Move-in Checklist

Congratulations on your new home! This comprehensive checklist will help you organize your move and ensure nothing important is forgotten during this exciting transition.

Pre-Move Planning (4-6 weeks before)

Moving Company & Services

Get moving quotes from 3+ companies
Book moving company or truck rental
Schedule utilities transfer (electric, gas, water, internet)
Arrange mail forwarding with USPS
Update address with banks, credit cards, subscriptions
Schedule cleaning for old home (if applicable)
Arrange pet care for moving day

Packing Preparation

Order packing supplies (boxes, tape, bubble wrap)
Start packing non-essential items
Label boxes clearly with room and contents
Create inventory of valuable items
Pack essentials box for first night
Take photos of electronics before disconnecting
Gather important documents in one place

Moving Day Essentials

Essential Items Box

Important Documents

House keys and garage door openers
Closing documents and paperwork
Insurance policies (home, auto, health)
ID and passports for all family members
Medical records and prescriptions
School records (if applicable)
Pet records and vaccination certificates

First Day Priorities

Safety & Security

Change all locks (front door, back door, garage)
Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors
Locate main water shutoff and electrical panel
Check all windows and doors for security
Set up security system (if applicable)
Meet neighbors and exchange contact information
Register with local police (if required)

Utilities & Services

Turn on electricity and test all outlets
Turn on gas and test appliances
Turn on water and check for leaks
Set up internet and cable services
Test phone service (landline if applicable)
Schedule trash pickup service
Set up mail delivery at new address

Immediate Needs

Unpack essentials box first
Set up beds for sleeping
Unpack kitchen basics (dishes, utensils, coffee maker)
Set up bathroom with toiletries and towels
Arrange furniture in main living areas
Hang curtains or blinds for privacy
Stock refrigerator with basic groceries

First Week Tasks

Home Inspection & Maintenance

Walk through entire house and note any issues
Test all appliances and systems
Check for leaks in plumbing
Inspect HVAC system and change filters
Test garage door and opener
Check outdoor lighting and security
Inspect roof and gutters (if accessible)

Deep Cleaning

Clean all floors thoroughly
Wipe down all surfaces and cabinets
Clean bathrooms and kitchen
Vacuum carpets and rugs
Dust all surfaces and light fixtures
Clean windows inside and out
Sanitize high-touch areas

Organization & Setup

Unpack room by room systematically
Organize closets and storage areas
Set up home office (if applicable)
Arrange furniture and decorations
Hang pictures and artwork
Set up entertainment systems
Organize garage and storage

First Month Priorities

Home Improvements

Paint rooms that need updating
Replace outdated fixtures (lighting, hardware)
Update window treatments if needed
Install security features (cameras, alarms)
Landscaping and outdoor improvements
Storage solutions and organization
Energy efficiency upgrades

Legal & Administrative

Update driver's license with new address
Register vehicles in new state/county
Update voter registration
Notify insurance companies of move
Update emergency contacts everywhere
Register children in new schools
Find new healthcare providers

Community Integration

Explore neighborhood and local amenities
Find grocery stores and restaurants
Locate gas stations and pharmacies
Join local community groups or HOA
Find gyms or recreational facilities
Discover parks and outdoor activities
Meet other families in the area

Room-by-Room Setup

Kitchen

Unpack dishes and organize cabinets
Set up small appliances (coffee maker, toaster)
Stock pantry with basic staples
Organize refrigerator and freezer
Test all appliances (stove, oven, dishwasher)
Set up trash and recycling systems
Install cabinet organizers if needed

Living Room

Arrange furniture for optimal flow
Set up entertainment center and TV
Connect audio systems and speakers
Hang artwork and decorations
Set up lighting and lamps
Organize books and media
Create cozy seating areas

Bedrooms

Set up beds and bedding
Organize closets and dressers
Hang clothes and organize wardrobe
Set up nightstands and lighting
Arrange personal items and photos
Install blackout curtains if needed
Set up alarm clocks and electronics

Bathrooms

Stock with toiletries and towels
Install shower curtains and bath mats
Set up medicine cabinets and storage
Test all plumbing and fixtures
Install bathroom accessories (towel bars, hooks)
Set up cleaning supplies storage
Check ventilation and fans

Home Office

Set up desk and computer
Organize office supplies and files
Set up internet and phone
Install proper lighting for work
Create filing system for documents
Set up printer and other equipment
Create comfortable workspace

Safety & Security Checklist

Home Security

Change all locks and door codes
Install deadbolts on exterior doors
Set up security system and cameras
Install motion-sensor lights outdoors
Secure windows with locks
Install doorbell camera (if desired)
Get to know neighbors for security

Safety Equipment

Test smoke detectors in all rooms
Install carbon monoxide detectors
Check fire extinguishers and replace if needed
Locate first aid kit and emergency supplies
Test emergency lighting and flashlights
Install child safety features if needed
Create emergency evacuation plan

Utilities & Services Setup

Essential Services

Electricity - turn on and test all circuits
Gas - turn on and test appliances
Water - turn on and check for leaks
Sewer - verify proper drainage
Internet - set up and test connection
Cable/TV - set up and program
Phone - set up landline if needed

Optional Services

Trash pickup - schedule service
Recycling - set up recycling bins
Lawn care - arrange maintenance
Snow removal - if applicable
Pool maintenance - if applicable
Security monitoring - if desired
Home warranty - if purchased

Financial & Legal Updates

Address Changes

Bank accounts and credit cards
Insurance policies (auto, health, life)
Employer and payroll
Investment accounts and retirement
Subscription services and memberships
Magazine subscriptions and catalogs
Online accounts and profiles

New Services

Homeowners insurance - verify coverage
Auto insurance - update for new location
Health insurance - find local providers
Dental insurance - find local dentists
Veterinary services - if you have pets
Gym memberships - cancel old, join new
Professional services - lawyers, accountants

Pet & Family Considerations

Pet Care

Find new veterinarian and update records
Locate pet stores and groomers
Set up pet areas in new home
Update pet microchips with new address
Find pet-friendly parks and areas
Update pet insurance if applicable
Create safe spaces for pets during move

Children

Register for school and update records
Find pediatrician and healthcare providers
Locate playgrounds and activities
Set up children's rooms and play areas
Find babysitters or childcare
Update emergency contacts at school
Create safe spaces for children

Download Checklist

Download PDF Version

This checklist is a general guide. Your specific situation may require additional items or considerations.

Moving can be stressful, but with proper planning and this checklist, you'll be settled into your new home in no time!