Key ways to ensure a healthy home before you move in

Image credit: Erika Wittlieb from Pixabay

Moving into a new home means having to complete a lot of tasks, from cleaning both your old and new properties to getting all of your things moved. Before you move into your new home, whether bought or rented, it's also a good idea to check a few things to ensure it's a healthy environment. Whether you're moving in alone or with your family, you need the property to be safe. There are a few things that you might want to check before you move into a new home to make sure it's a safe and healthy place to live.

Ensure Safety Checks Have Been Carried Out
There are certain safety checks that should be carried out to ensure a property is safe. If you're moving into a rented home, it's the landlord's job to check that things like the gas supply and any gas appliances, as well as the electrics, are safe to use. If you're buying a home, you might want to know if the previous owners have carried out any of these checks recently. If not, it could be time to do them. When buying a home, carrying out a survey will also help to pick up on any structural issues that could be dangerous.

Carry Out Tests for Contaminants
There are various contaminants in and around a home that could pose a danger to you and your family. You might want to carry out meth testing if you're unsure about what previous activity might have taken place in the property. It's a good idea to check if there is any asbestos on the property as anything containing asbestos has a risk of shedding. Another thing that you might want to look for is radon gas. Radon is naturally occurring but can build up in your home and lead to health problems, such as lung cancer.

Image credit: Christelle Prieur from Pixabay

Check Safety Devices (Such as Smoke Alarms)
The safety devices in your home should all be working well. If they're already present in the home, you need to make sure they're working properly. If you're moving into a new home that doesn't have things like smoke alarms or carbon monoxide detectors, you should install them before you move in. You can then feel assured that you'll know if anything is wrong, whether there's a fire or a carbon monoxide leak. It's important to check these devices regularly too.

Control Moisture and Look Out for Mold
Too much moisture in your home can result in damp and mold. Before you move into a new home, consider how you can control moisture levels and whether the property is designed well to help you do that. You might need to look for any cracks in walls or near windows and doors to prevent air and moisture from getting in. Make sure you direct downspouts away from the property and ensure there is good ventilation to help moisture escape.

Before moving into your new home, check these important things to ensure your home is healthy for your family.