The Complete Checklist Before Moving Into a New Home

Shampoo carpets, bleach tile and mop hardwood floors to remove allergens and leftover smells.

Dust first and then use a mild cleaner to wipe them down.

Wipe down the inside and lay new shelf paper to freshen the space.

Scrub both the stovetop and the oven to prevent any smoky surprises.

Run a few cycles with vinegar and baking soda to get rid of any smells or animal hair the previous owners left behind.

Use vinegar to wipe down shelves and drawers.

Remove any leftover dust with a damp rag.

Disinfect these (if you’re not replacing them).

Remove and scrub any glass globes to get rid of grime.

There’s no guarantee the previous owners turned over all the keys. Make sure to update any external locks before moving any valuable items into the house. Take the time to update any passwords or codes on your security system or garage doors while you’re at it.

Smoke detectors could be faulty or have old batteries. Replace all batteries and test them thoroughly before reinstalling. If your new home has carbon monoxide detectors, test them and check for a creation date. Consider replacing any smoke or carbon monoxide detectors that are more than five years old.

There’s no telling how old the air filters in your HVAC system are. Replacing them is especially important if someone in your house is sensitive to dust or animal hair that could have been left behind. Replace the air filters and mark the date on your calendar so you know when to replace them in the future.

You’ll want to familiarize yourself with these items in case of a plumbing leak or tripped breaker. Be ready for an emergency by doing it before moving in. Take the time to figure out which breaker goes to each room of your home and label them for future use. (Also, it’s a good idea to store a flashlight nearby for your next power outage.

You can’t pay your bills if the mailman doesn’t know where to find you! Change your address on the USPS website at least two weeks before you move. Make sure to tell your extended family and friends about your move too — you don’t want to miss their holiday cards.

Your new home should feel nice and comfortable before you settle in. It should also have electricity and running water. You know, the essentials. Turn off utilities in your old home the day after you move out and switch them on in your new home the day before you move in.

It doesn’t hurt to make a few friends before moving into the neighborhood. Introduce yourself to your neighbors during the moving process. Now you’ll see some familiar faces when you collect your daily mail.

Check to see if your bank has a branch in the city you’re moving to. If it doesn’t, you’ll have to switch banks. Go to your city’s Facebook page to see if any locals have bank recommendations, or stick with a larger company if that makes you feel more comfortable.

Don’t love the left-behind carpet? Do the hardwood floors need a refresh? Any flooring project is easier in an empty house. Some flooring companies may give you a discount if they don’t need to move furniture while they work.

Plus, most flooring projects are labor-intensive and time-consuming. Pulling out carpet, sanding floors and laying laminate can involve a lot of dirt and debris and take more time than you realize.

If you’re planning to update the kitchen in your new home, it’s best to tackle this project before moving in. Not only can kitchen renovations make a mess, but they can disrupt your whole home and prevent you from making meals.

Leaky pipes and ceilings can lead to costly home repairs down the road. This includes mold, water damage and unwanted changes in water pressure. Check for leaks in your home and make sure to fix them before moving your furniture inside.

While roofing projects can be done while your house is occupied, moving into a home where water is dripping from the ceiling isn’t fun. If you find a leak in your roof, call a roofing company to fix it. Completing this job before moving in will protect your belongings from water damage.

Why waste time and money covering and moving furniture if you can complete the job while the rooms are still empty? While choosing colors before living in the house may be a challenge, the effort will pay off in the long run.

If your new home was built more than 15 years ago, it may have popcorn ceilings in the bedrooms or living spaces. Removing this feature is simple, but incredibly messy. If you’re determined to remove the dated ceiling, it’s best to complete this home improvement before moving in.