First Week Essentials
You're in! Now focus on safety, basic comfort, and getting functional. Don't try to unpack everything - just make the house livable and establish your essential routines.
Must Do
Safety and basic function first
Unpack Your Essentials Box First
You packed an essentials box for move day, right? If not, dig through boxes to find daily necessities before unpacking everything else.
- Toiletries and medications you need daily
- Phone chargers and basic electronics
- A few changes of clothes
- Basic kitchen items: coffee maker, kettle, a few dishes
- Sheets and towels for the first night
- Important documents and valuables
Test Smoke & CO Detectors Again
If you tested them before move-in, test again. If you didn't, this is your top priority. Do not sleep a single night without working detectors.
- Press the test button on every detector
- If any don't work, replace batteries immediately
- If still not working, replace the entire unit ($20-40)
- One detector per floor minimum, near bedrooms
- Carbon monoxide detectors especially important if you have gas appliances
Get a Fire Extinguisher
Every home needs at least one fire extinguisher. Kitchen fires are the most common, so start there.
- Get an ABC-rated extinguisher (handles most fire types)
- Keep one in the kitchen, not right next to the stove
- Consider one per floor and in the garage
- Learn how to use it: PASS (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep)
- Check the pressure gauge monthly
Set Up Bedrooms First
Unpacking is exhausting. Make sure everyone has a proper place to sleep before you're too tired to function.
- Assemble bed frames and place mattresses
- Make beds with fresh sheets
- Set up nightstands with lamps and chargers
- Hang blackout curtains if needed (especially for kids)
- Find the white noise machine or fan if you use one
Set Up Basic Kitchen Function
You don't need to unpack everything, but you need to be able to make coffee, prepare simple meals, and stay hydrated.
- Unpack coffee maker, kettle, toaster
- Set up a few plates, bowls, utensils, and cups
- Organize refrigerator with basics (milk, water, snacks)
- Know where the trash bags are
- Find the dish soap and a sponge
Set Up Bathrooms
After a long day of moving, you'll want a shower. Make bathrooms functional early.
- Hang towels and shower curtain
- Place toilet paper and toiletries
- Set up soap dispensers or bars
- Put out bath mat
- Stock with tissue and hand towels
Get Internet Working
Modern life requires internet. If you scheduled installation, make sure it happens. If you have equipment, set it up.
- Meet the technician if professional installation
- Set up your router in a central location
- Create a new network name and password
- Connect all devices and smart home equipment
- Test speeds to ensure you're getting what you paid for
Childproof and Petproof
If you have kids or pets, address immediate safety hazards. You can do a thorough job later, but handle the obvious stuff now.
- Cover electrical outlets in rooms kids/pets access
- Gate stairs if needed
- Check for exposed cords that could be chewed
- Secure heavy furniture that could tip (temporary straps)
- Move toxic plants, chemicals out of reach
- Check fence for gaps if you have a dog
Should Do
Important for settling in smoothly
Unpack Room by Room
Don't bounce between rooms. Finish one space completely before moving to the next. This prevents chaos and gives you usable spaces faster.
- Start with most-used rooms: kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms
- Living room and dining can wait
- Break down boxes as you go (they pile up fast)
- Don't stress about perfect organization yet
- Focus on functional, not beautiful
Create Emergency Contact List
You're in a new area. Know who to call if something goes wrong.
- Local emergency services (usually 911, but know your address)
- Poison control: 1-800-222-1222
- Nearest emergency room address
- Utility emergency numbers (gas leak, power outage)
- Neighbors you've met (exchange numbers)
- Post this list visibly until you have it memorized
Learn Your Home's Systems
Spend 30 minutes understanding how things work. You'll need this knowledge eventually, better to learn now than during a crisis.
- Thermostat: how to set temperature, program schedules
- Water heater: location, how to adjust temperature
- Electrical panel: which breakers control what
- HVAC: where filters are, how to change them
- Garbage disposal: how to reset it when it jams
- Find all these locations and label if unclear
Stock Basic Supplies
Make one comprehensive shopping trip for household basics. Don't make 10 trips to the store this week.
- Cleaning supplies: all-purpose cleaner, toilet cleaner, trash bags
- Light bulbs (check what sizes you need first)
- Batteries for remotes and devices
- Basic tools if you don't have them: screwdriver, hammer, tape measure
- First aid kit supplies
- Pantry staples for simple meals
Introduce Yourself to Neighbors
If you didn't do this before moving in, do it now. Good relationships with neighbors are valuable.
- Knock on adjacent homes and introduce yourself
- Exchange phone numbers for emergencies
- Ask about garbage day, mail delivery times
- Learn about any neighborhood groups or apps
- Ask about local recommendations: doctors, restaurants, services
Nice to Do
If you have energy left
Update Delivery Services
Make sure packages and subscriptions come to your new address.
- Amazon address and delivery preferences
- Grocery delivery services
- Any subscription boxes
- Pharmacy for prescription deliveries
- Add new address to maps apps (for navigation home)
Take Breaks and Celebrate
You just bought a house and moved! That's huge. Don't burn yourself out trying to unpack in three days.
- Order pizza and watch a movie on the floor - it's a rite of passage
- Take walks around the new neighborhood
- Let yourself feel excited (and overwhelmed - that's normal)
- Set realistic expectations: full unpacking takes weeks, not days
- The boxes can wait. Your mental health cannot.
Next Stage
First Month Priorities
Establish your home. Days 8-30.