Before you move into your new home

Moving into a new home is an life experience that few people describe as "fun." But with our tips of things to do before you move in, you'll be ready when the furniture arrives.

The move can totally consume you for a long time: planning, packing, moving, cleaning.

When you arrive in your new home, you're faced with even more challenges. It may seem a small thing to decide where to put the best china or everyday dishes, but after all the work moving out of the old home, the last thing you need is another big decision or another major project.

But doing some work to your new home right away will make moving in feel great.

If you're moving into a new house, you may not need to do anything at all. Lucky you!

But if you've bought a home with carpet you hate, you're probably thinking that it has to go. Should you wait until you're moved in, or tackle the job now?

You may decide that it's too much to think about right now, that you should leave the decision about replacement for later after you've settled in. You may not have the budget or time to do anything but move. But be sure to weigh in the "cost" to you in both hassle and time if you wait to do a necessary project at a later date.