New Home Checklist: The Ultimate Guide to Moving In

Is moving into your new home a thrilling adventure, or does it feel like an overwhelming whirlwind? We know it’s both! Isn’t it amazing how one moment you’re excited, and the next, you’re wondering why you thought moving was a good idea?

That’s why staying organized is crucial to not losing your mind during this “fun” process. Because who doesn’t love chaos, right? An organized approach helps you track your stuff, saves you from wasting time, and minimizes last-minute panic attacks. Plus, it means you can actually find your toothbrush when you need it. Take a few extra minutes to plan and organize—your future self will throw you a party!

And the pièce de résistance? The ultimate new home checklist. Lucky for you, we’ve got your back.

Before we dive into that, let’s break down what you must do before and after you take the plunge into your new home sweet home.

Checklist for Moving Into a New Home

Let’s divide the planning into three stages: before the move, during the move, and after the move.

Book a move with Clutter now!

Things to Do in the Pre-Move Phase

Making a new home checklist before you move is important because it makes the whole process easier and less stressful. It helps you get rid of things you don’t need, saves time, and makes unpacking in your new home much smoother.

1. Decide on Your Moving Method

Your moving method depends on your budget and needs:

• Full-service moving company: Though the most expensive, professional movers handle everything from packing to transport, making your move stress-free.

You can simply schedule a pickup and pack your items. We’ll collect everything from your home and transport it to our secure, temperature-controlled storage facility.

• DIY truck rental: This is the cheapest option, but it requires you to handle all the packing, loading, driving, and unloading, which can be physically demanding and time-consuming.
• Shipping services: Ideal for moving a few items, you can use services like UPS, FedEx, or USPS or hire a professional shipper for convenience and reliability.

Read more:  41 Easy Moving And Packing Tips That Will Make Your Move Dead Simple

2. Gather Moving Supplies

Ensure you have all necessary moving supplies like boxes, tape, and packing materials     before starting:

• Stock up on cardboard boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap, and markers.
• Consider getting specialty boxes for fragile items like dishes and electronics.
• The right supplies will make packing easier and protect your belongings.

3. Notify Your Landlord

If you’re renting, inform your landlord about your move:

• Check your lease for specific notice periods, usually 30 to 60 days.
• Discuss any potential penalties for breaking the lease early.
• Arranging this in advance prevents any misunderstandings and ensures a smooth transition.

4. Handle Repairs Before Moving

Fix any home issues before you move in:

• Address any repairs identified during the home inspection, such as leaky roofs or faulty wiring.
• This ensures your new home is safe and functional from day one.
• It saves you the hassle of dealing with these issues while unpacking and settling in.

5. Transfer Utilities

 Set up utilities like electricity, water, and internet at your new home:

• Make a list of all current and new utility providers.
• Notify providers a few weeks in advance to arrange start/stop dates.
• Ensuring utilities are set up means you won’t be without essential services when you move in.

6. Update Your Address

Use USPS.com to forward your mail and consider setting up a PO Box:

• Visit USPS.com to submit a change of address and select the date for forwarding to start.
• Update your address with banks, subscriptions, and any other important contacts.
• This ensures you receive all your mail and don’t miss important documents.

7. Plan Your Layout

Study the floor plan of your new home to decide where furniture and belongings will go:

• Measure your furniture and compare it with room dimensions to ensure a fit.
• Create a plan for each room to make moving day more organized.
• This helps the movers place items where you want them, saving time and effort later.

8. Take Inventory

Document your belongings to keep track of everything during the move:

• List items in each room and take photos of valuable possessions.
• This helps ensure nothing gets lost or damaged during the move.
• An inventory also makes it easier to unpack and organize your new home.

9. Declutter

Donate, sell, or dispose of items you don’t need to reduce moving costs:

• Sort your belongings and separate items into keep, donate, sell, and toss categories.
• Fewer items mean lower moving costs and less packing.
• Donating and selling unwanted items can help others and give you extra cash.

At Clutter, we offer storage services for items you don’t have space for. We can deliver them to you whenever you need them back.

Read more: Minimalist Living Tips: 8 Essential Rules For Living With Less.

10. Clean the New House

Clean thoroughly before moving in, or hire professionals to do it:

• Cleaning an empty house is much easier than one filled with boxes and furniture.
• Focus on deep-cleaning areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
• A clean home provides a fresh start and makes unpacking more pleasant.

Just as you’ve crafted a sparkling, clean new home, let’s ensure the moving day is just as seamless.

