Things to Do Before Moving In [2024]

Moving into a new house is an exciting and monumental event in anyone’s life. It’s a fresh start, a new chapter, and an opportunity to create a home that reflects your style and personality. But before you can settle in and start making memories, there are a few important things you need to take care of. In this article, we’ll walk you through a comprehensive checklist of things to do before moving in, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free transition to your new home.

Quick Answer

Before moving into your new house, make sure to:

1. Complete a final walk-through to check for any issues or repairs.
2. Clean the house thoroughly or hire a professional cleaning service.
3. Paint and make any necessary repairs or cosmetic changes.
4. Change the locks for added security.
5. Update your address with important contacts and transfer utilities.
6. Install a home security system for peace of mind.
7. Organize your valuables and pack an essentials box for moving day.
8. Stay hydrated and fueled on moving day.
9. Direct the movers and review the inventory list.
10. Unpack and organize your belongings in your new home.
11. Furnish and decorate your new space to make it feel like home.
12. Tackle any landscaping projects to enhance your outdoor space.
13. Get to know your new neighbors and explore your new surroundings.

Now, let’s dive into each of these steps in more detail.

Quick Tips and Facts

• Moving into a new house can be overwhelming, but with proper planning and preparation, it can also be an exciting and enjoyable experience.
• It’s important to create a checklist and stay organized throughout the moving process to ensure nothing is overlooked.
• Don’t forget to update your address with important contacts, such as banks, credit card companies, and the USPS, to avoid any disruptions in service.
• Hiring a professional cleaning service can save you time and ensure your new home is spotless before you move in.
• Changing the locks is a crucial step to ensure the security of your new home and provide peace of mind.
• Unpacking and organizing your belongings in an efficient manner will help you settle into your new home quickly and easily.
• Take the time to explore your new surroundings and get to know your neighbors. It’s a great way to feel more connected to your new community.

Background: Preparing for the Big Move

Moving into a new house requires careful planning and preparation. It’s essential to start the process well in advance to ensure a smooth transition. By following a comprehensive checklist, you can stay organized and tackle each task systematically. Let’s take a closer look at each step to help you prepare for the big move.

What to Do Right Before the Move

Step 1: Complete a Final Walk-Through

Before you officially move into your new house, it’s crucial to do a final walk-through to check for any issues or repairs that need to be addressed. This is your last chance to identify any problems and have them fixed before you move in. Here are some key areas to inspect:

✅ Check faucets, toilets, and showers to ensure they are functioning properly.
✅ Test the circuit breaker to make sure all electrical outlets are working.
✅ Check the water heater to ensure it’s in good condition.
✅ Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are functioning.
✅ Check all outlets and light switches to ensure they are working.
✅ Test all appliances, including the refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, and washer/dryer.

If you notice any issues during the walk-through, make sure to document them and notify the seller or your real estate agent as soon as possible.

Step 2: Clean the New House

Before moving in, it’s essential to clean your new house thoroughly. A clean and fresh space will make it easier to settle in and start making it your own. You have two options: you can either clean the house yourself or hire a professional cleaning service. Here are some areas to focus on:

✅ Dust and wipe down all surfaces, including countertops, cabinets, and shelves.
✅ Vacuum or sweep the floors, and mop them if necessary.
✅ Clean the windows and window sills.
✅ Clean the bathrooms, including the toilets, sinks, and showers.
✅ Clean the kitchen appliances, both inside and out.
✅ Wipe down light fixtures and ceiling fans.
✅ Clean the baseboards and trim.

If you decide to hire a professional cleaning service, make sure to schedule it well in advance to ensure they are available on your desired move-in date.

Step 3: Paint and Make Repairs

If you want to personalize your new home or make any necessary repairs or cosmetic changes, now is the time to do it. Painting the walls in your preferred colors can instantly transform the space and make it feel more like home. Additionally, take care of any repairs or cosmetic changes that need to be made, such as fixing leaky faucets, replacing broken tiles, or updating outdated fixtures. Consider hiring professionals for more complex repairs or renovations.

