First-Week Checklist After Moving Into a New Home

The moving truck is empty, the boxes are everywhere, and the temptation is to start decorating. A better plan is to spend your first week on the practical tasks that make a house safe, functional, and ready to live in. This checklist is organized by priority so you can start with the essentials.

Day One Essentials

Confirm that electricity, water, heat, and any gas service are working.
Locate the main water shutoff, the electrical panel, and the gas shutoff if applicable, and show everyone in the household where they are.
Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace batteries if you are unsure of their age.
Check that exterior doors lock properly and that windows latch.
Set up beds so everyone can sleep comfortably.
Unpack the essentials box with plates, cups, a coffee maker, and basic toiletries.

Security and Safety

Have the exterior locks rekeyed or replaced, since you cannot know how many keys exist for the previous ones.
Reset any garage door codes and smart lock codes to your own.
Change the passwords on any shared home network equipment left behind.
Look for hazards such as loose handrails, damaged outlets, or exposed wiring.
Locate a fire extinguisher, or buy one for the kitchen.
Write down emergency contacts and keep them in a visible place.

Utilities and Accounts

Confirm that the accounts for electricity, water, gas, trash, and internet are in your name.
Photograph meter readings on move-in day for your records.
File an official change of address with the postal service and update your address with your bank, insurer, employer, and subscriptions.
Update the address on your driver's license and vehicle registration, following the rules of your state, which may have a deadline.
Check that the thermostat settings and water heater temperature are comfortable and safe.

Cleaning and Inspection

Wipe down kitchen cabinets, drawers, and appliances before loading them.
Clean bathrooms before unpacking toiletries.
Replace the heating and cooling filter, and note the size for future purchases.
Run every faucet and flush every toilet, watching for leaks or slow drains.
Run the dishwasher and washing machine empty once to flush out dust.
Check the attic, basement, and crawl space with a flashlight for moisture or pest signs.

Settling In and Paperwork

Unpack room by room rather than scattering boxes everywhere.
Break down empty boxes quickly to free up space.
Introduce yourself to a few neighbors and ask about trash pickup days, parking customs, and local services.
Take photos of each room before you fill it, so you have a record of its initial condition.
Keep a list of repairs and projects to prioritize rather than trying to do them all at once.

A Note on Paperwork

Keep your closing documents, warranties, manuals, and inspection reports in one folder. If you have questions about insurance, taxes, or title, consult a qualified professional or the official local office rather than guessing. Many appliances come with registration cards or online registration, which can help if a recall or repair issue comes up.

It also helps to give yourself permission to be imperfect. Nobody finishes unpacking in a week, and that is fine. The goal of these first days is a home that is safe, secure, and workable, with the basics running and the paperwork in order. Everything else can come together room by room over the following weeks.

Takeaway: Secure the locks, learn where the shutoffs are, test safety devices, and set up the basics before decorating. A calm first week makes the new house feel like home faster.