Checklist for Moving Into a New House: 15 Things to Do to Settle in Smoothly

You did it—after the paperwork, long nights, and back-and-forth with your real estate agent, you finally have the keys to your new home. Before you turn your house into a home, there are a few important things to take care of first.

This checklist for moving into a new house breaks down the essential tasks to tackle, when to complete them, and which must-have items will make your move-in as smooth as possible. So whether you’re unpacking in Phoenix, AZ, Portland, OR, or Chicago, IL, here’s what to keep in mind.

Moving into a new house checklist

Preparation is key so make sure you give yourself ample time to accomplish these tasks before getting settled in your new place. 

Let’s take a closer look at each step.

1. Transfer utilities before closing

One of the first things to do when moving into a new house is transfer the utilities into your name. Contact each company at least two weeks before move-in, as some cities take time to process the switch. Taking care of this early means you’ll have power, water, and trash service ready to go when you get the keys.

2. Schedule movers 

Having an extra hand when it comes to moving will take the weight off your shoulders and allow you to relax. Scheduling movers from a reputable moving company ensures your furnishings are handled with care and helps with loading items into your home. Many moving companies offer different levels of service, such as:

• Basic moving help (loading and unloading): Usually ranges from $45-$80 an hour, depending on the size of your move.
• Packing and unpacking services: Typically adds $260 to $2,200, based on how much needs to be packed.
• Full-service moves (packing, transportation, unpacking, setup): Can cost anywhere from $1,000 to several thousand dollars, depending on distance and size of the move.

3. Update your mailing address

Keeping your mailing address up to date is an important step you’ll want to handle early. Notifying the right people and organizations ensures you won’t miss bills, important documents, or packages that might still be headed to your old place. Here are the top contacts to update with your new address:

• The post office
• Tax agencies (federal and state)
• Utility companies
• Insurance providers
• Your employer
• Banks and credit card companies
• Loan providers
• Online shopping accounts
  

And don’t forget to share your new address with friends and family, especially those who might be stopping by to help you unpack or toast to your new home.

4. Set up internet, cable, and appliances

Internet and cable are usually top priorities when moving in, so research local providers early and choose a plan that fits your needs. Since installation can take time, try to schedule it a few weeks in advance. While you’re at it, make sure essential appliances like the fridge, oven, dishwasher, washer, and dryer are working properly—you’ll likely rely on them from day one.

5. Consider the layout of your new home and research new furniture you may need

When moving into a new house, it’s important to go room by room and visualize how your existing furniture will work with the layout. Maybe your new home includes a bonus room, a garage, or even a larger outdoor space. Knowing how the different layouts your new home provides will help you get a feel of what you may need.

6. Make your home safe for kids and pets

If you are moving with children, establish necessary precautions for their safety. This includes locating outlets, sharp edges, and anything around that could cause them harm. If you are moving with pets, make sure to get right back to their routines as this will help your pet adapt to their new surroundings.

7. Locate the circuit breaker and water valve 

Locate your circuit breaker and water valve in case of emergencies. You can typically find the water valve in the basement or crawl space, the garage, or on an exterior wall. The circuit breaker is often tucked away in a closet, basement, or garage. . Also, take note of all the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors so you can keep up with the required maintenance.

8. Change locks and invest in a home security system

One of the first safety steps in a new home is changing the locks on the front door, garage, and any other exterior entries.  You can do it on your own or hire a locksmith to ensure everything’s secure. 

It’s also a good time to think about home security. Whether you opt for a smart doorbell, security cameras, or a full-service system, adding an extra layer of protection can give you peace of mind as you settle in.

9. Deep clean each room 

Before settling in, give each room a deep clean to start fresh. Hiring a professional cleaning service can help ensure nothing gets missed and take some stress off your plate. But if that’s not in the budget, a little elbow grease and the right supplies can go a long way in making your new home feel spotless and move-in ready.

10. Assess home improvements to tackle  

Of course not every home is perfect, and you may have considered a number of potential home improvement projects while touring the property. From replacing your floors to new cabinetry, the possibilities are endless when designing your dream home.

Capital Fund 1, an asset-based lender shares, “Consider starting from the floor up. Installing new flooring gets more difficult after moving in.” Depending on the size of the project, it is essential that you take time to budget. Budget before any surprises arise, and set time aside for the completion of any remodels.” 

11. Stock each room with essentials

You likely won’t unpack every box by the first night of move-in, so you’ll want to pack a box of household essentials for each room. Go room by room and see what you may need within the first week of moving into a new house. To get you thinking, consider:

• Bathroom essentials: Towels, toilet paper, toiletries, shower curtain, toilet cleaner, plunger
• Kitchen essentials: Easy meals, trash bags, dish soap, dishcloths, glassware, cookware, utensils, coffee maker.
• Laundry room essentials: Detergent, hamper, ironing board, iron
• Bedroom essentials: Bedding, hangers, pillows, blankets, a week’s worth of clothes
• Other essentials: Light bulbs, batteries, tape, nails, trash cans, cleaning supplies, lighters, flashlights, and phone chargers

12. Create an unpacking and home maintenance system

With all of your belongings packed away in various boxes and locations, it’s easy for your new home to feel chaotic.. Creating an organization system will help you unpack each room one by one. Try keeping a notepad of what boxes and items belong in each room. A home maintenance checklist will also help you stay organized down the road, and make your life easier.

13. Consider a home warranty or energy audit

If you haven’t already purchased a home warranty, this is a good time to look into one. Though not mandatory, a home warranty can offer peace of mind by covering unexpected repair or replacement costs as your home’s systems and appliances age. On average, plans range from $400-$1000 per year, depending on the level of coverage you choose.

You might also want to schedule an energy audit—some utility companies offer them for free. If not, a professional audit typically costs between $200 and $700. An audit can highlight areas where your home could be more efficient, potentially lowering your monthly bills.

14. Create an emergency plan and buy fire extinguishers

When moving into a new house, you always want to be prepared with a plan in case of an emergency. Outline an evacuation route in your home and keep a list of emergency contacts on hand. Also, be sure to buy fire extinguishers and teach every household member how to use them. 

15. Review home inspection report and prioritize follow-ups

Go back through your home inspection report and make note of any items the seller didn’t fix or that require ongoing monitoring. Even small issues like minor plumbing leaks, HVAC servicing, or outdated wiring can turn into bigger problems if ignored. Creating a short-term and long-term maintenance plan based on the report will help you stay ahead of future repairs.