relieve some of the financial responsibility associated with buying your first home. We suggest looking into these options as one or many could be useful.

 

 

  • The “Home Buyers’ Amount” is a $5,000 claim to help those who qualify with legal fees, disbursements and land transfer taxes. 

 

  • The “Home Buyers’ Plan” allows you to “borrow” $35,000 from your retirement savings plan (RRSP), tax-free, to buy or build a qualifying home. These funds must be repaid to your RRSP within 15 years.

 

  • The “GST/HST New Housing Rebate” allows you to recover a portion of the GST or HST you paid upon purchase of a new construction home. 

 

  • If you’re new to Canada, there are many programs available that can help you buy your first home.

 

Third Party Assistance

 

There are other ways to lighten the financial burden that comes with buying your first home. If your situation permits, many parents are helping their children with their first downpayment, or subsequent mortgage payments. Co-ownership between parent and child is also an option, with full ownership being a future financial goal for the child. Parents should seek tax advice before proceeding. You might also research the option to renovate your basement and turn it into a legal apartment to help pay your mortgage and create potential future income. We suggest consulting experienced industry professionals such as mortgage brokers, financial advisors and REALTORS®, as they can help you find the right option within your budget.

 

Happy hunting!

 

Now that you have a better idea of the resources available, we hope you feel more confident and capable of taking on the challenge of buying your first home. Remember, this article is only a summary as there are likely other sources of financial assistance at your disposal, so do further research and consider which may be effective for your needs. Many of our trusted Royal LePage Team Realty REALTORS® specialize in helping first time home buyers so they are well equipped to help you navigate the challenges ahead.

Five Ways to Downsize Your Home

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When it comes to downsizing, many people naturally associate it with retirees or empty nesters. While there is no argument that that is a great time in life to look at the downsizing options available, in actuality, people of all ages and various lifestyles are choosing to downsize for a multitude of reasons, with all sorts of goals in mind. Whether you are looking to free up extra capital, lower monthly expenses, or reduce the amount of space in the home to fit your current needs, it’s important to remember that this is not a one size fits all project, and there are many downsizing solutions for everyone. There is no clear-cut guide on how your family should downsize, however, it is important to understand your motivations behind the decision to know the options available to you. With a reasonable end game in sight, downsizing appropriately will be a refreshing journey into the next chapter of your life. To get you started, here are some of the ways and reasons that residents in Ottawa and the surrounding areas are looking at downsizing today: 

FINDING A SMALLER HOME THAT SUITS YOUR NEEDS

Typically, when many of us think of downsizing, we see an image of “empty-nesters” saying goodbye to a large home in search of a new, smaller home to reside and pocketing the extra cash that the homes sale generates to fluff up any retirement savings. You do not need to be an empty-nester to choose this option though. In fact, many small families are enjoying smaller spaces to grow and enjoy life together. When choosing this option it is important to consider your needs, as sacrificing space may mean sacrificing possessions you will no longer be able to store. It is important to ensure you know what you are looking for before you begin your journey to find a smaller, more manageable home that meets your lifestyle needs.

REDUCING COST OF LIVING

Reducing everyday expenses and spending more economically are great strategies when it comes to saving money. Many people in recent years have ditched their home phones as cellular devices have become the new norm, cut television services in the wake of streaming apps, are more conscious about how they use energy, and mindfully cut back on their waste. All of these ways are excellent in terms of reducing costs in the home, but have you ever considered cutting back on your mortgage payments? One of the reasons people are looking to downsize today is to trim off the excess when it comes to the cost of housing. Selling your home to move into a smaller or less expensive house means putting more into your downpayment and lowering your monthly mortgage payments. Depending on how far into your mortgage you are, and the cost of the home you choose to relocate to, you may even be able to pay in cash and rid yourself of a mortgage payment altogether.

RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

Retirement or lifestyle communities for those aged 50+ are gaining much traction in Ottawa. They offer many different types of housing options including bungalows, townhouses, or apartments to choose from. These downsizing options are smaller in size, with enough space to accommodate couples. They also lack the more typical features of a suburban neighbourhood, including playgrounds and other amenities geared towards younger families. The neighbourhoods are generally quieter, but the social atmosphere among neighbours is robust. This is a great choice if you are looking to trade in the hustle and bustle of a family neighbourhood for a sense of community and belonging with a 50+ crowd.

