Moving into a new home is an exciting milestone — whether it’s your first house or your fifth. But amidst the thrill of unpacking boxes and imagining new memories, there are many important steps that can easily be overlooked. To ensure your transition is smooth and stress-free, here’s a comprehensive list of things to remember when moving into a new house.
From safety and utilities to deep cleaning and address updates, these tips will help you feel settled, secure, and ready to enjoy your new space.
🗝️ 1. Change the Locks Immediately
Safety first! You never know who might still have a copy of the old keys — previous owners, contractors, cleaners, or neighbors.
🔐 Why it’s important:
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Peace of mind
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Full control over home security
👉 Call a local locksmith or install smart locks if you prefer keyless entry.
🧼 2. Deep Clean Every Room
Even if your new home looks clean, it’s wise to give it a thorough deep clean before unpacking.
🧽 Focus on:
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Floors, carpets, and baseboards
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Kitchen appliances (inside and out)
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Bathroom tiles, toilets, and cabinets
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Windows and light fixtures
💡 Pro Tip: Hire professional cleaners to do a one-time full house cleaning if you’re short on time.
⚙️ 3. Set Up Utilities and Services
Don’t wait until your first night to realize the electricity or internet isn’t working! Ideally, you should arrange your services before the move-in day.
📋 Common utilities to set up or transfer:
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Electricity and gas
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Water and sewer
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Internet and cable
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Trash collection
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Home security system
📮 4. Update Your Address
Notify relevant parties of your new address to avoid missed bills, lost mail, or delivery issues.
📬 Who to notify:
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USPS (use their official change-of-address form)
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Banks and credit card companies
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Insurance providers
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DMV (for your driver’s license and vehicle registration)
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Subscriptions and online shopping sites
🔥 5. Locate Shut-Off Valves and Circuit Breakers
Know where your main water shut-off valve, gas shut-off, and circuit breaker box are located.
🛠️ This will save you time (and panic) in emergencies like leaks or power issues.
Label all circuit breakers if they aren’t already marked!
🧯 6. Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Test all alarms and replace batteries to make sure they’re functioning. If the home doesn’t have carbon monoxide detectors, now is the time to install them.
🔥 Safety essentials:
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Fire extinguisher in the kitchen
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First-aid kit
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Flashlights with fresh batteries
🪑 7. Plan Furniture Placement Before Unpacking
Visualize how you want each room to look before you start opening boxes.
📐 Use a floor plan app or sketch out furniture layouts in advance. It’ll save you a ton of time and heavy lifting later.
🛋️ 8. Take Your Time With Décor
You don’t need to decorate everything at once. Live in the space for a few weeks to understand how you move through each room.
🌿 Start with:
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Functional pieces (sofas, tables, lighting)
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Basic window treatments for privacy
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Essential storage solutions
Let your style evolve naturally as the space becomes truly yours.
📦 9. Unpack Essentials First
Unpack strategically to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
📦 Your “first night” box should include:
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Toiletries and towels
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Bedsheets and pajamas
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Basic kitchen items (coffee maker, plates, snacks)
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Chargers and essential electronics
Set up your bed first — you’ll thank yourself at the end of the day. 😴
🧾 10. Take Inventory for Insurance
If you haven’t already, make a home inventory list for insurance purposes.
📸 Walk through each room and take photos or videos of your valuables.
📝 Document serial numbers and purchase dates for high-ticket items.
This will help in case of theft, damage, or insurance claims down the line.
🛡️ 11. Review and Update Your Home Insurance
Make sure your homeowner’s insurance policy is active from day one and that it fully covers the new home’s structure and contents.
💡 Consider additional coverage for:
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Floods or earthquakes (if not included)
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High-value electronics or jewelry
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Renovations or upgrades
🌳 12. Meet Your Neighbors
Building relationships with neighbors can make you feel more connected, secure, and welcomed.
👋 Drop by with a friendly hello, or attend a local event to meet people in your community.
It’s also helpful in case you ever need recommendations or a helping hand.
🛠️ 13. Start a Home Maintenance Routine
Prevent future issues by setting a home maintenance calendar.
🗓️ Regular tasks to schedule:
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HVAC filter replacements
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Gutter cleaning
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Smoke detector checks
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Seasonal lawn care and pest control
A well-maintained home = fewer headaches later.
💡 14. Consider Energy Efficiency Upgrades
If your new home is older, upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and fixtures can reduce utility bills.
⚡ Ideas include:
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Smart thermostats
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LED lighting
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Low-flow faucets and toilets
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Insulated windows and doors
Bonus: These upgrades increase property value over time.
🧘 15. Give Yourself Grace
Moving is exhausting — emotionally and physically. Take breaks, don’t aim for perfection, and celebrate small wins.
🧡 Your home doesn’t have to be “complete” in a week. Enjoy the process of making it truly yours.
🏡 Final Thoughts: A Fresh Start, Done Right
Moving into a new house isn’t just about transporting boxes — it’s about creating a safe, functional, and cozy space for you and your family.
With a little planning and the right checklist, you can eliminate stress and make the most of your fresh start.
Need help renovating your new home before moving in?
🚿 Kitchen or bathroom updates?
🔧 Flooring, painting, or remodeling?
📞 Contact Easy Remodeling for expert home renovation services in Chicago!
