The Ultimate Checklist for Moving Into a New House

Buying a new home can be one of the most exciting and anxiety-inducing experiences. But after signing on the dotted line, all the paperwork, packing, and other tasks can put a hold on any celebrations. Ticking off the tasks on this moving into a new house checklist will help keep you on track before, during, and after getting the keys. It provides peace of mind so you can pop the champagne, kick back, and enjoy your new pad. 

Before Moving Day

Smart planning in the months and weeks before your move-in date is key to keeping things running smoothly. Below are some key tasks to consider as part of a moving-out checklist.

• Schedule to set up or take over utilities when moving house (typically includes water, electricity, and gas and services like internet, TV services, and home insurance)

• Update your address (send notice to your bank, voter registration, subscription services, social security, Medicare, Department of Motor Vehicles, etc.) 

• Set up a temporary mail forwarding service

• Declutter your home to avoid filling your new space with unnecessary items

• Schedule time off work for the move

• Confirm movers if you hire a local moving company rather than loading a rental truck yourself

• Procure packing supplies

• Begin boxing up your belongings

• Deep clean your old home

• Book a sitter for pets or young kids

• Stock up on water (moving is hot and heavy work)

Moving Day

When moving day rolls around, adding these items to your to-do list will help you relax at the end of the day, knowing that you’ve ticked off all the urgent tasks.

• Child and pet-proof your new home

• Inspect home for hazards such as loose floorboards or nails, leaks, and signs of mold

• Locate water shut-off valve and circuit breaker box

• Reprogram remote access devices and update security system codes

• Test electrics, plumbing, HVAC systems, and appliances

• Unpack essentials

• Tip movers (10% to 20% is standard to recognize a job well done)

First Week After Moving In

While you don’t want to burn out by tackling too much in the first day or two after moving in, getting to these tasks within a week will keep your house safe and secure.  

• Deep clean the house or hire a local cleaning company 

• Unpack one room at a time

• Change locks and consider updating or installing a security system 

• Make spare keys as necessary

• Test smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide detectors or install new ones

• Check trash and recycling collection points or pickup days

• Familiarize yourself with the neighborhood, including emergency services and essential suppliers

First Month After Moving In

This is the time to turn your new house into a home. You’ll want to put together a non-urgent home maintenance checklist, including seasonal and annual improvement and repair tasks. Some of these may include:

• Cleaning out gutters

• Arranging a chimney inspection

• Inspecting the HVAC system

• Cleaning air filters

Essential Supplies for Moving Into a New Home

There’s no need to unpack a seemingly never-ending pile of boxes on your first night in your new home. Instead, organize boxes of everyday essentials to open first. These can help you get things clean and comfy on your first few nights.

While this part of the move-in checklist will depend on your priorities and family setup, the items below will help you get started.

Bathroom

• Bath towels

• Hand towels

• Toilet paper

• Hand wash or soap

• Toilet cleaner

• Toilet brush

• Toiletries and medications

Bedrooms

• Pillows

• Mattress protectors

• Bed linens

• Lamps

Kitchen

• Sponges

• Dish soap

• Disinfectant

• Basic cooking supplies

• Chopping board

• Cutting knife

• Basic cutlery

• Paper towels

• Dish towels

• Saucepan

• Wooden spoon

• Wine opener

• Kettle

• Tea and coffee

• Milk

• Can opener

• Trash cans and bags

• Scissors

Other Essentials

• Extension cables

• Phone chargers

• Tablet or laptop 

• Changes of clothes

• Pajamas

• Slippers

• Dustpan and broom

• Multitool

• Utility knife

• Flashlight

• First aid kit

• Important paperwork

• Supplies for children or pets if you have them