After-Closing Checklist: The First 72 Hours

Everything to do between getting the keys and the first night: locks, alarms, utilities, shutoffs and the empty-house jobs. 27 tasks, 15 of them must-dos.

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A hand holding a new set of house keysKeys in hand
  1. Part of the move-in checklistThese tasks are taken from the full checklist. Tick them here or there; it’s the same list.
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  3. Buy only what a task needsWhen a task needs gear, you’ll see the one we’d get and a link to the full buying guide.
Tailor this checklist to your house 20 quick questions, about 2 minutes. Tasks that don’t apply to your house disappear from every list.

Before you move in

The empty-house window

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Rekey or replace locks on every exterior door as soon as you get the keys. Rekeying swaps the pins so old keys stop working, and it costs less than new hardware. A single-lock kit runs about $12 to $25. Replace a lock instead if it's worn or damaged, or you have mixed brands.

Must-doSecurity1 to 2 hoursAbout $12 to $25 per DIY kit; locksmiths about $40 to $100 per visit plus $10 to $30 per lockDIY or a locksmith
Kwikset SmartKey Security Re-Key Lock Kit Best if your locks have the SmartKey slot · compare 3 picks
Check price at Home Depot
What owners say

Owners say to book the locksmith for closing day or show up with new locks and a drill. One had a locksmith there an hour after closing. A seller in one thread admitted their son had lost his key five times and they had given copies to about six pet sitters, so assume keys are scattered around the neighborhood. (Reddit)

Price it before you call a locksmith. One owner paid over $150 for a house call. Others rekeyed four locks in about an hour with a roughly $15 pin kit, or took the cylinders to a hardware store counter that rekeys them. Some say new $30 locksets cost about the same as a locksmith visit. (Reddit)

Where owners disagree: Most owners say anyone can rekey or swap locks and you don't need a pro. One owner disagrees from experience: their first try left a door that wouldn't lock, the second left one that wouldn't close, and they had no signal to pull up a video. A locksmith fixed it and can install a reinforced strike plate in the same visit. If you're not handy, budget for the locksmith. (Reddit)

How to do it
  1. Count your locks
  2. Decide rekey or replace
  3. Choose who does it
  4. Rekey the cylinders
  5. Test every key in every lock
  6. Reset digital access
  7. Clear out hidden keys

Buying guides for this task: Lock rekey kits, Smart locks, Deadbolts

Sources: Bob Vila, independencemo.gov, irvinepd.gov

Full how-to page

To reset garage door codes, hold the Learn button on the opener's motor unit until its light goes out, which on many models erases every paired remote and keypad. Then reprogram only the remotes you have, set a new keypad PIN, and remove any previous owner's app access. Check your opener's manual for exact steps.

Must-doSecurity20 to 30 minutesFree to reset; replacement remotes varyDIYOnly if: an attached garage
What owners say

If a remote only works when you're almost touching the door, suspect the LED bulbs in the opener. A reply with 80 upvotes says cheap LEDs are a common cause of weak remote range. Try swapping the bulb before you replace the remote or opener. (Reddit)

How to do it
  1. Find the Learn button
  2. Erase the memory
  3. Check that it worked
  4. Reprogram what you're keeping
  5. Remove old app access
  6. Practice the emergency release
  7. Re-engage the opener

Sources: irvinepd.gov

Full how-to page

Smoke alarm placement means one inside every bedroom, outside each sleeping area and on every level, including the basement. Press each test button, then check the manufacture date on the back. Replace any alarm 10 years past that date, and keep alarms at least 10 feet from the stove.

Must-doSafety1 to 2 hours for a whole houseVaries by type; hardwired work adds an electrician's feeDIY for battery alarms; a qualified electrician for hardwired alarms
Kidde Smoke Alarm, 10-Year Battery Powered (DETECT series) Best for most homes without wiring · compare 4 picks
Check price at Kidde
What owners say

If you want warning of a garage fire, owners point out that a smoke alarm in the garage gives false alarms from car exhaust and dust. A heat alarm is the usual choice there. One owner added alarms to the garage and laundry room after a garage fire. (Reddit)

Ask your local fire department before buying. A volunteer firefighter says many stations give smoke alarms away free. Low-battery chirps tend to start around 3 a.m. as the house cools, so have spare 9-volts and a ladder that reaches your highest alarm before night one. (Reddit)

How to do it
  1. Walk the house and map every alarm
  2. Test each alarm
  3. Read the date on the back
  4. Fresh batteries
  5. Fill the gaps
  6. Learn the sounds
  7. Set a monthly reminder

Buying guides for this task: Smoke alarms, Smoke + CO combo alarms, Step ladders

Sources: NFPA, U.S. Fire Administration, CPSC

Full how-to page

For carbon monoxide alarm placement, pick a central spot outside each sleeping area and on every level, then test each alarm monthly. Use alarms meeting UL 2034, with batteries or battery backup. Keep them away from vents and out of kitchens. If one sounds, go outside and call 911.

