Before You Move In

Stage 1 of 4 · Closing to Move Day

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Security & Safety

Change or rekey all locks

You have no idea who has keys to your new home. Previous owners, family, contractors, cleaners, and neighbors may all have copies.

Reset garage door codes

Clear all existing remotes from memory and reprogram with new codes. Previous owners and others may still know them.

Set up security system

Transfer existing alarm service or install basic cameras and video doorbell. Change all codes.

Test smoke and CO detectors

Life-safety devices must work before you sleep one night. Test every detector, replace batteries, and replace any unit over 10 years old.

Locate all utility shutoffs

Find the water main, gas shutoff, and electrical panel. In an emergency you need to shut off utilities fast, not during a crisis.

Utilities & Admin

Transfer utilities to your name

Schedule electric, gas, water, trash, and internet for the closing date. Call 1-2 weeks early to avoid gaps.

Update your address everywhere

USPS forwarding, driver's license, banks, insurance, employer, subscriptions, voter registration. Some changes take weeks.

Confirm homeowner's insurance

Insurance should be in place at closing. Review coverage, understand your deductible, and set up auto-pay to avoid lapses.

Inspect & Document

Document the home's condition

Take detailed photos and videos of everything before moving in. Protects you for insurance claims and warranty disputes.

Verify all agreed repairs were made

Review the purchase agreement. Inspect each repair, collect receipts, and test repaired items before releasing escrow.

Schedule a pest inspection

Even if you had one during purchase, consider a fresh inspection and preventive treatment. Seal any entry points.

Start a home binder

Central place for closing docs, appliance manuals, paint colors, contractor contacts, warranties, and maintenance records.

Clean & Prep

Deep clean the entire home

Much easier to clean empty than around furniture. Cabinets, windows, appliances, bathrooms, light fixtures, carpets.

Change HVAC filters

Start with fresh filters. You don't know when they were last changed, dirty filters reduce efficiency and air quality.

Paint any rooms you want painted

Painting an empty room is 10x easier than painting around furniture. At minimum, touch up scuffs from previous owners.

Replace toilet seats

One of the most personal touches for very little money. Standard seats cost $15-40 each and install in 10 minutes.

Move-In Day

Finalize moving logistics

Confirm date and time with movers, reserve elevators if needed, arrange parking, pack an essentials bag, prepare cash tips.

Introduce yourself to neighbors

Good neighbor relationships are valuable. They watch your house, accept packages, and share local knowledge.

New homeowner timeline

Stage 1 · Current

Before Move-In

18 tasks

Stage 2

First Week

Safety & comfort

Stage 3

First Month

Settling in

Stage 4

First Year

Full annual cycle

Before Move-In FAQ Seasonal Maintenance All Checklists