Moving into new house next week. What to do first?

[Ellisisland]

We exchanged today and complete next week. I am very excited ! Scrimped and saved for the deposit and have some savings to spend on new carpets etc. Currently in rented and have the rented property for a few more weeks yet so will be able to get the new house ready for moving in. So my question is; once I get the keys what do I do first?! DH will be redoing the wooden floors downstairs so that's one job organised but I really want to get the kids bedrooms sorted (have two DS'),but then I think we need curtains, and what about cleaning ....oh and the walls will need painting ...and I don't know where to start! Any ideas would be gratefully received

[BackforGood]

Well, it's going to depend on the state of the house.
You say dh is going to 'redo the wooden floors' - how many? how much dust will that create? How long will it take?
Are there any other jobs that will disrupt the walls? - having extra sockets put in, etc? If so I'd do that before paint, but if you are decorating, you might want to get started with the preparation now, whilst the floors are being done.
Cleaning will need to be done after DIY and decorating - but then, if it is a real state, it may need to be done first as well.
If you are wanting new curtains / blinds then you'll need to make sure you've got the measurements and may need to get rails / poles fitted, but wouldn't want to hang curtains until later. If you are having them made or needing to order odd sizes, then you'll need to do that in advance.
I wouldn't put new carpets down until you've done almost everything else - you don't want workman boots traipsing across nor risking splashes of paint.

[didireallysaythat]

The first thing I'd do is make sure your attic is as insulated as it can be. You don't want to be dragging old carpet out of a loft (that's what people before us used to insulate) and then rolls of new insulation through a newly decorated and carpeted house. Dull I know but I like a warm house that doesn't cost a fortune to heat.

[Ellisisland]

Thanks lost my password so only just got back on to mumsnet! Thanks for the replies. Hadn't thought of any of your points so very glad I asked!

[maggiso]

How exciting!
If the wooden floor is being sanded - that creates loads of dust, tht gets everywhere - so do that first. Then expect to clean it up several times. ( seal the non sanded rooms off). You may need to have a spring clean early on, and see what can be kept. If you want all new carpets - possibly the underlay may not need replacing if in good condition and of good quality (and no allergies so think about)- so its good to check on that first. Carpets are easier to put in before the furniture arrives, (but before painting) so you may need to order them sooner ( you usually have to wait a week or two for delivery and fitting)
We moved recently and have put simple plain (inexpensive) blinds up for privacy- until we can save for curtains -and decide on colours etc. -there are tiles we cannot change - but that is not a problem if you have a blank canvas. If you are getting new power points put in - check if you need new light fittings so it can be sorted whilst the electrician is on site- and before redecoration.
Good luck!

[maggiso]

I meant after painting!! (being hassled by Ds)

[Brown76]

Ours went in this order:

1. Electrical work (new sockets, light fittings etc as may need to take up floorboards and channel into walls).
   
2. Plumbing/pipe work, moving radiators/new boiler/fireplaces.
   
3. Wooden floors
   
4. Any windows or doors that need work
   
5. Plastering/decorating
   
6. Carpeting
   
7. Furniture/curtains/pictures up etc

[FrostNixon]

Knowing what I know now I agree with some of these posts:

1. Get to know your boiler/plumbing/heating system NOW. Get it all professionally looked at. Could save you thousands down the line.
   

1. Good look at the electrics.
   

1. Loft insulation. Worth its weight in gold. Also good place to see if any mice etc up there.