Must-doSafety30 to 60 minutesVaries by type; combination smoke and CO units cost moreDIY for battery units; a qualified electrician for hardwired interconnectionOnly if: a fireplace or wood stove or an attached garage or gas appliances or gas heat
First Alert Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Battery Backup and Digital Display Best for most homes · compare 3 picks
Check price at First Alert Store
What owners say

Read the manual and learn your alarm's beep patterns. On one owner's unit, four beeps means CO and three means smoke. They taped a short what-to-do card inside a kitchen cabinet. If the alarm goes off and you can't see smoke, assume it may be CO and get everyone out. (Reddit)

How to do it
  1. Find your sources
  2. Test what's already there
  3. Check the replacement date
  4. Fill the gaps
  5. Add the fire department's number
  6. Agree on the alarm plan
  7. Book the heating service

Buying guides for this task: Carbon monoxide alarms, Smoke + CO combo alarms

Sources: NFPA, CPSC

Full how-to page

To childproof a house, screw a wall-mounted gate to the top of each staircase, stop windows from opening more than 4 inches, latch cabinets holding medicines and cleaners, cover outlets and switch to cordless blinds. Do it room by room, starting with bedrooms and stairs, before your child starts exploring the new house.

Must-doSafety2 to 3 hoursVaries; CPSC calls most devices relatively inexpensiveDIY; a licensed electrician for outlet replacement if you aren't sureOnly if: kids at home
What owners say

Make sure you have the small keys for interior privacy locks on bedroom and bathroom doors. A toddler can lock themselves in. If the seller didn't leave them, generic interior door keys are cheap online, and a straightened paper clip works in a pinch. (Reddit)

How to do it
  1. Walk the house at crawling height
  2. Fit the stair gates
  3. Secure the windows
  4. Latch cabinets and drawers
  5. Deal with outlets and cords
  6. Check the water temperature
  7. Save Poison Help

Sources: CPSC, windowcoverings.org

Full how-to page

Walk the whole pool barrier with a tape measure to check it against pool fence requirements. CPSC guidelines call for a fence at least 48 inches high, gaps that stop a 4-inch sphere, and gates that open away from the pool and close and latch themselves. If the house forms one side, every door to the pool needs an alarm.

Must-doSafety1 hourFree to check; alarms and fence repairs varyDIY to check; a licensed contractor for fencing, covers and drainsOnly if: kids at home or a pool or hot tub
How to do it
  1. Call your building department
  2. Walk the full fence line
  3. Try the 4-inch test
  4. Test each gate
  5. Measure the latch
  6. Test door alarms
  7. Check drains and covers
  8. Clear climbing aids

Sources: poolsafely.gov, CPSC

Full how-to page

Clean a dryer vent at least once a year, or sooner if clothes take longer to dry. Disconnect the duct, brush the full run to the outside and check that the outdoor flap opens. Replace plastic or thin coiled foil duct with smooth metal duct. Take extra care with gas dryers.

Must-doSafety45–60 minVaries; a brush kit if you DIY, or a vent cleaner's feeDIY or pro
Gardus LintEater Rotary Dryer Vent Cleaning System Best for most short metal vents · compare 3 picks
Check price at Home Depot
What owners say

Pull the duct off and shop-vac it right away if you don't know when it was last cleaned. One owner blows out the run with a leaf blower. (Reddit)

Companies that sweep chimneys often clean dryer vents too, so one visit can cover both. One new owner had a whole bird's nest pulled out of the dryer vent. (Reddit)

How to do it
  1. Disconnect the dryer
  2. Detach the duct
  3. Vacuum both ends
  4. Brush toward the outside
  5. Clear the hood
  6. Reconnect with sealed joints
  7. Test it

Sources: U.S. Fire Administration, NFPA, seattle.gov

Full how-to page

Utility service doesn't transfer with the deed, so set up utilities for a new home by opening each account in your name with a start date of your closing or move-in day. Call electric and gas two to three weeks ahead, confirm the seller's stop date, and have your ID and closing date ready. Water, sewer and trash may run through the city.

Must-doUtilities1 to 2 hours across all providersOften free; deposits and fees vary, from nothing to a few hundred dollarsDIY; a utility or licensed tech for any gas turn-on2–3 weeks before move-in
How to do it
  1. List the providers
  2. Ask for typical bills
  3. Gather your details
  4. Start electric and gas
  5. Ask about deposits and gas
  6. Set up water, sewer and trash
  7. Check internet at the address
  8. Confirm with the seller

Sources: stories.pplelectric.com, kua.com, psc.maryland.gov, callmepower.com

Full how-to page

File your USPS change of address at usps.com/move, pay the $1.25 identity check, and allow at least 7 to 10 business days to take effect. You can also file in person at a post office using PS Form 3575. Standard forwarding lasts 12 months, and some sensitive mail won't be forwarded at all.