Step 4: Change the Locks

One of the first things you should do before moving into a new house is to change the locks. This is an important step to ensure the security of your new home. You never know who might have a copy of the existing keys, so it’s best to start fresh with new locks. Hire a locksmith to change the locks on all exterior doors, including the front door, back door, and any side entrances.

Step 5: Update Your Address With Important Contacts

To avoid any disruptions in service, it’s crucial to update your address with important contacts. Notify your bank, credit card companies, insurance providers, and any other relevant institutions of your new address. Additionally, don’t forget to update your address with the United States Postal Service (USPS) to ensure your mail is forwarded to your new home.

Step 6: Transfer Utilities

Contact your utility companies to stop, start, or transfer services to your new address. This includes electricity, gas, water, internet, cable, and any other utilities you may have. Make sure to schedule the transfer of services well in advance to ensure a seamless transition.

Step 7: Install a Home Security System

For added peace of mind, consider installing a home security system before moving into your new house. A security system can help protect your home and belongings, providing you with a sense of security and peace of mind. Research different security systems and choose one that fits your needs and budget. Many modern security systems offer features such as surveillance cameras, motion sensors, and smartphone integration for remote monitoring.

What to Do on Moving Day

Step 8: Organize Your Valuables

Before the movers arrive, make sure to organize your valuables and keep them with you securely. This includes important documents, jewelry, electronics, and any other items of high value. Keep these items in a safe and easily accessible place, such as a locked box or bag.

Step 9: Pack an Essentials Box

On moving day, it’s essential to pack an essentials box containing all the items you’ll need immediately upon arrival at your new home. This box should include clothes, toiletries, chargers, cleaning supplies, and any other essential items you’ll need in the first few days. Having an essentials box will save you from rummaging through multiple boxes to find what you need.

Step 10: Stay Hydrated and Fueled

Moving day can be physically demanding, so it’s important to stay hydrated and fueled throughout the day. Keep a supply of water and snacks handy to keep your energy levels up. Moving can be stressful, so taking care of your physical well-being is crucial.

Step 11: Direct the Movers

When the movers arrive, it’s important to provide clear directions and instructions to ensure a smooth and efficient unpacking process. Clearly communicate which boxes go to which rooms and any specific instructions for fragile or valuable items. Be available to answer any questions the movers may have and supervise the unloading process.

Step 12: Clean Your Old Home

After the movers have loaded all your belongings onto the truck, take the time to clean your old home. This is a courtesy to the new occupants and will leave a positive impression. Clean the floors, wipe down surfaces, and make sure everything is in good condition before you leave.

Step 13: Verify the Inventory

Before the movers leave your new home, review the inventory list to ensure that all items have arrived safely. Check off each item as it is unloaded and inspect it for any damage. If you notice any discrepancies or damage, make a note of it and notify the moving company immediately.

What to Do After the Move

Step 14: Unpack and Organize

Once you’ve moved into your new home, it’s time to start unpacking and organizing your belongings. Start with the essentials box and gradually work your way through each room. Unpack one room at a time and organize your belongings in a way that makes sense to you. This will help you settle into your new home quickly and easily.

Step 15: Furnish and Decorate Your New Home

To make your new house feel like home, take the time to furnish and decorate it according to your style and preferences. Start with the essentials, such as furniture, and gradually add decorative elements to personalize the space. Consider your lifestyle and needs when choosing furniture and decor, and take measurements to ensure everything fits perfectly.

Step 16: Tackle Landscaping

If your new home has an outdoor space, consider tackling any landscaping projects to enhance its beauty and functionality. This could include planting flowers, trimming trees and bushes, or creating a garden. Landscaping not only improves the curb appeal of your home but also provides a welcoming and enjoyable outdoor space for you and your family.

Step 17: Meet Your Neighbors

Getting to know your neighbors is an important part of settling into a new community. Take the time to introduce yourself and strike up conversations with your new neighbors. They can provide valuable insights about the neighborhood, local amenities, and community events. Building relationships with your neighbors will help you feel more connected and make your new house feel like home.

