Your complete move-in checklist

Moving into a new home is exciting – and it’s a lot to coordinate. To make life easier, Rocket Mortgage offers this new house checklist, revealing what tasks you should consider before, during, and after moving day. Delve deeper into planning for your move beyond packing your belongings into cardboard boxes. From budgeting to utility setup, notifying movers, submitting a change of address, and more, our move-in checklist has you covered.

New house checklist: At-a-glance

Use this at-a-glance checklist before, during, and after moving day

Before the move

• Create a moving budget and timeline
• Purchasing moving essentials
• Decide how you’d like to move
• Notify your landlord
• Schedule time off work
• Set up utilities
• Submit address changes
• Pack, clean, organize

During your move

• Walk through the home
• Create a safe and organized loading zone
• Confirm utilities are established
• Document damaged or missing items
• Secure receipts and contracts

After the move

• Check locks, doors, and windows
• Test smoke detectors and security systems
• Unpack essential rooms
• Deep-clean
• Set a household budget
• Establish your health care provider
• Discover your new home and neighborhood

Things to do before moving into a new home

A successful move begins with preparation. Think about your timeline, what you need to pack, how you’ll move your things, and how to set up your home before you get there.

1. Create a moving budget and a timeline

Begin by thinking about the time you’ll need to pack and unpack, any necessary renovations your new home may require, and any help you may need.

Professional moving company Bekins suggests that a one-bedroom apartment or studio will require 1-2 days, a two-bedroom house or apartment will require 2-3 days, a three-bedroom house will need 3-5 days, and a home with four or more bedrooms will require a week.

Your timeline also will depend on your budget for moving-related expenses. This can include packing equipment such as boxes and movers, a rental truck, fuel costs, a storage unit, and even new furniture.

2. Purchase moving essentials

Think of how you’re going to pack and label fragile items, clothes, kitchenware, bedding, artwork, and photographs, or anything else that you’ll be moving. Additionally, be sure you have a large box on standby for any last-minute items that don’t have a designated box.

Moving boxes cost between $1 and $4 each. Specialty boxes for items such as a TV can cost $20 – $40. Moving boxes can be purchased at stores such as U-Haul, ULINE, The Home Depot. Second-hand boxes may be found at apartment complexes, yard sales, or offices.

Include a list of these items or services, such as:         

• Boxes
• Packing tape
• Bubble wrap or packing peanuts
• Permanent markers and “FRAGILE” labels
• Stretch plastic wrap
• Moving blankets or furniture pads
• Box cutter
• Plastic bags

3. Decide how you’d like to move

There are several ways to move from your former residence to your new one. A rental truck is an affordable option that gives you the flexibility to navigate your belongings however you choose. Additionally, some services will ship your belongings, labor-only moves, full-service moving companies, or moving containers.

Before making a decision, review your budget and the level of convenience you're after to determine which route is best for you.

• Ship your things: This option is comparable to a full-service moving company, but it's more commonly used for long-distance moves, such as across state lines.
• Labor-only movers: Using labor-only movers is essentially a hybrid moving method. Consider this method when you’re using a truck rental service, but might not be able to do the heavy lifting of large furniture items.
• Truck rental: A truck rental service is ideal for those planning to handle most of the moving on their own.
• Full-service moving companies: A full-service moving company will handle everything from packing to moving your belongings for you. They’ll also move pre-packed belongings, which can help speed up the process and save money.
• Moving containers: Another hybrid approach to moving, they're a great way to pack your belongings into a secure box that's delivered to your new home.

While there are flexible moving options available, costs can add up quickly, with cross-country moves averaging $4,568, according to Angi.com. There are moving assistance programs available that can help. Be sure to check if you qualify for these programs.

4. If you’re renting, notify your current landlord

Whether you're renting a home or an apartment, many landlords require either 30 or 60 days' notice to vacate. These terms vary from state to state. Review your lease terms to determine the rules for your existing lease, or contact your landlord directly.

5. Schedule time off from work

Taking time off from work isn’t always necessary. However, if you're moving from a large space or would prefer to enjoy the act of moving rather than feel it's a race, this can be a welcome solution.

Consider how much stuff you're moving and how much time you'll need to move your belongings and settle in before submitting your formal request for time off to your employer.

ExtraSpace Storage published the following average moving timeline:

• Small local moves: 1-3 days
• Apartment movies: 2-7 days
• Local house moves: 1-2 weeks
• Long-distance moves: 1-2 weeks
• Cross-country moves: 2-3+ weeks

6. Research and set up new utilities

Before you move into your new home, remember to set up new utilities. Find out who your local providers are and compare costs when you can shop around.

