People move for a variety of reasons such as downsizing, switching jobs, or looking for more space for a growing family. McAvey Moving Company is a residential mover in Westchester County that helps clients with all matters directly involved with moving, such as packing, storage or moving.

There are other related matters to consider. For example, what is the likelihood that your new home is exactly as you would like? If it is not, should you renovate before or after moving in?

An empty house saves the hassle of having to move or protect furniture for a project. Additionally, family members do not have to breathe in dust from demolition debris or paint fumes. Would your project go faster or be less costly if your home were without furniture or people? Floor sanding, closet shelving or mold remediation serve as examples of such projects that might be more suitable prior to moving.

A lived-in house provides the benefit of better information such as light patterns, traffic flow, sound, and ambient temperatures. Discovering hidden problems is more likely with first-hand observation. These are examples of when delaying a project until after moving are beneficial.

Other factors to consider include:

  • Are contractors available?
  • Are zoning permits backlogged?
  • Is lead time needed to order material?
  • Is any demolition work needed?
  • Does weather restrict work?

Sorting out change of address notifications, utility accounts, or internet service provider make sense to complete prior to moving in.

It might be helpful to segregate into four broad categories – safety, structural, aesthetic, or functional – to help prioritize:

  • Safety – locks, alarms, smoke detectors, childproofing or pet proofing
  • Structural – electrical, plumbing, insulation, climate control, solar
  • Cosmetic – painting, cabinetry, flooring, hardware, deep clean
  • Operational – closets, garage, home office repurposing, utilities, address notification

Certain projects may be difficult to limit to a single category. An electrical problem could fall into all four of the above groups. We offer the above framework only to help focus sequencing.

A broken exterior lock or dated smoke detector imposes unnecessary risk – why live with it? You might need to childproof or pet-proof the home before or as soon as you move in. A roof replacement or significant demolition might make your house unlivable. Complete this type of project prior to moving, if possible.

The weather or seasons could influence the urgency of a project. Insulation, window replacement or a HVAC upgrade could be expedited depending on the time of year.

Your house may have electricity that works perfectly well. However, you might benefit from adding dedicated circuits for additional high-draw appliances, such as a toaster or a microwave. Extending outdoor water or electrical supply might be prompted by a change in usage pattern.

With more remote work options, you may want to repurpose that extra bedroom into a home office. It could be as simple as changing furniture, improving lighting or adding a more robust Internet service.

Kitchen Upgrades

From preparing meals, to doing homework, to hosting guests, the kitchen may be the most heavily trafficked room in a house. A paint job or cabinet refinishing could spruce things up. A more extensive project might involve knocking down walls, changing countertops or integrating to your deck. Replace appliances before moving in unless your eating out options are acceptable while a stove is out of commission.

Modernize the bathroom

For many, the day begins or ends in the bathroom. Do you have multiple users whose schedules overlap prompting the need for a powder room? How are hooks, storage, ventilation, or lighting? Would you enjoy heated flooring?

The typical bathroom is 5 feet by 8 feet. Do you have additional room or is spacing a premium? When it comes to bathrooms, there are many options. After moving in, you will get a better sense of water pressure levels or usage patterns.

That knowledge might translate to better planning for a bathroom renovation.

Major versus Minor

In general, a simple project is better prior to moving in while a more complex one is better after moving in. Why? Well, there is less downside to the former compared to the latter. Living in a space provides more opportunity for observation and with that, reflection.

The importance of any project is subjective, influenced by personal preferences. Your budget and timing constrain your options. Some projects become more economical when done all at once or bundled to save overhead or time.

Stretch your budget further by doing (certain) things yourself. However, be realistic – avoid taking on tasks requiring specific skills or equipment. Vet the professionals you select. The most expensive projects typically involve replacing or completing shoddy work poorly provided by “cheap” contractors.

The same is true when it comes to time to move. Do it yourself if you can and your budget limits you. Otherwise, work with a residential mover in Westchester County that has a solid reputation and years of proven, capable service. Remember, to move the right way, call McAvey.

We can be reached at (914) 747-1533 or provide your contact information and we will reach out to you.