Must-doPaperwork and money10 min$1.25 online; in person at a post office has no listed feeDIYAbout 2 weeks before move-in
What owners say

Go to the post office in person and check that the previous owner hasn't left a hold-mail request on the address. Introduce yourself to your carrier too. One owner's carrier started filtering out the previous owner's mail. Put your name inside the mailbox. (Reddit)

Sign up for USPS Informed Delivery so you see scans of letters before they arrive. That helps you catch the loan-transfer and tax mail you can't afford to miss. A 'return to sender, no longer at this address' stamp saves time on the last owner's mail. (Reddit)

How to do it
  1. Pick your date
  2. Go straight to the real site
  3. Choose the right request
  4. Verify your identity
  5. Use a post office if you can't file online
  6. Save your confirmation
  7. Test it

Sources: USPS, carsonnow.org

Full how-to page

To replace an HVAC filter, turn the system off, slide out the old filter and copy the size printed on its frame. Put in a new one with the airflow arrow pointing toward the furnace or air handler. Check it monthly. One-inch filters usually last 1 to 3 months, and thicker media filters last longer.

Must-doSystemsAbout 10 minutesAbout $6 to $30 for a 1-inch pleated filter; about $25 to $80 for 4- to 5-inch mediaDIY
Filtrete Healthy Living Elite Allergen Reduction, MPR 2200 (MERV 13), 1-inch Best for most 1-inch slots · compare 4 picks
Check price at Filtrete
What owners say

Find every filter location first, since some houses have more than one return or air handler. One owner found the filters hadn't been changed in six years. Also check the fridge water filter size and stock spares of both. (Reddit)

Change the fridge water filter and any other filters on the same day, so every filter has a known start date. Some owners set up a filter subscription that ships every 3 to 4 months, so they never run out. (Reddit)

Where owners disagree: Owners and HVAC techs in several threads push back on the highest-rated filters for ordinary 1-inch slots. They call MERV 8 (some say up to 10) the sweet spot, because dense filters can choke airflow in systems not built for them. One owner's furnace techs said to buy cheap pleated filters and change them monthly. Check what your blower is rated for before buying a bulk pack of MERV 13. (Reddit)

How to do it
  1. Turn off the system
  2. Find every filter
  3. Pull out the old filter
  4. Copy the size
  5. Install the new filter
  6. Date it and restock

Sources: EPA, ENERGY STAR, inspectandtest.net

Full how-to page

To set up internet in a new home, check which providers serve your exact address, compare the regular price as well as the promo, and grab the first install slot after you get the keys. The FCC's broadband benchmark is 100 Mbps down and 20 Mbps up, which suits many homes. Then set WPA3 or WPA2 and change the default router passwords.

UtilitiesAbout 30 minutes to book; setup time variesInstall and monthly prices vary by provider and addressDIY1–3 weeks before move-in
ASUS ZenWiFi BT8 Best for most homes · compare 4 picks
Check price at ASUS
How to do it
  1. Look up your address
  2. Count your devices
  3. Compare the second-year cost
  4. Book your slot
  5. Place the router well
  6. Lock it down
  7. Update and test

Buying guides for this task: Mesh Wi-Fi systems, Surge protectors

Sources: FTC, testmyspeed.com, everycrsreport.com

Full how-to page

Deep clean an empty house from the top down, before the furniture arrives. Start with fans, vents and cabinet tops, then do walls, kitchen and bathrooms, and finish with floors at the exit. Use the same visit to check for leaks and mold, and keep bleach away from other cleaners.

Cleaning1–2 daysSupplies, or a cleaning service; prices vary by size and conditionDIY or pro
Shark PowerDetect Cordless (incl. Clean & Empty version) Best for most homes · compare 4 picks
Check price at SharkNinja
What owners say

Deal with carpet while the rooms are empty: replace it or have it professionally cleaned. One owner settled for a cleaning and later found the pad underneath worn out. They wish they had replaced it before the furniture went in. (Reddit)

Run the dishwasher and washing machine empty with a cleaning tablet or vinegar. Clean the dryer's lint-trap slot, not just the screen. Swap the range hood or microwave vent filter and the fridge water filter, since you don't know when they were last changed. (Reddit)

Where owners disagree: The most upvoted view is to scrub the empty house yourself, top to bottom, because you find small problems you'd otherwise miss. Owners who hired a crew push back hard: it's fairly cheap for an empty house, the crew is far more thorough after your week of moving, and your own hours go further on locks and paint. One owner who did it with family says a small house took a full week. (Reddit)

How to do it
  1. Turn on the lights and open up
  2. Clear the high spots
  3. Wipe the walls and trim
  4. Work through the kitchen
  5. Give bathrooms a long soak
  6. Run the leak tests
  7. Change the HVAC filter
  8. Finish with floors

Buying guides for this task: Cordless stick vacuums, Wet/dry shop vacuums

Sources: carpet-rug.org, doh.wa.gov, EPA

Full how-to page

To enroll your child in a new school district, call the district office first to confirm your assigned school, then gather proof of residency, a birth certificate, immunization records and past transcripts. Ask what counts as proof if you've just closed on a house. Requirements are set locally and by state, so use your own district's list.