Additionally, don't forget to cancel your utility services at your previous address to avoid overpaying. A list of utilities to explore setting up includes, but is not limited to:

• Electricity
• Water
• Gas
• Internet
• Trash and sewer

7. Change your address

The last thing you want is for your mail to get lost in transit or be sent to the wrong address after you move. Submit your address change to the USPS for mail forwarding up to two weeks in advance. This notice lasts 12 months. Be sure to notify banks, insurance companies, doctors' offices, employers, cell phone providers, and any other entities that may have your address on file of your new address.

8. Pack, clean, and organize for moving day

Give yourself enough time to pack your belongings before moving day. You may want to set a daily goal, perhaps one box a day, starting with underused items. When moving day arrives, all your belongings will be ready to be loaded onto a moving truck, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about.

Once your house is empty, before saying goodbye, clean in between crevices and baseboards, and vacuum and mop one final time for the home's new owners or renters.

During your move

Once you’ve arrived at your new house, double-check that everything is in order. Ensure there is a safe loading zone, that your utilities work, and that you unpack essential items first.

9. Walk through the home

Now that you've arrived at your new home, you'll want to conduct a walk-through to ensure everything is in order. This walk-through won't be as detailed as your blue-tape walk-through. You'll want to note anything of concern.

One thing that you should have on standby when you arrive at your new home is a box (or bag) with essential items such as:

• IDs and medication
• Toiletries
• Bedding
• Snacks
• Pet food

10. Ensure a safe and organized loading

Whether a professional moving service is assisting you with moving into your new home or friends and family are helping with unloading your belongings, having a safe, organized loading zone is crucial to ensuring everyone's safety.

A few tips to keep in mind while moving into your new home include supervising movers or helpers, keeping pets and children safely out of the way, taking photographs for insurance purposes, noting any damages, and double-checking that nothing is left behind.

11. Check that utilities are on at the new home

By the time you move into your new home, your utilities should be set up. Check that your electricity is on by flipping a light switch, and see if you have running water from the faucets. If you have a gas-powered stove, check that the burners ignite, and make sure your electronic devices can connect to your Wi-Fi.

When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to contact your providers to ask questions or identify a resolution to any mishaps.

12. Document any damaged or missing items

When your items arrive and are offloaded into your home, carefully examine them for any damage that may have occurred during transit. Take photographs and coordinate a solution with your moving team. Remember, first evaluate any terms and conditions you may have signed, and always consider opting for an insurance policy if it is offered. Accidents happen, and it's better to be safe than sorry.

13. Secure receipts and contracts from hired help

Retain your receipts and contracts from hired help, such as movers, after their services have been rendered. You may stumble across an issue that you didn't initially recognize. Plus, retaining these documents is helpful in referencing any personal finance discrepancies that may arise.

What to do after the move

After the movers have left, you can take on more low-priority tasks. This is the point where you start looking ahead and ensuring the daily operations of your home are in order.

14. Check locks, doors, and windows for security

After you’ve settled into your space, double-check that the locks on all your doors and windows work correctly. Additionally, assess each door for unwanted airflow and note whether weatherstripping may be necessary. 

15. Test smoke detectors and security systems

Assess that all smoke detectors in your home are operational and that any security systems that came with the home are online. Be sure to change the password and remove any previous access from the device. Any questions about how to make these necessary changes can be directed to the security company.

16. Unpack essential rooms first

As you begin to unpack your belongings, start with the essential rooms first. This may include the primary suite, children’s bedrooms, or your home office. Establishing your essential spaces will help you transition to your new home and routine more quickly.

17. Deep-clean the house

Once you've settled into your space, reassess the cleanliness and consider whether any areas warrant a professional deep cleaning. These areas could include HVAC systems or crawl spaces.

18. Set a household budget

Moving into a new house brings a sense of looking at things through fresh eyes. Extend this sentiment toward evaluating your household budget. You may have new expenses, such as gardening equipment or an increased water bill, or find some savings.

19. Find new health care providers

For individuals who have relocated to towns, cities, or states, be sure to secure new health care providers. Oftentimes, you can explore these options through an insurance provider portal or an online search.

20. Get familiar with your new home and neighborhood

There’s a lot to take in when you’ve moved to a new neighborhood. Once you’re settled in, begin to familiarize yourself with local restaurants, parks, and retail stores. Determine where you'll shop for groceries and get acquainted with your local barista.

Consider hosting a small housewarming party with friends and family, as well as people you've met since moving in. Add personal touches to your home, such as flowers or candles.

The bottom line: Must-haves for your new home

Make moving into your new home as simple as possible. By starting early with packing boxes and coordinating with movers, to making utility arrangements in your spare time and using this moving checklist, the moving process has never been more straightforward.

If you're ready to take the leap and buy that new home, start a mortgage application today with Rocket Mortgage.