This post is a new home checklist of all the things you need to do before moving into your new house.
When you buy your first home, the list is never ending of things you need to do. It’s so easy for things to get overlooked. It’s important to plan these things out several weeks before you’re scheduled to officially move all of your things in to save yourself from extra work down the road or possibly missing something important.
That’s why I’ve put together a new home checklist for you to follow to ensure as smooth a move as possible.
This post is a new home checklist to help you move into your new home with no regrets.
1. Walkthrough the house
Take note of any surprises that you may not have noticed before or new damages that may have occurred since the inspection. Check the walls, the carpet and floors for new damages or stains. Test all the outlets, light switches and appliances.
If you find any new damages, be sure to take pictures and report it to your real estate agent. If there are stains or damages you already knew about and were okay with when you bought the house, make a list of the things you want to repair or clean as you complete your walkthrough.
You’ll also want to make a note of where the fuse box and water valve are.
2. Take measurements and plan
Bring a tape measure and measure the rooms, spaces, windows, etc. You will use these measurements when planning your room designs and set ups.
It is so important to plan these things before you move in. You will want to order furniture ahead of time. Especially things like bed frames, sofas, dining room table and other furniture that is used a lot. This will save you from sleeping and eating on the floor for a month.
When I moved into my first house, we didn’t have anything. We had no where to sit in the whole house besides the bar and the toilet. So do yourself a favor and PLAN.
3. Transfer and set up utilities
Consider all of the utilities you currently have such as electricity, gas, water, internet, cable and trash services. Set up a transfer with all the utilities you plan on keeping, and cancel the ones you will not need.
Then be sure to set up and schedule any remaining utilities and services that you’ll need to be turned on the day you move in. If you wait to get essential services like electricity, gas and water, you will have a miserable first few days in your home. You’ll be so glad you did this!
4. Change your address
It’s a pain in the butt, but it’s necessary. Credit cards, drivers license, retailers and services, and any mail subscriptions you may have all need to get updated with your new address. And don’t forget to let your friends, family and workplace know of your new address as well.
Have peace of mind of any mail that might go to your old address by registering with USPS to forward your mail to your new address. You can submit a change of address with USPS here.
5. Deep clean
This can seem overwhelming, but it can also be pretty fun. Make a day of it! Get all your favorite cleaning supplies and clean EVERYTHING. Start fresh with a clean home.
Here’s a list of items to clean:
- Windows and window sills
- Floors and carpet
- Top of cabinets
- Inside cabinets and drawers
- Walls and baseboards
- Refrigerator
- Counters and sink
- Microwave
- Stove and oven
- Toilets
- Showers/Tubs
- Garbage cans
Read this post on the best way to clean windows and how to clean stainless steel without streaks.
6. Get the carpet professionally steamed
I’m always surprised how often this gets overlooked. Anytime you move into a new house, ALWAYS get the carpet steamed in the entire house.
So many homeowners don’t even think about this, but it is so important because you have no idea how clean the people who lived there before you were. You don’t know if they had pets or children, what kind of smells or stains are in there. There’s so many reasons why you should steam clean your carpet before you move into a new house. It really is just an extra measure that you will thank yourself a hundred times over for doing.
And it’s really crucial to do have the carpet professionally steamed BEFORE you move all of your things in to make it easier on yourself.
I went with Stanley Steemer for my house and they did a really great job, but you can go with any company that offers carpet and floor steaming. There’s additional add-ons you can get as well like deodorizing, stain removal, stain prevention, etc. Deodorizer is great if the previous homeowner had pets or smoked. Also note that some stains that have been there for too long may not come out, even with their professional equipment, so always keep that in mind.
7. Paint rooms
Painting is another things that really needs to happen before you move all of your things in. It will save you so much time and effort if you can paint before your heavy furniture and other items fill up the space. Plan ahead what colors you want and which rooms need painting and make this one of the first things you schedule before you move your things in.
8. Change locks
It is always recommended that you change your locks every time you move into a new home. There’s always a chance that somebody out there still has a key to your house, so have peace of mind by changing the locks.
For the front door, I love this lock system. You can lock and unlock with your phone as long as you’re connected to the internet, and you can enter using any numeric code you set up. It’s easy to change the code, and you can multiple codes for the same lock.
9. Set up home security system
Feel safe in your new home by setting up your home security system. You can set up cameras, motion detectors, or get set up with a company like ADT for a full package.
I love this Blink camera system.
10. Replace toilet seats
Another overlooked detail is replacing all of the toilet seats in the house. It’s a small thing, but I mean, who really wants to use the same toilet seats the previous homeowner used? Toilet seats are very inexpensive and easy to replace so consider doing that as well before you move into your new home.
11. Repairs and maintenance
By this point, you should have a good idea of the repairs and maintenance that your new house needs. Between anything your home inspector informed you about and other things you found during the walkthrough, schedule those services ahead of time and get those done.
12. Renovations and customizations
Especially if it’s a big renovation you want done, do this before you move in. It will be so much more complicated if you have furniture and other personal items in the way for a renovation. Streamline the process and get this scheduled before you move in.
13. Walk around the neighborhood and meet the neighbors
Last, but not least, go for a walk in your new neighborhood and enjoy saying hello to your new neighbors. I love the friendliness and socialization that comes along with living in a neighborhood. Get on good terms especially with your nearest neighbors and consider inviting them to your house warming.
I hope this new home checklist was helpful to you and happy moving!
This new home checklist was all about the things you need to do before moving into your new home.
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