Step 18: Explore Your New Surroundings

Lastly, take the time to explore your new surroundings and familiarize yourself with the local amenities and attractions. Visit nearby parks, restaurants, shops, and other points of interest. Getting to know your new neighborhood will help you feel more at home and make the transition smoother.

New Home Essentials

When moving into a new house, there are certain essentials you’ll need to make your new space functional and comfortable. Here are some key areas to consider:

Living Area

• Area rug
• Seating (sofa, chairs)
• Coffee table
• Lighting (floor lamp, table lamps)
• Entertainment center or TV stand

Kitchen

• Essential appliances (refrigerator, stove, dishwasher)
• Cookware (pots, pans, baking sheets)
• Dinnerware (plates, bowls, glasses)
• Utensils (knives, forks, spoons)
• Small appliances (microwave, toaster, blender)

Bathrooms

• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap)
• Bath mat
• Shower curtain and liner
• Towels
• Toilet paper

Bedrooms

• Mattress
• Bedding (sheets, pillows, blankets)
• Storage solutions (dresser, closet organizers)
• Lighting (bedside lamps)

Office

• Office supplies (desk, chair, pens, paper)
• Computer or laptop
• Printer
• Desk lamp

Laundry Room

• Washer and dryer
• Laundry essentials (detergent, fabric softener)
• Laundry baskets or hampers
• Iron and ironing board

Outdoor Area

• Grill
• Outdoor furniture (patio set, lounge chairs)
• Lighting (string lights, solar-powered lights)

Our Recommendation

Moving into a new house is an exciting and transformative experience. By following this comprehensive checklist, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free transition to your new home. From completing a final walk-through to unpacking and organizing your belongings, each step is crucial for a successful move. Take the time to personalize your space, get to know your neighbors, and explore your new surroundings. With proper planning and preparation, your new house will soon feel like home.

Moving Into a New House FAQ

How do I prepare my house before moving in?

Before moving into your new house, it’s important to complete a final walk-through to check for any issues or repairs. Clean the house thoroughly or hire a professional cleaning service. Paint and make any necessary repairs or cosmetic changes. Change the locks for added security. Update your address with important contacts and transfer utilities. Install a home security system for peace of mind.

Read more about “Timeline for Moving Out of State …”

What to do 20 days before moving?

Twenty days before moving, you should start packing non-essential items and decluttering your home. Notify important contacts of your upcoming move and schedule the transfer of utilities. Begin researching moving companies if you haven’t already, and start gathering packing supplies.

Read more about “How do you make a moving inventory? …”

What to do 3 months before moving?

Three months before moving, you should start decluttering and organizing your belongings. Create a moving budget and start researching moving companies. Begin collecting important documents and records, and notify your children’s schools of the upcoming move. Start packing non-essential items and make a list of any repairs or cosmetic changes you want to make in your new home.

Read more about “How to Move in 2 Days …”

What do you do first when moving?

When moving, the first thing you should do is complete a final walk-through of your new home to check for any issues or repairs. Clean the house thoroughly or hire a professional cleaning service. Change the locks for added security. Update your address with important contacts and transfer utilities. Install a home security system for peace of mind.

Read more about “How to Prepare for a Move in 6 Weeks …”

Conclusion

Moving into a new house is an exciting and transformative experience. By following a comprehensive checklist and taking care of important tasks before, during, and after the move, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free transition to your new home. From completing a final walk-through to unpacking and organizing your belongings, each step is crucial for a successful move. Take the time to personalize your space, get to know your neighbors, and explore your new surroundings. With proper planning and preparation, your new house will soon feel like home.

Recommended Links

• Moving Essentials
• Moving Day Checklist
• Packing Tips
• Long Distance Moves
• Things to Do Before Moving Out for the First Time 2024

Reference Links

• Complete Checklist For Moving Into A New House (2024)