The Ultimate New Home Checklist

Moving to a new home? If so, our new home checklist is the only checklist you need. From getting the right moving supplies and painting the house to changing the locks and testing the smoke detectors, here are the most important things to do before and after the move.

New Home Checklist: Pre-Move

Figure out how you’re going to move

• Full-service moving company – Professional movers are the most expensive moving option – albeit the most convenient.
• DIY truck rental – A DIY move with a truck rental is the least expensive way to move but requires the most amount of work.
• Moving container – If you’re looking for a happy medium, you can always choose a hybrid type of move with a moving container. With this move type, you load and unload the container yourself, but you won’t have to worry about transportation.
• Labor-only movers – Hiring labor-only movers to handle the loading and unloading of a truck rental is another example of a hybrid move. All you have to do is handle the transportation.
• Shipping – If you’re only moving a few items, then a shipping service may make the most sense. You can use a shipping service, such as UPS, FedEx or USPS, or you could hire a professional shipper from an online shipping marketplace.

Get moving boxes and supplies

Give notice to your landlord

Fix and repair items pre-move

Call to transfer and set up utilities

• Create a list of all of your current utility providers and your new providers.
• Notify utility providers of your move a few weeks prior.
• Most water and sewer services will need to be arranged through your city or town.
• Check what (if any) utilities are handled by your HOA.
• Before moving, call all utility providers to confirm your stop/start dates.

Update your address and forward mail

Study a floor plan and pictures of the home

Take inventory of your belongings

Donate, sell or toss items you don’t need

Reserve a storage unit

Clean the new house

• Paper towels and cloths for wiping surfaces
• Vacuum cleaner
• Mop and bucket
• Broom and dustpan
• Rubber gloves
• Toilet brush and holder
• Duster and dusting spray
• All-purpose cleaner
• Toilet bowl cleaner
• Glass cleaner
• Antibacterial wipes
• Vinegar and water mix

Repaint the house and make improvements

Start packing

Turn on the AC or heating system in the new home

Pack a moving day bag

• Wallet and keys
• Medications
• Chargers and electronics
• Important documents
• Basic toiletries, including toilet paper and toothbrush
• Baby or kid items
• Pet food
• Snacks and water
• Change of clothes and pajamas

Have cash on-hand to tip movers

New Home Checklist: Post-Move

You just moved into your new home. Congrats! Here’s everything you should do next.

Unpack necessities first

Recycle moving supplies

Order new furniture and decor

Change the locks

Set up a security system

Gather all warranty information and manuals

Test all smoke detectors and install carbon monoxide detectors

Child-proof the home

Call a pest control service provider

Conduct an energy audit

Make sure monthly payments are automated

Find a trusted handyman, plumber and electrician

Figure out trash and recycling pickup days

Get to know your neighbors

New Home Checklist: The Essentials

Living area essentials

• Television and TV mount
• Lounge furniture
• Decorative pillows
• Area rug
• Coffee table or ottoman
• Lamps and end tables
• Wall art and picture frames

Kitchen essentials

• Pots, pans and necessary cookware
• Bakeware, cookie sheets, mixing bowls
• Cutting boards
• Knives
• Plates, bowls and other dinnerware
• Flatware and kitchen utensils
• Glassware and mugs
• Coffee maker
• Food storage containers
• Strainers
• Measuring cups
• Napkins and paper products
• Ice cube tray
• Bottle opener and corkscrew
• Oven mitts
• Dish towels
• Garbage can and trash bags

Bathroom essentials

• Toilet bowl cleaner
• Toilet paper
• Tissues
• Hand soap
• Bath and hand towels
• Shower curtains, liners, rods and rings
• Plungers
• Toiletries
• Trash can and trash bags
• Toothbrush holder

Bedroom essentials

• Mattress and mattress pads
• Bed sheets and extra set of linens per bed
• Blankets and comforters
• Pillows
• Decorative items
• Hangers for the closets
• Lamps
• Rug
• Bedframe and headboard
• Nightstands
• Dresser for clothing
• Mirror

Home Office

• Desk and chair
• Computer, monitors and keyboard
• Phone
• Printer and paper
• Office supplies
• Envelopes and stamps
• Bookcase and binders
• Whiteboard
• File cabinet

Laundry essentials

• Laundry detergent
• Laundry baskets
• Hampers
• Stain remover
• Iron and Ironing board

Closet

• Clothing hangers
• Belt hangers
• Hat hangers
• Hooks
• Full-length mirror
• Shoe racks and/or shoe holders
• Storage bins
• Jewelry organizers
• Hamper
• Drawer liners
• Closet shelves

Outdoor

• Garden tools
• Hoses
• Lawnmower
• Leaf blower
• Patio furniture
• Grill and grilling tools

Utility and safety essentials

• Extension cords
• Cables
• Surge protectors
• Tool set
• Child-proofing tools
• Batteries
• Flashlights
• Scissors
• Tape
• Lighters
• Cords and chargers
• Basic cleaning supplies
• Broom and dustpan
• Vacuum
• Caulk
• Hanging materials
• Carbon monoxide detectors
• Smoke detectors
• Garage organizational materials and tools

New Home Checklist FAQs

Keep reading to find all the answers to the most commonly asked questions about moving into a new home.

What is the first thing to do when moving into a new house?

Safety comes first. When moving into a new house, we recommend first conducting a walk-through to make sure everything is in working order. Test smoke detectors, install carbon monoxide detectors and child-proof the home to make it as safe as possible while you unpack and get settled.

What should I do 30 days before moving in?

A month before moving in, you should begin packing, confirm your moving date and time with the movers, and let friends and family know you’re moving. You may also want to begin making necessary improvements to the home (i.e. painting walls and repairing appliances) 30 days before moving in. This way, the home is ready to go come moving day.

Is there a checklist for moving?

Our Moving Planner checklist helps plan your move eight weeks out. The customizable moving checklist and personal tasks list will help you stay organized throughout the moving process.

Ready to move?

Find the best moving company to handle your next move. Best of luck and happy moving!

Related Articles:

• 10 Important Things to Do When Moving into a New Home
• Moving to Your First Apartment? Tips on What You’ll Need
• 8 Things to Buy After Moving (and Not Before)
• The 8 Worst Moving Mistakes You Should Try to Avoid
• Bon Voyage! 5 Tips for Throwing a Goodbye Party with Friends
• Which Season Is the Best Time of the Year to Move?
• Why Summer Is The Most Expensive Time to Move
• Moving This Summer: What You Need to Know
• How to Streamline a Move During the Holidays
• How to Declutter Your Home Before Moving

Author: Marian White

If anyone knows how to move, it’s Marian White. The South Carolina native spent the last decade living and working in Washington, DC, New York City, Boston and Palm Beach. With every move, she mastered the art of folding bankers boxes, repurposing bubble wrap and unabashedly asking for directions. Before writing for Moving.com, Marian authored “Moving to Palm Beach County: The Un-Tourist Guide,” a relocation guide for moving to the Palm Beaches. Marian has an M.A. in Global Marketing Communications from Emerson College and a B.A. from Furman University.View all posts by Marian White