A Homeowner’s Move-In Checklist

Congrats on your new home! There are few personal accomplishments that compare to the thrill of buying a house, whether you’re a first-time homeowner or moving on from your starter home. After what is often a stressful process, you’re sure to feel a sense of relief and excitement when the papers are signed and you are finally handed the keys to your new castle. The next phase of buying a new home: actually moving. To ease this process, we’ve created a move-in checklist to keep you both organized and prepared throughout your next steps.

 

While you’re probably eager to begin unpacking, renovating and re-decorating, there are a few important housekeeping items you should check off the list before becoming too comfortable and distracted by paint samples and furniture sales. 

1. Do a thorough walkthrough:

Chances are, it’s been several weeks and possibly months since you’ve been in your new house. Do a thorough walkthrough of the house and property to ensure that everything is how it was agreed upon in the purchase. This is also a great opportunity to further familiarize yourself with your new place. One tip to keep in mind for your walkthrough is to bring a tape measure along with you. If you haven’t yet dreamed of how you’ll decorate, you can better prepare yourself for move-in-day knowing what pieces of furniture will fit through hallways and sit nicely along certain walls.

 

2. Start with a deep clean

Your home will never be this empty again! Use this opportunity to give yourself a fresh start by treating your new home to a deep clean. Steam clean any carpeted floors, wipe down empty cabinets and disinfect the bathrooms. Too tired from moving to clean? Look into a local professional cleaning service!

 

3. Change the locks:

While the previous owner was required to hand in their set of keys, you can never be too safe when it comes to protecting your home. The previous owner may have a copy they had forgotten about, or perhaps given copies to relatives or friends. Changing the locks on your new home will bring you peace of mind as you settle in.

 

4. Let everyone know about your change of address:

Aside from family and friends, be sure to communicate your new address to those who are sending you information and bills on a regular basis, including student loan providers, your insurance companies and banks, and your credit card companies. Start by letting the post office know of your address change so they can forward your mail and recognize not to give you the previous homeowner’s mail. Also, look twice before placing an online order to make sure you’ve entered your new residence!

 

5. Check alarms:

Do a quick check to make sure all smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are functioning properly. If these devices are battery operated, now may also be a good time to replace them so you know when they were last changed.

 

6. Locate shut-off valves and the electrical panel:

It’s important to know where these home essentials are in case of an emergency leak or a power outage.

 

7. Gather your important documents:

Moving can be messy. While packing for your move, now is a great time to locate and designate a safe space for important documents, such as birth certificates, social security cards and tax documents. Knowing where these items are when you unpack your new space can save you time and stress down the road should you need them.

 

8. Get your utilities up and running:

Ideally, this is coordinated before you move in. But, just in case it wasn’t, make this a priority when you arrive at your new home. Utilities such as water, heat, electricity and trash services are all important to the safety and comfort of your new space.

 

9. Hook up your television and internet:

Once you have your essentials taken care of, make arrangements with your phone, television and internet providers.

 

10. Stock up on essentials:

Have all of your essentials at the ready, including paper towels, toilet paper, soap, garbage bags, batteries and a first aid kit.

 

11. Confirm your new home is adequately covered:

Unfortunately, things happen. Fires, theft and storms can all threaten and damage your home and budget, which is why it’s important to be prepared as you enter homeownership. Make an appointment with your local home insurance agent to ensure you and your new home are adequately covered in the event of a loss.

 

And, last but not least, enjoy your new home! Buying a house is a big accomplishment – allow yourself some time to appreciate how far you’ve come since you first started your home-search and begin planning for the exciting times ahead.

 

Still in the early stages of buying a home? Read more about our homeowners insurance here.