A Complete Checklist for Moving Into a New Home: Things to Do & More

No matter where you’re going or how much stuff you’re bringing with you, moving is always a challenge. There are a ton of things to juggle, from setting up your new internet connection to making sure you pack your glass dishes carefully in a separate box (complete with bubble wrap, of course). A new home checklist makes the entire task easier by helping you remember key to-dos, even when the chaos becomes crazy.

If you don’t have a new home checklist of your own, you’ve come to the right place. Use this checklist (and feel free to print it out!) so you don’t forget a single major thing between saying “bye” to your old home and “hello” to your new one.

Complete the new homeowner inspection checklist

In most cases, whenever you close on a new home, you have to order and complete a home inspection (unless you waive the inspection contingency for one reason or another). As the buyer, it’s up to you to pay for that inspection, plus make sure it doesn't leave anything crucial out. After all, you don't want to move into a home with a leaky roof or some other serious issue!

That home inspection has its own checklist of things to look out for. When you speak to the inspector, confirm that they investigated the following things:

• The foundation
• The septic tank
• The crawl spaces
• The walls and roof
• The gutters
• The attic and basement (if applicable)
• The plumbing
• The lights and electrical systems
• The smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector

Essentially, every major aspect and system in your home needs to be checked to ensure they're in good condition and don't pose a threat to you or other occupants. Try to schedule and complete this inspection sooner rather than later; delaying it could also delay your move-in date.

Check the new home’s features and functions

Of course, you'll probably want to check the home’s features and functions for yourself, especially because certain things won't be examined by a licensed inspector.

For instance, see if the garage door opens and closes without needing a hammer or crowbar. Fiddle around with the thermostat or AC system and see if they're working properly. Take a tour around the property and pretend you're going through a normal day. If you see anything that needs repairs, you could potentially get the current homeowner to foot the bill for those fixes before you move in.

Examine the windows and doors

You’ll also want to thoroughly examine the windows and doors of the property. They might look fine from the exterior, only for you to discover that the windows don't open easily and smoothly, have drafts, or display other problems that prevent them from being energy efficient.

If you notice that one or more windows need to be replaced, or if you think that the entry door should be swapped for a new one, you can look into installing better ones prior to moving in. That could be a strategic and savvy choice depending on when you move – if you can squeeze in a window replacement session prior to moving, for example, you might never need to deal with a draft in your new property.

Collect your important documents for closing

The closing date for your home is an important one, and the last thing you want to do is forget some critical documents when you meet with your realtor and the current property owner. Double-check that you have these documents ready to go before your closing date:

• The loan application
• Proof of homeowner’s insurance
• The mortgage or deed of trust
• The closing disclosure
• The title insurance policy
• The title affidavit
• The escrow statement
• The transfer tax deduction
• The certificate of occupancy
• The inspector’s report

Call the utility companies

You’ll need to notify the utility companies about your new home address if you want electricity and running water. Give them a call a week or so before your move-in date so they can turn on the water and power prior to your arrival. Otherwise, you might turn on the stove to start cooking in your new kitchen, only to discover no gas or electricity is flowing to your home.

Update your address

By the same token, it’s a good idea to update your address about a week before you plan to move to your new home. That involves notifying the banks, credit card companies, and other key organizations that send important mail to you. Don't forget to change your address on service subscriptions and insurance policies, as well!

The easiest way to start is to simply file a change of address form at the United States Postal Service. Fortunately, the USPS has a convenient online portal where you can do this, or you can visit your local USPS branch in person.

Reserve your moving equipment early

Need a moving truck or van to carry all your things from your old home to your new one? We recommend reserving a vehicle and extra moving equipment, like furniture pads or a dolly, ahead of time. Not only will doing this allow you to secure good rates for your reservations, but you’ll also be able to choose the perfect vehicle for your needs instead of being stuck with whatever vehicle the nearest moving company has available.

Clean your old home

It’s good practice to clean your old home before locking the door for the last time and handing over the keys. If you're currently renting, it might even be a necessity if you want to recover your full security deposit.

Take a few hours after you've packed up the majority of your stuff to scrub down the bathroom, clean the walls, vacuum the carpets, wash windows, and make your old home welcoming for whoever comes next.

Then consider hiring a cleaning service for the new home

You probably want your new home to be clean when you move in. Unfortunately, you can't guarantee that the previous owners will take care of that. So, during your final walk-through of your home prior to closing, ask your realtor whether you'll need to hire a cleaning service.

Chances are your realtor will know a few cleaning companies you can contact. With enough advanced notice, they should be able to make your home feel just like new before you step through the door with your first moving box.

Pack moving essentials in a separate box

Speaking of moving boxes, remember to pack all of your moving essentials into a separate box you can easily reach in your moving vehicle. Think of things like your toothbrush, a spare change of clothes, and some snacks for the road. Otherwise, you'll have to dig deep into your collection of boxes to find things you need for your first evening at home – and that can be quite a challenge if you have dozens of boxes to look through!

Schedule window or door replacements today

With everything else on your plate, scheduling early window or door replacements might feel like too tall of an order. However, it’s an essential step for new homeowners that can save you time, stress, and money down the road. At Window World, we make it easy to not only find the right home upgrades but get them installed by capable experts ASAP.

Why prioritize window and door replacements? First, they play a crucial role in your home’s energy efficiency. Many older windows and doors let drafts in and heat or cooling out, which can drive up your energy bills. By upgrading sooner rather than later, you can start saving on your utilities immediately.

Additionally, new windows and doors enhance your home's curb appeal and resale value. Whether you're putting your own personal touch on the property or thinking ahead to future marketability, this upgrade delivers instant and long-term benefits.

Finally, safety and security are key. Older windows and doors may not provide the level of protection your family deserves. Upgrading to modern, high-quality options ensures your home is secure, and with Window World's professional installation, you can rest easy knowing the job is done right.

Let us help make your transition to homeownership smoother by giving you one less thing to worry about. From consultation to installation, our team at Window World is here to help you create a home you’ll love for years to come.

From energy-efficient windows to storm doors, your local Window World has just what your new property needs to become your dream home. Request a quote below or get in touch with us here to learn more.