{"id":74896,"date":"2026-09-14T00:00:21","date_gmt":"2026-09-14T07:00:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=74896"},"modified":"2026-09-14T08:31:38","modified_gmt":"2026-09-14T15:31:38","slug":"new-house-checklist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/new-house-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"Checklist for Moving Into a New House: 17 Things to Do to Settle in Smoothly"},"content":{"rendered":"

When moving into a new house, start by transferring utilities, updating your address, scheduling movers, and preparing the home for move-in day. Once you’re in, focus on safety, essential systems, repairs, and setting up a maintenance routine.\u00a0<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

You’ve signed the papers, shaken hands, and the keys are finally in your pocket. But before you start arranging furniture or hanging pictures, there’s a practical list of tasks that will make your new house feel and function like a home from day one.<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether you’re moving into a <\/span>condo in Seattle, WA<\/span><\/a>, a <\/span>townhouse in Austin, TX<\/span><\/a>, or a single-family <\/span>home in Charlotte, NC<\/span><\/a>, this checklist for moving into a new house walks you through the steps to take before, during, and after move-in day \u2014 so nothing important falls through the cracks.<\/span><\/p>\n

Moving into a new house checklist<\/span><\/h2>\n

Preparation is key so make sure you give yourself ample time to accomplish these tasks before getting settled in your new place.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\u2713<\/span><\/td>\nTransfer utilities before closing<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u2713<\/span><\/td>\nUpdate your mailing address<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u2713<\/span><\/td>\nSchedule movers and pack a go-bag<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u2713<\/span><\/td>\nPlan your furniture layout<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u2713<\/span><\/td>\nSet up internet and verify appliances<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u2713<\/span><\/td>\nDeep clean each room<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u2713<\/span><\/td>\nChange locks and set up home security<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u2713<\/span><\/td>\nMake the home safe for children and pets<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u2713<\/span><\/td>\nStock each room with essentials<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u2713<\/span><\/td>\nLocate the circuit breaker, water shut-off, and sump pump<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u2713<\/span><\/td>\nTest smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u2713<\/span><\/td>\nAssess home improvement priorities<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u2713<\/span><\/td>\nCreate a home maintenance schedule<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u2713<\/span><\/td>\nSchedule your first HVAC service<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u2713<\/span><\/td>\nConsider a home warranty or energy audit<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u2713<\/span><\/td>\nCreate an emergency plan and buy fire extinguishers<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\u2713<\/span><\/td>\nReview your home inspection report<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Let\u2019s take a closer look at each step.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before move-in day<\/span><\/h2>\n

1. Transfer utilities<\/span><\/h3>\n

One of the first things to handle when moving into a new house is getting <\/span>utilities transferred<\/span><\/a> into your name. Contact your electricity, gas, water, and trash providers at least two weeks before closing, since some municipalities take extra time to process the switch. Taking care of this early means you won’t arrive in a dark house or cold showers.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Update your mailing address<\/span><\/h3>\n

Updating your address<\/span><\/a> early prevents important mail from going to your old home. Start with the U.S. Postal Service, then work through your employer, bank and credit card accounts, insurance providers, loan servicers, tax agencies, and any regular online accounts. Don’t forget to share the new address with friends and family as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Schedule movers and pack a go-bag<\/span><\/h3>\n

Booking a reputable moving company in advance takes a lot of pressure off move-in day. Depending on the level of service you choose, costs can range significantly: basic loading and unloading help typically runs $45\u2013$80 per hour, while full-service moves that include packing, transport, and setup can reach several thousand dollars depending on distance and volume.<\/span><\/p>\n

Equally important is what Ed Bogusz of <\/span>Lite Movers<\/span><\/a> calls the go-bag strategy: “Pack a suitcase first, because a suitcase is not a box, with anything that would otherwise trigger an anxiety-induced scavenger hunt: medications, chargers, cords, nightlights, documents, a change of clothes, and the box cutter and paper towels you’ll need the minute the truck leaves. Keep it in your car, not on the truck. Then be prepared and organized: pick one room, get it done, feel good about it, move to the next. After thousands of moves, I can tell you that the homeowner who does that has a faster, cheaper, calmer move-in day every single time.”<\/span><\/p>\n

>>Read: <\/i><\/b>How Much Does it Cost to Move?<\/i><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

4. Plan your furniture layout<\/span><\/h3>\n

Before moving day, walk through your new home room by room and think through how your existing furniture will fit. Note any spaces that might call for something new \u2014 a <\/span>bonus room<\/span><\/a>, a larger garage, or an outdoor area can change what you need. Having a rough layout in mind before the truck arrives saves you from moving heavy pieces twice.<\/span><\/p>\n

On and around move-in day<\/span><\/h2>\n

5. Set up internet and verify appliances<\/span><\/h3>\n

Internet and cable service can take time to schedule, so research local providers early and book installation a few weeks out. Once you’re in, verify that essential appliances like the refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, washer, and dryer, are working as expected. It’s easier to flag a problem right away than to discover it a week later.<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Deep clean each room<\/span><\/h3>\n

Moving into a freshly cleaned space is worth the effort. Hiring a professional cleaning service can ensure nothing gets missed, but if that’s not in the budget, working room by room with the right supplies gets the job done. Either way, a clean start makes the space feel like yours.<\/span><\/p>\n

7. Change locks and set up home security<\/span><\/h3>\n

You don’t know how many copies of the previous owner’s keys are out there, so changing the locks on all exterior entries such as the front door, back door, and garage, should happen early. A locksmith can handle it quickly if you’d rather not do it yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n

It’s also a good time to consider what level of <\/span>home security<\/span><\/a> works for your situation. Options range from a smart video doorbell to a fully monitored system, and setting something up early means you’re covered from the first night.<\/span><\/p>\n

8. Make the home safe for children and pets<\/span><\/h3>\n

If you’re moving with children, take time to identify potential hazards \u2014 unsecured outlets, sharp furniture edges, staircases, or anything within reach that could cause harm. If you’re <\/span>moving with pets<\/span><\/a>, re-establishing their routine as quickly as possible helps them adjust to the new environment.<\/span><\/p>\n

9. Stock each room with essentials<\/span><\/h3>\n

You likely won’t unpack everything on the first night, so it pays to set aside a box of essentials for each room ahead of time. A few things to consider:<\/span><\/p>\n