You know I have spoken to many skeptical friends and some even though they have different backrounds have all had some experiences with houses being haunted.
In the research I have done with mediums and other friends in the field of "ghosting" as I call it I have learned one major thing is that whenever you move always always always bless the home. Even before you put your furniture in it.
The main thing is claiming the space for your own.
Three easy steps to keeping entities away are as follows and you do not have to be schooled in the arts of any religion or witch craft.
items to always have on hand
1. sea salt
2. sage
3. white candles
put sea salt around the house - windows, corners, doors and your property line including side walks.
burn sage in these areas as well
keep white candles lit during this and just think positive warm thoughts and gently ask the spirits to respect your home. You may have to command them to leave in some cases but as long as you keep fear at bay and are stern and positive in thought you can get them to go.
Fear is the main reason many "bad" ones stay. Feeding off that fear and causing you stress = more energy for them to steal from you.
In other cases they stay from an attachment. Asking them to go to the white light or in my case when I have had them I ask them to go to their 'space." Some will not go to a white light.
Also bless them. Say you are blessing them. Wish them good and send them away. Even bad ones. Kind of like that bible saying "to love thy enemy."
that is all for now.
Blessings.