BUYING A CONDOMINIUM

Many downsizers are looking to trade in the workload of owning a single-family home for the maintenance-free lifestyle and the many other conveniences that come with condo living. Downsizers are drawn to this option of homeownership because it offers a taste of luxury that single-family homes do not. With amenities such as swimming pools and saunas, theatres, security, and white-glove service, enjoying life at home will take on a completely new meaning. This option also works well for people who travel a lot for work or for pleasure. Locking up for extended periods of time will be no worry as many condominiums in Ottawa are turn-key, and regularly monitored by groundskeepers and security services. 


RENTING A CONDO OR APARTMENT

Selling your home to rent might feel strange, especially after being a homeowner for so long, but for those looking to downsize it is a viable option. Choosing not to purchase after selling frees up the equity in your home, and may make more sense financially for some people. Having this money in your pocket allows you to make other investments, achieve financial fitness, and live off of the income your investments generate in the meantime. This option also allows a maintenance-free lifestyle as major repairs and renovations will be covered by the landlord. Depending on where you want to live, there may be rental units that offer an array of amenities similar to those found in upscale condominium communities at no extra cost.

Before making the move to downsize, create a list of your concrete needs, and understand why it’s important to make this move. This is essential to ensure you don’t downsize into something that doesn’t meet your needs. For assistance, reach out to one of our knowledgeable and experienced Royal LePage TEAM Realty agents today. With their expertise, navigating this next adventure will be a walk in the park  – hopefully the park of your new neighbourhood! 

Turning Out The Lights on Wasted Energy

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How to Make Your Home Energy Efficient This Cold Season

Whether we like it or not, the cold weather months are just a stone’s throw away now. While some are looking forward to plush blankets, fuzzy socks, and cozy sweaters, others are dreading the bills they will receive once they have to turn the heater on.

It can feel like a frustrating game with no end in sight, trying to reduce your carbon footprint, conserve energy, and save a little money in the winter months, especially when your home is working against you. Fortunately, by planning ahead, there are many ways that you can make your home more efficient. With a few tips and tricks, and some regular maintenance, you will not only find yourself saving on your monthly energy bills, but spending less on replacing and repairing broken equipment. Here are some easy ways that you can reduce your wasted energy and be more efficient this winter. 

Turn off the lights

Turning off your lights when you leave the home might be a no-brainer by now. There is no sense wasting electricity and paying for something that you do not even use. However, are you remembering to turn your lights off as you leave each room during the day? Many of us get into the habit of leaving lights on in different rooms, even when we are not occupying them. By increasing our mindfulness about how leaving our lights on consumes energy, we can save on bills and extend the life of our lightbulbs.

Service Your Furnace

In order to keep your furnace working in tip top shape, and remaining as energy efficient as possible, there is one simple solution: maintenance. While replacing the filter every three months is an excellent first step, furnaces should be serviced by a professional annually. The service person will clean the parts that are not easily accessible to ensure it is working properly and as efficiently as possible. This simple task ultimately prolongs the lifespan of the equipment and saves you money month-to-month. 

Replace old light bulbs with LED

If you haven’t already hopped on the LED train, take this as a persuasive push to do so. LED lights may be more expensive than other types of light bulbs, but they have a very long life-span and reduce your energy consumption. LED lights have a heat sink built into the fixture that dissipates heat, which allows for more of the energy to be converted into light and less wasted. It also takes fewer lights to illuminate your space, meaning you won’t be running out to purchase them as frequently as other iridescent or halogen light bulbs, which actually produce way more heat than they do light.

Replace or Seal Old Windows and Doors

The most critical part of keeping your home comfortable and your energy bill down is ensuring an airtight seal around your doors and windows. Depending on their age and condition, you may notice a slight draft that changes the temperature in your home and ultimately makes your furnace pump into overdrive. An excellent door sweep and weather stripping installed on each window frame or door edge is an extra bit of insulation to keep the home temperature controlled, while allowing your overall energy efficiency to increase dramatically.

If your windows and doors are quite worn and these remedies do not provide an effective solution, it may be time to look into making a replacement. While the cost will be higher up front, you will benefit in the long term by upgrading the value of your home, and decreasing your monthly electric bills.

