Moving Into Your New Home: What Should I Do Before the Boxes Arrive?
If you have the opportunity to get into your new home before the moving truck arrives, take advantage of it.
An empty house is much easier to clean, paint, repair and organize than a house filled with furniture and boxes.
You don’t have to do everything.
But there are a few things that are much easier before you move in.
1. Clean Before You Move In
Even if the house looks clean, this is your chance to clean the places that become difficult once furniture arrives.
Think about:
- Inside cabinets
- Closets
- Baseboards
- Floors
- Windows
- Light fixtures
- Appliances
- Bathrooms
- Behind appliances when accessible
- Garage
- Basement
- Other areas that will soon be difficult to reach
Once the boxes arrive, you’re going to have enough going on.
2. Paint Before the Furniture Arrives
If you’re planning to paint, now is the time.
Empty rooms make painting much easier.
You don’t have to paint the entire house.
Maybe it’s just one bedroom.
Maybe the living room.
Maybe the color the previous owner chose makes you question their entire personality. 😂
Whatever it is, do it before you have furniture everywhere.
3. Take Measurements
Measure the rooms.
Measure doorways.
Measure stairways.
Measure areas where large furniture needs to go.
And measure before ordering that giant sectional you’ve been eyeing.
“It looked smaller online” is not a design strategy.
4. Take Photos Before You Cover Everything Up
Take pictures of:
- Floors
- Walls
- Ceilings
- Utility areas
- Electrical panels
- Plumbing
- Mechanical systems
- Closets
- Any areas you may want documented
These can be useful for your own records.
5. Check the Filters
Find the HVAC filters.
Find out what size they are.
Find out where they go.
If they need to be replaced, replace them.
Then put the replacement size somewhere you’ll remember.
6. Check Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Make sure you know where they are and that they are functioning properly.
If you need to replace or add detectors, do it before you move in if possible.
Follow current local safety requirements.
7. Consider Changing the Toilet Seats
Yes.
I’m going there.
😂
It’s one of those small things that many people prefer to replace when moving into a previously occupied home.
8. Think About Your Locks and Security
If you haven’t already changed or rekeyed the locks, consider doing so before the move.
You may also want to think about:
- Doorbell cameras
- Security systems
- Exterior lighting
- Garage access
- Smart locks
You don’t need every gadget.
Just make your home feel secure to you.
9. Find Out Where Everything Goes
Before the boxes arrive, figure out:
- Trash location
- Recycling
- Utility meters
- Main water shutoff
- Electrical panel
- HVAC equipment
- Garage controls
- Internet equipment
- Storage areas
You will thank yourself later.
10. Make Sure Your Utilities Are Working
Before moving day, confirm that the necessary utilities are active.
Depending on the home, this may include:
- Electricity
- Gas
- Water
- Sewer
- Internet
Don’t wait until moving day to discover that you don’t have what you need.
11. Make a Repair List
Walk through the empty house with a notebook or your phone.
Make three lists:
Must Do
Safety or immediate-function issues.
Should Do
Things that need attention relatively soon.
Would Like to Do
The fun stuff.
This prevents you from spending $8,000 on a backsplash while ignoring something more important.
12. Don’t Forget the Garage
The garage is usually where everything gets dumped.
Before that happens, decide:
- Where tools go
- Where trash cans go
- Where seasonal items go
- Where lawn equipment goes
- Where the car goes
Even a little organization now can save you a lot of frustration later.
Before the Moving Truck Arrives
☐ Clean
☐ Paint if needed
☐ Measure rooms and doorways
☐ Photograph important areas
☐ Replace HVAC filters if needed
☐ Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
☐ Consider changing/rekeying locks
☐ Confirm utilities
☐ Locate shutoffs and electrical panel
☐ Make a repair priority list
☐ Gather important manuals and warranties
☐ Decide where major furniture will go
The Bottom Line
An empty house is a blank canvas.
Before you fill it with boxes, take advantage of the opportunity.
Clean it. Document it. Fix what needs fixing. Make it yours.
Then let the moving truck come.
Have a Question?
Buying a home comes with a lot of questions. You don’t have to figure everything out on your own.
Have a question about something you read here? Want to talk through your situation? Or just not sure what your next step should be?
I’m happy to help.
Schedule a Time to Talk With Karyn
No pressure. No obligation. Just straight answers.
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