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One Of The First Things You Should Do After Moving Into Your New Home

Reblogger Kathy Streib
Home Stager

There's more to maintaining a home and keeping it clean than sweeping, vacuuming and dusting.  My favorite New Hampshire Stager, Sharon Tara, has written an excellent post on what you should do when moving into your new home.  And, even if you haven't just moved, read the list anyway.  If you haven't cleaned or changed filters or ever checked your dryer vents, please read on.

This is not just a "to do" list, it's a must do list because not doing it could also impact your family's health. 

Original content by Sharon Tara

What's One Of The First Things You Should Do After Moving Into Your New Home?

 

You've just moved, and the last thing you need is me adding to your "to-do" list.  But this is something many homeowners don't think of and it could become a serious problem if neglected.

If the previous owners didn't follow manufacturers' suggested maintenance on their appliances, you could be the one paying the price.

 

water filter

 

When we moved into our home earlier this year I wasn't happy with the taste of the water that dispensed from the refrigerator door.

 My husband checked the filter, and the filter was disgusting.  

This type of filter is supposed to be changed every six months.

Based on it's appearance, we weren't sure it had ever been changed.

A dirty, clogged filter can cause serious damage to your refrigerator and is a threat to your family's health.

We replaced the filter and the water tastes great and flows much faster now.


Another area to check is under the refrigerator.  In order to run efficiently, the coils must be cleaned regularly.  

 Here's what we found when we checked under ours:

dirty refrigerator coils

 It requires 25% more energy to run the refrigerator when the coils are covered in dust.


What about the other appliances??

Some washing machines have water filters that need changing.

Lint-clogged dryer exhaust vents are the #1 cause of dryer fires.  Manufacturers recommend cleaning at least once a year to be sure your dryer is operating efficiently and to prevent fires.

 

Cleaning Tip for greasy stove hood filters:

vents in pan of water

Boil water in a very large pan.  Add 1/2 Cup Baking Soda....very slowly (a spoonful at a time) because it will fizz.  Place stove hood filter in boiling water and continue to boil about 5 mins.  All the grease will melt away.  Rinse under hot water and let air dry.

 

One of the first things you should do after moving is

check all appliances, heating/AC systems, and water/air purifiers for filters that need cleaning or replacement.

 It could extend the life of the product, protect the health of your family, and save you time and money.

 

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Posted by

Kathy Streib
Retired Home Stager
and Interior Redesign

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Comments(16)

Kristin Johnston - REALTOR®
RE/MAX Platinum - Waukesha, WI
Giving Back With Each Home Sold!

Morning!  Great tips, and you just reminded me that I should really probably clean my filters in my oven hood! Thanks!

Jul 15, 2012 10:37 PM
Edward & Celia Maddox
The Celtic Connection Realty - Queen Creek, AZ
EXPERIENCE & INTEGRITY - WE TAKE THE HIGH ROAD

Some very good suggetions.  Most people overlook these items.

Jul 15, 2012 11:28 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Very good selection for a re-blog.

Have an outstanding week with your camera in hand.

Jul 15, 2012 11:36 PM
Joanna Cohlan
Fresh Eyes For Your Home - Chappaqua, NY
Designing, Decorating & Staging Westchester Homes

Great re-blog Kathy and I am definitely afraid to look under my fridge-no wonder I sneeze every time I look for ice cream!

Jul 16, 2012 12:06 AM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

Thanks for the reblog Kathy!  I never thought the post would get so much attention, but I'm happy it is!

Jul 16, 2012 12:40 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Kristin- I love Sharon's list.  I remember when we moved into one of our first houses I scrubbed everything even though the former owners left the house very clean.  

Edward & Celia- we all do unless you have it on some kind of calendar to do.  

Roy- I intend to!  Skies are overcast to day so may have to make some adjustments.

Joanna- oh how funny!  We do keep our water filter changed but I need to attack the hood filter. 

Sharon- it's a great post and highlights things a lot of us forget!!!

Jul 16, 2012 01:13 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Oh my goodness, that totally grossed me out. Happy to say we replace our filters every six months. The little light goes off and notifies us that's it is time.  I too need to attack the filter on our range hood - geez thanks ( I think) for the reminder Kathy. ( And Sharon). :)

Jul 16, 2012 03:51 AM
Barbara-Jo Roberts Berberi, MA, PSA, TRC - Greater Clearwater Florida Residential Real Estate Professional
Charles Rutenberg Realty - Clearwater, FL
Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Clearwater, Safety Harbor

A great choice for a reblog that I would have missed! thanks!

Jul 16, 2012 04:33 AM
Kwee Huset
Kwee Huset Realty - Venice, FL
Venice Florida Homes For Sale

Hi Kathy, thanks for the reblog, otherwise I would have missed the great information.

Jul 16, 2012 05:04 AM
Broker Patty Da Silva Da Silva
Green Realty Properties® - 954-667-7253 - Cooper City, FL
Top Listing Broker

Super tips that I know don't cross most people's minds! Thank you! We'll definitely share with buyers.

Jul 16, 2012 08:39 AM
Debbie Reynolds, C21 Platinum Properties
Platinum Properties- (931)771-9070 - Clarksville, TN
The Dedicated Clarksville TN Realtor-(931)320-6730

That is really good to know and things that would not readily be on people's minds to check.

Jul 16, 2012 10:36 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Debb-I thought Sharon put together a good "to do" list.

BarbaraJo- I love reblogs!  So many times I would have missed some good info were it not for the reblogs.

Kwee- I think everybody will be cleaning their filters this week.

Patty- I think it's a great list fo Realtors to have in a packet for their buyers.

Debbie- we keep the water filter's changed but I have to check our range filter.

 

Jul 16, 2012 11:07 AM
Cheryl Ritchie
RE/MAX Leading Edge www.GoldenResults.com - Huntingtown, MD
Southern Maryland 301-980-7566
That is a really good reblog selection. You would not think of some of these items.
Jul 16, 2012 06:23 PM
Rob Arnold
Sand Dollar Realty Group, Inc. - Altamonte Springs, FL
Metro Orlando Full Service - Investor Friendly & F

Great tips.  It is amazing how many people do not change or at least clean their filters.  I've seen AC units that did not have filters on them for years. 

Jul 17, 2012 11:44 PM
Rob Arnold
Sand Dollar Realty Group, Inc. - Altamonte Springs, FL
Metro Orlando Full Service - Investor Friendly & F

Florida flag  Featured Article- Florida Real Estate Investors group

Jul 17, 2012 11:46 PM
Melissa Marro
Keller Williams First Coast Realty - The Marro Team - Orange Park, FL
Jacksonville Real Estate and Home Staging

Such great advice!! Thanks Tara for writing it and Kathy for reposting!

Aug 26, 2012 02:00 AM