5 Tips for Moving into a New Home

Arrange for Cleaning

The previous owners might clean the home, but chances are, it won’t be a deep clean. After all, they’ve been busy with their own packing process, boxing, and moving things out. Either do a deep clean yourself or hire a professional cleaning service if you have time before move-in day. Plus, it’s a way to start fresh in your new home.

Clean all surfaces, including floors, walls, windows, and countertops. Pay extra attention to the kitchen and bathrooms. This will not only make your new house feel more like your own but also ensure a healthy living environment.

Stay Connected

Before being able to move into your new home, you’ll want to transfer utilities such as water, gas, and electricity from the previous owner. Nothing says “move-in day” like the power being turned off halfway through hauling in boxes!

The sooner you contact your utility companies and service providers, the sooner they will transfer their services to your new home. You want them ready for you, ideally starting day one if you can, but if not, within a few days. Prioritize the basic utilities, but while you’re setting up service, add in the comforts like TV and Wi-Fi providers.

Two to three weeks is usually plenty of advance warning, but you can always check the utility companies currently serving your home to see what works best.

Plan Your Furniture Layout

Save time walking in with an unpacking plan that gives a general idea of where your things will go. Start by knowing how much of your furniture will fit into the floor plan.

While the house is empty, get the measurements for each room in your new home, including the bedrooms, the living room, and the kitchen. In addition, measure the furniture you plan on putting in each room. With these measurements, you can plan where your things will go and put them exactly where you want them to go in your new home.

Being able to direct your movers to where to place the buffet, the master bed, and the dressers saves time on move-in day and speeds up the unpacking process.

Secure Your Home

Your new home will feel more like yours when you know it’s safe. One of the first tasks is to change your exterior house locks or hire a locksmith after you’ve moved into the new house. You don’t know who the prior owners gave a copy of your house key to. What if they don’t realize the old owner has moved out? For your peace of mind, get new house locks.

If you brought a home security system from your old home, install it soon after moving in. Moving into a new house is a great time to buy one. Many of today’s security devices are easy to install and self-monitoring. Installing a video doorbell or outside cameras can be done in one afternoon if you have the right tools.

Check Your House’s Systems

Every house has different maintenance needs, and the needs your new home has may be different from your old home. Even though you likely had a home inspection, it’s still a good idea to double-check the home’s systems. Key home functions to verify are in working order are:

• Gutters and downspouts
• Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
• Heating and cooling systems,
• All water drains
• Lights
• Dryer vents

This is also an excellent time to locate the circuit breaker fuse box and water main shut off in case you need to turn off those systems.

Plan a Housewarming Party

Setting a date for a party to celebrate your move-in sets a deadline for you to have all of your boxes unpacked. Inviting your friends and family (and maybe even your new neighbors) to a party at your new house is a great way to not only make it feel like a home but also celebrate the hard work you put into the move.

Moving can be a challenging experience, but it’s also exciting and rewarding. Hopefully, this checklist helps set a few priorities for your move into a new home. Advance planning makes moving an easier process overall.

Updated April 2024