DYI Home Improvements To Make Before Moving In

Congratulations on your new home! Whether you’re upgrading, downsizing, or relocating to a new city, moving into a new house is an exciting chapter. But before the moving truck arrives, it’s the perfect time to tackle some essential DIY home improvement projects that are much easier to do in a space.

Before moving in, make the new house your own with a few simple changes. 

Why Make Home Improvements Before You Move In?

Tackling key home upgrades before you move in not only saves time but also helps prevent damage to your furniture and makes your move-in day smoother. From repainting to security updates, these easy home improvements can help you make the space truly your own.

Not in love with the bright fuchsia walls in your new dining room? Usually, half of the painting process is moving all the furniture out (and back into) the room you are trying to redecorate. Take advantage of the empty room and paint the walls before all your furniture arrives. Although it might seem like a hassle, painting before move-in will save you a lot of time in the long run.

🎨 1. Paint Before the Furniture Arrives

If the walls aren’t your style—whether they’re too bold or too beige—repainting before moving in is one of the smartest moves you can make. It’s far easier to paint an empty room than one full of boxes and furniture.

Tip: Choose neutral paint colors to create a fresh, clean canvas and boost resale value down the road.

🧱 2. Repair Walls and Replace Flooring

Patch holes, fix drywall damage, and replace worn-out carpet or outdated flooring while rooms are still empty. You’ll avoid the hassle of moving furniture around twice and have peace of mind knowing your home is move-in ready.

Pro tip: If you’re upgrading to hardwood or luxury vinyl flooring, doing it before you move will save major labor and dust cleanup later.

🔐 3. Change the Locks and Improve Security

You never know how many copies of the key are out there from previous homeowners. Take control of your home’s security by replacing locks and updating exterior door hardware. This is a small investment that brings peace of mind.

Consider installing smart locks or a video doorbell to modernize your home’s security from the start.

🧰 4. Check the Roof and Gutters

Before you bring in your furniture and electronics, schedule a roof inspection to check for loose shingles, leaks, or flashing issues. Water damage can be expensive and disruptive, so it’s best to address roofing problems before you move in.

Also, clean the gutters conditions, and ensure downspouts are directing water away from your foundation.

💡 5. Upgrade Lighting and Outlets

Outdated lighting and insufficient outlets are common issues in older homes. Before move-in, swap out old fixtures, upgrade to energy-efficient LED bulbs, and consider installing smart switches or USB outlets for added convenience.

🧽 Bonus: Deep Clean Everything

Keyword focus: deep clean before moving in, pre-move cleaning tips

No matter how spotless the home looks, it’s worth doing a deep cleaning before you bring in your belongings. Scrub floors, appliances, cabinets, and bathrooms thoroughly.

Consider hiring a professional move-in cleaning service for peace of mind and a fresh start.

✅ Pre-Move DIY Home Improvement Checklist

🏡 Ready to Move?

Prepping your new home is just one part of the equation. Whether you’re moving to or from Minneapolis, St. Paul, Mankato, Rochester, or La Crosse, our professional team at Piepho Moving & Storage is ready to help you every step of the way.

Contact Us

Visit Piepho Moving & Storage today for more information regarding moving to or from Minneapolis, St. Paul, Mankato, Rochester, and La Crosse, Wisconsin! Receive a free moving quote from our professional team.