13 Easy DIY Home Repairs to Take On After Moving In

Whether you’re moving into a fixer-upper in Seattle or a newer home in Nashville, a new home can come with quite the to-do list. Calling contractors and specialists might save you time and stress, but it’ll leave a dent in your budget. You’d be surprised how many DIY home repairs you can do yourself with just a few tools. Here are 13 simple repairs you can tackle yourself as you settle into your new home.”

1. Patch small holes in your home’s walls

Tools needed: 

• Spackle
• Putty knife
• Paint

If your home’s previous owner mounted a TV or hung pictures and decorations, there’s a decent chance that some small nail holes were left behind. A little spackle, a putty knife, and some touch-up paint are all you need to make the walls look brand new. More extensive drywall damage might need to be patched with joint compound.

2. Touch up scuffed paint

Tools needed: 

• Paint
• Small brush or roller
• Painter’s tape

Little scuffs and chips in paint are easy to fix but make a big difference in how clean your home looks. Keep small cans of matching paint on hand and touch up as needed. Use a small brush or roller for seamless blending. This keeps your walls looking fresh without a full repaint.

3. Fix leaky faucets

Tools needed:

• Screwdriver
• Wrench
• O-rings or washers

Leaky faucets are not only a nuisance, but they can also contribute to a higher water bill. Most leaks can be fixed by replacing the washer or O-ring, which costs just a few dollars and takes less than an hour.

4. Replace worn-out weather stripping in doors and windows

Tools needed:

• Weather stripping
• Utility knife or scissors
• Tape measure
• Screws
• Screwdriver

Weather stripping around doors and windows can go a long way when it comes to insulating your home, but worn-out strips can let in drafts and raise energy bills.. Replace old weather stripping with new strips to improve comfort and lower your utility bills. It’s an easy DIY home repair that doesn’t require a lot of time or tools.

5. Repair a running toilet

Tools needed: 

• Replacement flapper
• Pliers
• Towel

A constantly running toilet might go unnoticed when you initially move in, but you’ll want to address it quickly so it doesn’t waste water and run up your bill. Often, the culprit is a worn-out flapper that needs replacing. To fix this, simply turn off the water supply, swap in a new flapper (which you can find at a hardware store), and turn the water back on. In just a few minutes, the problem is solved

6. Tighten loose cabinet handles and hinges

Tools needed: 

• Screwdriver
• New screws or handles (if necessary)

Loose cabinet knobs and handles are easy to overlook but just as easy to fix. Use a screwdriver to tighten screws or replace them if they’re stripped. You can even swap outdated hardware for a more modern look. This small change makes your kitchen or bathroom feel refreshed without an invasive overhaul or remodel.

7. Unclog slow drains

Tools needed: 

• Drain snake
• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Hot water

While it might be tempting to call a plumber when drainage issues arise in your home, the solution might actually be within reach. Before calling in the pros, try clearing bathroom and kitchen drains yourself. Often, a drain snake or a simple baking-soda-and-vinegar mix does the trick.

8. Stop doors from squeaking

Tools needed: 

• WD-40 or petroleum jelly
• Screwdriver
• Rag

No one likes squeaky doors in their home, but they’re surprisingly easy to fix. Simply spray a little WD-40 or apply petroleum jelly to the hinges and swing the door back and forth to work it in. If that doesn’t get the job done, try tightening the screws on your door’s hinges. This quick repair instantly makes your home feel quieter and more polished.

9. Replace burned-out light bulbs with LEDs

Tools needed: 

• LED lightbulbs
• Step stool or ladder

The right lighting can transform any home. Swapping out old bulbs for LEDs saves money and brightens every room. Choose bulbs that match the light tone you want, whether that’s warm lighting for cozy spaces or cooler for kitchens and bathrooms. LEDs last much longer than traditional bulbs, meaning fewer trips up the ladder. It’s one of the simplest DIY energy upgrades you can make.

10. Check and replace air filters

Tools needed: 

• New air filter
• Screwdriver

Many DIY home projects are apparent to the naked eye, but new air filters are easy to overlook. Replacing filters improves your home’s air quality while keeping your HVAC system running efficiently. Most filters slide right out of a panel in your furnace or wall unit. Check the size before buying replacements. Filters should be changed every 1-3 months, depending on factors like usage and whether you have pets. It’s a simple habit that can provide major health and comfort benefits.

11. Silence creaky wood floors

Tools needed: 

• Talcum powder or powdered graphite
• Broom
• Cloth

Hardwood floors add character to any home, but creaky floors can make your home sound old and worn out. Luckily, there’s a simple fix. Sprinkle some talcum powder or powdered graphite between the boards and sweep it into the cracks. This can help lubricate the wood so the floorboards don’t rub noisily against each other. It’s a quick trick that brings peace and quiet back to your home.

12. Clean your dryer vent

Tools needed: 

• Vacuum (with hose attachment)
• Dryer vent brush
• Screwdriver

Lint buildup in dryer vents is a major fire hazard, so this task should be a priority right after moving in. Disconnect the vent hose and use a vacuum or vent brush to remove lint. Make sure the outside vent is clear as well. This improves dryer efficiency and helps keep your home safe.

13. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Tools needed: 

• Step stool
• Replacement batteries

Safety should always come first. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors by holding the button down until the alarm sounds. If the alarm doesn’t sound, it’s time for a change of batteries. Make sure you replace the batteries at least once a year and swap out detectors every 10 years. It’s a five-minute task that dramatically improves the safety of your home.

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