New Homeowner Checklist: 10 Things You Need to Do Right When You Move In

Moving in is exciting, but it’s a lot of work. Loading up the truck, driving it, unpacking at your new home, arranging everything… at the end of the day, you just want to sit back and relax.

But moving goes beyond unpacking your belongings. There are several steps you need to take right away for a smooth move. Don’t forget to do these 10 things once you move in!

1. Turn On Your Utilities

First of all, you want running water and electricity — such as electricity, gas, and water — before you move in. Call your utility providers and ask them to transfer service to your new location for your move-in date.

The process may differ depending on your local provider. Check with them to make sure you understand the process and how far in advance you must schedule the utility transfer.

2. Separate Your Pets and Keep Them Comfortable

Moving isn’t fun for pets. In fact, it’s scary. And even if you have brave animals, you don’t want to step on, trip over, or drop anything on them.

Before you move to tip #3, set up a little pet zone in the furthest possible room from your bedroom and bathroom. Provide your pet with food, water, toys, blankets, and other relevant items. 

Then, check on them every so often to make sure they’re doing alright and they haven’t gone missing.

3. Unpack Your Essential Items

Once you arrive, the first think you should do is unpack all your essentials. 

This will mostly entail items meant for your bathroom and bedroom — the former because you’ll need to shower after moving all day, and the latter so you have a comfortable place to sleep at the end of a long day.

For your bedroom, unpack and assemble your bed if necessary. Get your pillows and blankets, too. 

For the bathroom, make sure you’ve got your shower products and toiletries.

4. Set Up and Beef Up Security (locks and security system)

With your essentials in place, its time to secure your home. Change the locks and garage codes because you don’t want the previous homeowners to have any access.

If your home came with a security system, find out how to change the codes and contact the security company to get everything set.

If your home didn’t come with a system, you may consider purchasing one yourself. You don’t have to do this right away, though.

5. Set Up Your Internet Connection

Internet’s important to set up quickly as well. If your security system uses Wi-Fi — perhaps it has cameras — you’ll need your Internet connection working.

Of course, if your work from home in any capacity, getting online helps you get back to work with minimal use of your personal time.

6. Change Your Mailing Address For All Relevant Services

Fortunately, you can change your mailing address online with USPS. Still, you can’t be sure they’ll get everything to you, and not all of your mail will be forwarded.

Err on the side of caution by updating your address with all relevant entities — banks, credit card companies, subscription services, Amazon, etc.

7. Grab Some Snacks and Drinks

Moving all day saps the energy and works up a thirst. Plus, you might be obligated to compensate friends and family for their moving help. 

But its nearly impossible to cook when your things are everywhere and your cookware is still packed.

Consider packing snacks and drinks ahead of time. Alternatively, you could grab some pizza or takeout. Thanks to the modern-day smartphone, there’s no need to leave your new place for food — just order it for delivery.

8. Check the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Check all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors the day you move in. Make sure they’re all plugged in and in good condition. Change the batteries in all units in case the previous owners left dead batteries in them. If any are broken, replace them with new units. 

Spending a little extra time and money on these detectors is worth the protection and peace of mind.

9. Find Your Circuit Box, Review Appliance Manuals, and Understand Emergency Shutoffs

Understanding the inner workings of your home as soon as possible is essential. Find all your emergency shutoffs and circuit breakers. Label all circuits if not already done so so you know where they all go.

Additionally, make sure you have manuals on hand for all your appliances. Store these in a safe, organized location.

10. Meet Your Neighbors

By this point, you should be partially, if not mostly settled in to your new home. Your neighbors may have also invited themselves over, bearing gifts in the form of snacks or drinks. 

But if not, feel free to invite them over and introduce themselves. They might be hesitant about “intruding” in you, so be welcoming and strike up some conversation

Download our printable PDF Checklist