Checklist for the Moving Day

Moving day can be hectic, but with a little preparation, it can go smoothly. Here’s a new home checklist to help you stay organized and ensure everything goes as planned.

1. Organize Valuables and Important Documents

Gather all your valuables and important documents, such as passports, medical records, and financial papers. Keep these items with you during the move to ensure they stay safe and easily accessible.

2. Pack an Essentials Box with First-Day Necessities

Prepare a box with essentials you’ll need immediately upon arrival, such as toiletries, a change of clothes, basic kitchen items, and chargers. This box will make your first day in the new home more comfortable.

3. Stay Hydrated and Fueled, Have Water and Snacks Available

Moving can be physically demanding, so ensure you have plenty of water and snacks. Staying hydrated and fueled will keep your energy levels up and make the moving process smoother.

4. Direct the Movers to Ensure a Smooth Process

Be present to guide the movers and answer any questions. Direct them to the appropriate rooms and monitor the loading and unloading to ensure everything is handled properly and efficiently.

5. Clean Your Old Home After Moving Out

After all items are moved, thoroughly clean your old home. This is especially important if you leave a rental, as it helps ensure you get your security deposit back.

Watch this YouTube video to understand what you can do better to make your move-in day easy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apDI2-hoHJA

Things to Do Post-Moving

Now that the old place is sparkling clean, it’s time to settle in and make your new house a home. Let’s explore what needs to be done to settle in.

Start with the Essentials

First things first: unpack the essentials. Because who doesn’t love hunting for their toothbrush at 2 AM? Start with kitchen items, toiletries, and bedding. This way, you can at least make coffee, brush your teeth, and collapse into bed while ignoring the mountain of boxes still looming over you.

Change Your Locks

For peace of mind, replace all the locks. Nothing says “welcome home” like the thrill of not knowing who else has a key to your new place. Plus, it’s always fun to play locksmith when you should be unpacking.

Set Up Home Security

Install a home security system with all the bells and whistles—alarms, cameras, motion sensors. Because there’s nothing like the soothing sound of an alarm going off every time a cat walks by. Real-time monitoring and alerts will keep you on your toes 24/7.

Install Safety Detectors

Ensure your safety by installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Regularly check these devices because who doesn’t enjoy random ear-piercing beeps in the middle of the night reminding you they need new batteries?

Child-Proof Your Home

If you have young kids, child-proof your home by installing safety gates, outlet covers, and cabinet locks. There’s nothing more thrilling than wrestling with a safety gate while your toddler decides to play hide and seek with your sanity.

Do an Energy Audit

Perform an energy audit to find out where your new home is leaking money. Seal gaps, upgrade insulation, and consider energy-efficient appliances. Because what’s more fun than crawling around in your attic with a flashlight and a roll of duct tape?

Automate Your Bills

Set up automatic bill payments to avoid missed due dates and late fees. It’s the modern equivalent of “set it and forget it.” Just hope your bank account doesn’t decide to take a surprise vacation when the bills come due.

Find Local Pros

Research and connect with reliable local service professionals like plumbers and electricians. Nothing says “new home” like discovering your sink is a fountain and your lights are on a permanent rave setting.

Explore Your Neighborhood

Get to know your new neighborhood and familiarize yourself with local amenities. It’s always a delight to discover the closest grocery store is a 20-minute drive away when you desperately need milk at 9 PM.

Plan and Furnish Thoughtfully

Carefully plan the layout of each room and select furniture. Remember, the sofa that looked perfect online might turn out to be a door-blocking behemoth in real life. Measure twice, regret once.

Decorate and Organize

Add personal touches with decorative accessories. And don’t forget smart storage solutions—because who doesn’t love the challenge of finding space for 20 years of accumulated “treasures” in a single closet? Decorate to your heart’s content, but good luck finding that one missing throw pillow that perfectly ties the room together.

Welcome to your new home—enjoy the adventure!

Now that we’ve discussed making your home stylish and functional, let’s ensure it’s fully equipped for day-to-day living.

New Home Essentials Checklist by Room

Setting up a new home can be overwhelming. To help you get started, here’s a comprehensive checklist of essentials for each room, ensuring you have everything you need for a comfortable and well-equipped living space.

