Purchasing a new home is an exciting life event, but let’s face it, the process of moving isn’t the easiest. From house hunting to coordinating with movers, it’s a lot! Even the “simple” moving preparation can be overwhelming. However, with a comprehensive move-in checklist by your side, you can ensure a smooth transition into a new home. Even better, you don’t have to craft one yourself because we’ve curated a new home move-in checklist to ensure you have a hassle-free experience. Let’s dive in!
The 11-Step Moving Checklist
- Home Utility Setup: Start by ensuring all utilities are working, including water, electricity, gas, and internet. Be sure to set these up ahead of time. Nothing’s worse than moving into a new house without heat or light. And if you work remote, it pays (literally) to be able to hop online as soon as you’ve moved in.
- Walkthrough: Make sure you do a thorough walkthrough before moving in. This is essential to check for any last-minute issues or things that might have been overlooked during initial visits. Things to pay extra attention to: locks and windows, outlets, and if moving into a pre-owned home, the previous homeowner’s items.
- Keys and Security: When you move into a new home, security should be your top priority. Ensure you have all the necessary keys and understand the security systems in place, if any. For added security, especially if you're moving into a previously owned home, changing the locks can give you peace of mind. You have no clue how many copies of the keys are floating around in the world, so replacing the locks will keep the house secure.
- Appliances and Systems: Inspect major appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and heating systems. Knowing the conditions of these items can help prevent unexpected breakdowns later.
- Safety Features: Inspect smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. These items should be in good condition, and regarding the fire extinguisher, within its expiration date.
- Storage Spaces: If you intend to store your belongings in the home’s closets, attics, or basement, check that they are clean and pest-free. In pre-owned homes, these areas are generally neglected on cleaning day, so they may require a bit more of love to get them ready for your things.
- Cleanliness: Although most move-in ready new homes are clean, it's a good idea to do a quick cleanup before unpacking. Vacuuming, wiping surfaces, and mopping can make a space feel more like home.
- Change of Address: Inform relevant authorities, friends, and businesses about your new address. This includes banks, postal services, and subscriptions. Fortunately, the U.S. postal service makes it easy to register your new home address.
- Personal Touches: Now it's time to decorate! Put up your favorite artwork, set up your furniture, and make the space truly yours. Studying the floor plan or pictures of the home beforehand can help you prepare movers for where to place furnishings—plus, bring your inner interior designer to life!
- New Neighborhood: Spend some time getting to know your surroundings. Explore local shops, and parks, and maybe introduce yourself to the neighbors. This is also a great time to familiarize your pet with the new environment.
- Moving Essentials Box: Create a box that includes all of your essential items, including a few changes of clothes, snacks, water, and medications, along with important documents and basic toiletries. This box should be clearly labeled and easily accessible in case you need it before you’ve fully unpacked.
Not Every Part of Moving Has To Be Complicated
The process of moving into a new home can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right preparation and a comprehensive move-in checklist, your transition can be smooth and hassle-free. From ensuring essential utilities are set up to inspecting safety features and personalizing your space, each step plays a vital role in making your new house feel like home.
Embarking on the journey of moving into a new house is more than just choosing a location—it's about creating a space where you can feel at home. At Century Communities, we dedicate ourselves to crafting houses that prioritize comfort, aesthetic appeal, and functionality. Our aim? To ensure that when you’re ticking off items on your move-in checklist, settling into your new space feels seamless.
Ready to make your move? Start your new home search today!