New Home Checklist

The first tasks to do after moving into a new home, from testing utilities to changing the locks.

Published June 22, 2026

Get Utilities On & Tested

Confirm electricity, gas and water are switched on in your name
Test every light switch, outlet and major appliance
Run hot water at each tap and check water pressure
Confirm heating and air conditioning both work
Test before the first cold or hot night so you have time to call a technician
Verify internet, cable and phone service are active

Secure the Home

Change or rekey every exterior door lock
Test all window and patio-door locks
Check that the garage door opener and codes are reset
Set up or reset any alarm system and codes
Replace batteries and test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms

Find the Essentials

Locate and label the main water shut-off valve
Find the breaker box and map which breaker controls each room
Locate the gas shut-off and the water heater
Find the fuse for the outdoor outlets and sprinklers
Note where the HVAC filter goes and what size it takes

Deep Clean Before Unpacking

Wipe down and disinfect all kitchen cabinets and drawers
Scrub the bathrooms, including the toilet, tub and shower
Clean inside the refrigerator, oven and dishwasher
Vacuum or mop all floors and wipe baseboards
Replace toilet seats and showerheads if you prefer
Cheap, quick swaps that make a used home feel like yours

Update Your Address & Accounts

Set up mail forwarding from your old address
Update your address with banks, cards and your employer
Change the address on your driver's license and vehicle registration
Update subscriptions, deliveries and insurance policies

Settle In

Introduce yourself to the immediate neighbors
Locate the nearest hospital, pharmacy and grocery store
Find out the trash and recycling collection days
Save local emergency, utility and handyman numbers
Walk the property and note anything that needs repair

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A new home checklist lists the first practical tasks to do once you have the keys — turning on and testing utilities, rekeying the locks, deep cleaning before you unpack, finding the shut-offs, and updating your address. It keeps the move-in week organized and safe.

This is a list of things to do, not things to buy. Work through the safety and setup tasks first, then settle in once the home is clean and secure.

Tackle the high-priority items the day you arrive, then spread the rest across your first week. Many tasks take five minutes but are easy to forget in the chaos of moving.

Great for first-time movers, renters, and homeowners. Print this checklist or download the PDF and check off each task as you settle into the new place.

FAQ

What should I do first when moving into a new home?

Before anything else, confirm the utilities are on, change or rekey the exterior locks, locate the water shut-off and breaker box, and test the smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms. These keep you safe and in control from day one.

Should I clean before or after unpacking?

Deep clean before you unpack. It is far easier to scrub empty cabinets, closets and bathrooms when nothing is in the way, and you start with a fresh, sanitary space.

Why should I change the locks in a new home?

You rarely know how many copies of the old keys exist — previous owners, tradespeople, or former tenants may still have them. Rekeying or replacing exterior locks is a cheap, one-time way to secure the home.

How soon should I update my address?

Set up mail forwarding and update your address with banks, your employer and key services within the first week so nothing important is delayed or lost.

Is this new home checklist printable?

Yes. Print it or download the PDF and tick off each move-in task as you complete it.