Buying a home can be pretty exciting -after all, it’s one of the biggest and most rewarding achievements of adult life. But once the keys are in your hands and the paperwork is signed, the real work begins. Moving into a new home is more than just packing, transporting, and unpacking boxes. In order to ensure a smooth and put-together process of taking over your new place, you’ll need to have all the fronts covered.
This comprehensive checklist will guide you through all the essential steps to take—before and after moving in—so you can settle in with confidence, security, and peace of mind in a space you can finally call truly yours. So, let ‘s start!
Before Moving
1. Change the Locks
One of the very first things every new homeowner should do is change all exterior door locks. You have no way of knowing how many keys the previous owners may have distributed to family, friends, or even service providers. Replacing the locks or rekeying them gives you fuull control over who has access to your property.
So, we recommend you to hire a locksmith and avoid future inconveniences that may or may not happen, but you know the saying “better to be safe than sorry”.
2. Install a Security System
Following with the safety and security aspects, installing a security system helps protect your new investment from day one. Many systems are now easy to install and can be controlled from your home, providing peace of mind whether you’re at home or away. It’s really a smart investment to make from the beginning.
3. Make Copies of All Important Documents
Keep both physical and digital copies of key documents related to your house purchase. Store originals in a fireproof safe and backups in cloud storage.
Some of these important documents may include:
- The Deed: Which is the proof of ownership and essential for legal and title issues.
- Loan Documents: These outline the terms of your mortgage and payment structure, so yes, they’re crucial.
- Closing Disclosure: Details the final costs you paid when purchasing the property.
- Tax Documents: Save any paperwork needed for tax deductions or future reference.
- Purchase Agreement: Outlines the terms and conditions of the sale.
- Home Inspection Report: This document is valuable for understanding the property’s current condition and planning future maintenance.
4. Make a Deep Cleaning of the Whole House
Even if the previous owners left the house in good shape, it’s a smart move to deep clean every corner before moving in. This is much easier to do when the house is still empty.
Clean floors, baseboards, inside cabinets, bathrooms, windows, and appliances. If time is limited, consider hiring a professional cleaning service to give your new home a fresh start; you won’t regret it.
5. Check the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Your safety and the safety of everyone living in or getting into your house should be a top priority. Do a full check of all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors throughout the home. Test each unit, replace old batteries, and make sure detectors are placed in critical areas (especially near bedrooms and kitchens).
If any detectors are missing or outdated, install new ones right away. This is really a top priority.
6. Review Your Home Warranty or Purchase One if You Didn’t Get One From the Seller
A home warranty can help cover the cost of repairs for major systems like HVAC, plumbing, and appliances. If the seller included one in the purchase, review its coverage and expiration dates.
If you didn’t receive a warranty, it may still be worth purchasing one, especially during the first year when you’re still getting familiar with the home’s systems and potential issues.
7. Review the Home Inspection Report for Any Further Maintenance Needed
Revisit the home inspection report to identify any minor repairs or preventative maintenance that weren’t urgent enough to address during closing. Then, create a to-do list to tackle these tasks early, like replacing filters, or checking for signs of leaks. This proactive approach can help avoid bigger, more costly problems later.
8. Connect the Utilities
Before move-in day, make sure you’ve set up all necessary utilities and services:
- Electricity and Gas
- Water and Waste Collection
- Internet
Schedule installation or activation in advance to avoid service gaps. Don’t forget to cancel utilities at your previous residence to avoid double billing!
9. Give Your New Home a Fresh Coat of Paint
Painting is often easier when the house is still empty, so this step is to be completed also before moving. A fresh coat of paint gives the home a personalized look and can eliminate odors or marks left by the previous owners. And this step can make your new house feel more like home right away.
After Moving
Unpack Smart
The unpacking process can feel overwhelming, but you’ll stay sane by taking a thoughtful and strategic approach.
First, Unpack Your Emergency Supplies:
Include essentials like a flashlight, first aid kit, medications, chargers, important documents, toilet paper, and cleaning supplies. These are the items you’ll likely need within the first few hours or during the first night.
Second, Unpack Your Everyday Items:
Focus on the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom essentials: things like plates, cutlery, shower curtains, towels, and bedding. This helps you maintain daily routines while the rest of the home is still coming together.
Unpack a Set of Outfits (Pre-Moving Arranged) for the Week:
Having a few ready-to-wear outfits can save time and reduce stress while you’re still finding and organizing your wardrobe boxes.
Don’t Do Everything Simultaneously, You Can Unpack Room by Room:
Tackling one room at a time helps you stay organized and feel a sense of accomplishment. Start with the most-used spaces like the kitchen, bathroom, and primary bedroom.
Adapt the Unpacking Process to Your Preferences and Own Schedule:
There’s no universal rule for how fast you need to finish unpacking. Take breaks, make it enjoyable, and prioritize what’s most important to your family’s lifestyle.
Finally, Make Yourself at Home
Now that you’re physically moved in and somewhat unpacked, it’s time to make your new house feel like home. This isn’t properly a step, just chill and relax so you can enjoy your new place. Light your favorite candles, add some cozy blankets, and give the space your personal touch. This emotional side of moving in is just as important as the logistical one. Don’t rush the process: take time to enjoy the new chapter you’ve begun.