Living Area

• Television and wall mount
• Comfortable lounge furniture
• Decorative pillows and throws
• Cozy area rug
• Lamps and side tables
• Coffee table or ottoman
• Wall art and picture frames

Kitchen

• Pots, pans, and essential cookware
• Bakeware, cookie sheets, and mixing bowls
• Cutting boards and knives
• Dinnerware: plates, bowls
• Flatware and cooking utensils
• Glassware and mugs
• Coffee maker
• Food storage containers
• Strainers and measuring cups
• Napkins and paper products
• Ice cube tray, bottle opener, corkscrew
• Garbage cans and trash bags

Bathroom

• Toilet bowl cleaner and toilet paper
• Tissues and hand soap
• Bath and hand towels
• Shower curtains, liners, rods, rings
• Plungers and toiletries
• Trash cans and trash bags
• Toothbrush holder

Bedroom

• Mattress and mattress pads
• Bed sheets and extra linens
• Blankets and comforters
• Pillows and decorative items
• Closet hangers
• Lamps and area rug
• Bedframe and headboard
• Nightstands and dresser
• Mirror

Home Office

• Desk and ergonomic chair
• Computer, monitors, and keyboard
• Phone, printer, and paper
• Office supplies, envelopes, stamps
• Bookcase and binders
• Whiteboard and file cabinet

Utility and Safety

• Extension cords and cables
• Surge protectors and toolset
• Child-proofing tools
• Batteries and flashlights
• Scissors, tape, lighters
• Cords and chargers
• Basic cleaning supplies (broom, dustpan, vacuum, caulk)
• Hanging materials
• Carbon monoxide detectors
• Smoke detectors
• Garage organizational tools

Closet

• Clothing and belt hangers
• Hat hangers and hooks
• Full-length mirror
• Shoe racks and holders
• Storage bins and jewelry organizers
• Hamper and drawer liners
• Closet Shelves

Outdoor

• Garden tools and hoses
• Lawnmower and leaf blower
• Patio Furniture
• Grill and grilling tools

Laundry

• Laundry detergent and baskets
• Hampers and stain remover
• Iron and ironing board

Final Considerations for Your New Home

As you settle into your new home, keep a few final tasks in mind to ensure everything is in order. These considerations will help you maximize space, maintain your home, and integrate smoothly into your new community.

Review Custom Storage Solutions to Maximize Space

Take the time to explore and implement custom storage solutions that fit your needs. Built-in shelves, closet organizers, and under-bed storage can help you make the most of every inch. Tailored storage options can turn small spaces into functional areas, keeping your home organized and clutter-free.

Create a Home Maintenance Checklist for Seasonal Tasks

Develop a checklist for regular home maintenance tasks that must be done seasonally. This includes checking the HVAC system, cleaning gutters, inspecting the roof, and preparing your home for winter or summer. A proactive approach ensures your home remains in good condition and prevents costly repairs.

Establish a Lock-Out Solution and Create an Emergency Response Plan

Ensure everyone in your household knows what to do if they get locked out or if an emergency arises. Have spare keys stored securely with a trusted neighbor or invest in a keyless entry system. Also, create a comprehensive emergency response plan, including contact numbers, escape routes, and a meeting place.

Research and Familiarize Yourself with Local Businesses

Get to know the local businesses and services in your area. Find reliable plumbers, electricians, doctors, and grocery stores. Having a list of trusted local professionals and businesses will save you time and stress when future needs arise.

Engage with Your Neighbors and Community

Building relationships with your neighbors and participating in community activities can enhance your living experience. Attend local events, join community groups, and introduce yourself to neighbors. A strong sense of community can provide support, security, and a greater sense of belonging.

Using Clutter can simplify your move into a new home. We offer professional organization and storage solutions, helping you manage your belongings efficiently and reduce stress, making your move-in day smoother and more enjoyable.

By following this comprehensive new home checklist, you’ll be well-prepared for every stage of your move. Stay organized, and take each step methodically, and your transition into your new home will be as smooth and stress-free as possible. Happy moving!

Book a move with Clutter now!

Conclusion

Surviving Your Move with Sanity Intact

Congratulations! You’ve navigated the whirlwind of moving and emerged (mostly) unscathed. You’ve unpacked essentials, secured your home, set up safety detectors, and child-proofed your space. You’ve mastered the art of crawling through your attic for an energy audit and automating your bills like a pro.

You’ve met local pros, explored your neighborhood, and furnished your home, even if that perfect sofa now dominates your living room. Your decorative touches and clever storage solutions have made your new place feel like home.

Remember to maximize space with custom storage, tackle seasonal maintenance tasks, and establish an emergency plan. Engage with your community and, of course, book a move with Clutter to make life easier.

You’ve tackled each step with humor and determination. Now, pour yourself a well-deserved drink and enjoy your new home. You’ve earned it. Happy moving!