Get Smart

It is time to get smart with your home in terms of saving energy. Investing in a smart thermostat, automated lighting systems, and smart appliances can drastically reduce how much energy you consume and optimize the ways in which you consume it. These technologies have the ability to learn your routine, can detect when you are home or not, and allow you to schedule them to work according to your needs. A smart thermostat alone can reduce heating and cooling costs up to 15%. Many of these systems can additionally be accessed through an application on your smartphone, allowing you to control their functions from anywhere.

Your home is a place where you should feel safe, happy and comfortable. By being in more control over how you use energy in your life, you can help to curb any surprises on your monthly bills and keep maintenance costs to a minimum. While being more energy efficient may require a bit of cash upfront, in the long run you can feel good living economically and enjoying your home to the fullest. 

6 Things To Do Before Settling Into Your New Home

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Buying a home is an exciting time for both new home buyers and experienced buyers alike. It is a fresh start, with new walls to build your life within. However, once the move begins, things can feel stressful, frantic, and exhausting, especially if there’s extra work to be done while boxes are being piled one on top of another. To make your transition go smoothly, we have compiled a list of 6 things to do before settling into your home. This will undoubtedly save you time and energy that could be put to better use come moving day.

Update Your Information

Before officially moving into your new home, you should begin updating your address on your driver’s license, OHIP card, banking information, and any other services that require your place of residence on file. Additionally, you will want to inform your insurance providers to ensure that your home insurance is transferred and appropriate for your new home coverage. You will also want to touch base with utility companies before you move so that your home has electricity and gas set up under your accounts. Lastly, have any internet, phone, or television service providers in to get your systems up and running, primarily if you rely on a good connection to work from home. See here for a change of address checklist, to ensure you don’t miss informing anyone.

Make Your New Home Shine

Before the big day comes, set aside some time or hire a company to complete a deep clean of the home. Ensure high-touch surfaces are disinfected, carpets are steam-cleaned, appliances are cleaned out, and that every nook and cranny is spotless and ready for a new life. If the home’s colours aren’t in line with your decor or aesthetic, or you want to rid the home of any lingering smells from pets or smoke, take this time to add a fresh coat of paint to the walls. By the time you move in, it will feel like you were the first family ever to own the home, and the hustle of moving-day will be a breeze. 

Make a home maintenance schedule
Home maintenance should never be something you skip on when it comes to homeownership. Keeping a regular schedule will ultimately help you protect your investment, and hopefully, minimize any high-cost repairs you may have to do. You can begin the work for this as early as your home inspection report comes in, as it might contain suggestions for work or repairs that should be completed.

Create and organize a filing system for any manuals or instructions, with clear outlines on how frequently you should have large items or appliances serviced or replaced and when to conduct seasonal maintenance. This is also an excellent opportunity to do your research and find a list of local plumbers, electricians, exterminators, landscapers, or snow removal companies that you may need to use in the future. 

Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
It is good practice for every homeowner to frequently check both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are in good working order. Before moving into your home, checking or replacing existing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors or their batteries should be one of the first items to check off your list. Home Safety experts recommend changing the batteries every 6 months, so make sure to mark it on your calendar for semi-annual maintenance to be completed. If you are unsure how to test your systems, your local fire department may have some tips or offer free inspections.

Change Your Locks
Getting keys in hand for your new home on closing day is easily one of the best feelings when buying a new house. Everything is real, and a new adventure is about to begin. But for safety reasons, the passing on of keys should stay ceremonial. You never know how many copies of your house keys have been made and how many people may still have them in hand. This can be an easy fix by installing new deadbolts yourself or by calling a locksmith in to do it for you. Make sure if you get copies made that you only give them to necessary persons, and write them down, so you don’t lose track. 

Get Familiar With Your Home
Once you become a homeowner, it is essential to get familiar with the systems in your home. Take the time to understand how everything works. Locate the furnace, air conditioning system, circuit breaker, and the home’s main water shut-off valve. Take note of these things during your walkthrough with your REALTOR ® or home inspector, and once in your home, inspect them yourself or hire someone to do a secondary inspection with you so that you know how best to care for your home and protect your investment.