Moving-In Checklist for New Homeowners

The first week in a new house is chaotic — boxes everywhere, unfamiliar switches, and a mental list that grows every hour. This checklist focuses on what actually matters before you start painting accent walls or planning renovations.

Before move-in day

Confirm utilities are scheduled to transfer into your name (electric, gas, water, trash, internet)
Get extra keys cut or confirm locks were rekeyed at closing
Photograph meter readings (electric, gas, water) on day one for your records
Locate the home inspection report and flag any items marked for follow-up

Day one: safety and shutoffs

These take thirty minutes and can save you thousands in an emergency.

Main water shutoff — find it, label it, and make sure everyone in the household knows where it is
Electrical panel — identify the main breaker; label circuits if the panel is blank or illegible
Gas shutoff (if applicable) — know where it is and when to use it vs. when to call the utility
Smoke and CO detectors — test every unit; replace batteries or units that fail
Fire extinguisher — buy an ABC-rated extinguisher for the kitchen if one is not already mounted nearby

See Know your home systems for a deeper walkthrough of each system.

First week: documentation

Collect seller documents — manuals, warranties, receipts for recent work, permit records, appliance info
Photograph serial and model plates on HVAC, water heater, appliances, and garage door opener
Note filter sizes for HVAC, fridge (if applicable), and range hood
Create a simple home log — even a notes app works at first; record ages of roof, water heater, and major systems if known
Walk every room and note anything that drips, sticks, buzzes, or smells wrong — those become your first repair list

First week: practical setup

Change locks or confirm rekeying if you have not already
Set up mail forwarding and update your address with banks, employer, and subscriptions
Find trash and recycling schedule for your municipality
Test garage door auto-reverse and keypad codes — reset codes if unknown
Check dryer vent for lint buildup (fire risk)
Locate attic access, crawl space, and cleanout plugs before you need them

Room-by-room quick pass

Kitchen: run all burners and the oven; check under-sink for leaks; confirm disposal works.

Bathrooms: run faucets and flush toilets; check caulk and grout for obvious gaps; confirm exhaust fans vent outside (not just into the attic).

Bedrooms and living areas: test windows and locks; check for outlets that do not work (may indicate a tripped GFCI elsewhere).

Basement or garage: look for water stains, pest evidence, and sump pump operation if present.

Exterior: walk the perimeter; note grading that slopes toward the foundation; check downspouts discharge away from the house.

Tools that help this week

You do not need a full toolbox yet, but a flashlight, tape measure, and basic screwdriver set make the walkthrough much easier. See our Essential Tool Kit for New Homeowners for a Surviving → Thriving → DIY-stan breakdown.

After the first week

Once the urgent items are handled, shift from reactive to rhythmic — recurring maintenance, seasonal prep, and tracking issues in one place. Our Interactive Maintenance Checklist is a good next step when you are ready to add tasks to a system you will actually keep using.

Last updated: July 7, 2026