Settling in1 to 2 hours, plus time to gather recordsFree for public schoolDIYOnly if: kids at home
How to do it
  1. Confirm your assigned school
  2. Ask for the district's checklist
  3. Gather the papers
  4. Book any health visits
  5. Tell the old school
  6. Submit and confirm
  7. Sort out the daily routine

Sources: lawinfo.com, law.cornell.edu

Full how-to page

To patch and paint before moving in, check the build date first, since homes from before 1978 may have lead paint. Then fill holes, let the spackle dry and cure, sand and prime the patches, and paint ceilings, walls and trim in that order. Most spackle takes 1 to 2 hours to dry and about 24 hours to cure.

Cleaning1 to 3 daysVaries with paint grade and the number of roomsDIY or pro; a lead-safe certified contractor for damaged paint in pre-1978 homes
What owners say

Owners say if you plan to paint or redo floors, do it before you move in, even if that means paying an extra month of rent. The most upvoted joke in one thread was about leaving the doors and trim 'until summer'. That was six summers ago. Don't buy the cheapest brushes and rollers for walls. Owners say they leave a poor finish. (Reddit)

Before you paint, decide on any wiring changes, like grounding outlets, new ceiling boxes, sconces or overhead lights. Walls are easiest to open before paint and furniture. Some owners extend their lease or wait a month to move in so they can do the dusty work first. (Reddit)

How to do it
  1. Check the build date
  2. Clear and cover the room
  3. Fill and dry
  4. Sand and spot-prime
  5. Paint from the top down
  6. Wait before moving furniture in
  7. Deal with the leftovers

Sources: Bob Vila, paintcare.org, EPA

Full how-to page

Before move-in night, put up temporary window coverings in the bedroom and bathroom, such as stick-up paper shades or a sheet on a tension rod. Measure every window while the house is empty, then order real coverings. Once the lights are on after dark, an uncovered window shows the whole room to the street.

Settling inMinutes per window for a stopgapVaries; stopgaps cost little, and fitted shades cost moreDIY
How to do it
  1. Measure during the final walkthrough
  2. Order the real coverings
  3. Pack a first-night window kit
  4. Cover the bedrooms before dark
  5. Cover the bathrooms
  6. Check from outside after dark

Sources: U.S. Department of Energy, blindster.com, windowcoverings.org, CPSC

Full how-to page

To snake a drain before you unpack, pull each stopper, clear hair with a hand snake or plastic drain strip, then run every fixture at once and watch the lowest drain. Slow draining or gurgling can point to the main line. A plumber's sewer camera inspection generally costs about $125 to $350.

SystemsHalf a day for a typical houseA hand snake or drain strip; about $125 to $350 if you need a sewer cameraDIY for sinks and tubs; a licensed plumber for the main line
How to do it
  1. Start with the stoppers
  2. Clear each drain
  3. Flush each one
  4. Run the whole house at once
  5. Watch the lowest drain
  6. Shut everything off if it backs up
  7. Book a camera if anything looks off

Sources: redfin.com, rotorooter.com, EPA

Full how-to page

Moving day and first night

The first 24 hours

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The main water shutoff valve sits where the supply line enters your house, often low on a basement wall facing the street, in a crawl space, or in the garage near the water heater. Close it once to prove it stops the water, then tag it so anyone can find it fast.

Must-doEmergency prep20 minutesFree; a pro's valve replacement runs about $200 to $700 if it failsDIY, with a plumber if the valve is stuck or won't seal
What owners say

Test the city-side valve too, not just the one in the house. One owner found the stem on the street valve had snapped off its lever, so it would have done nothing in a flood. The city replaced it for free. After any work on the supply line, run an outdoor hose first to flush out grit. Flushing a toilet first clogged one owner's toilet fill valve with small rocks. (Reddit)

Curb keys don't all fit. Meter-box lids and slot angles vary, and one owner returned two keys before finding one that fit. Buy it now and try it on your own box. Owners in four threads call it a must-have before you need it. One used theirs the week after buying it, when a water heater burst in the attic. (Reddit)

Where owners disagree: Several owners warn against turning the city's curb valve yourself. Old street valves can break, some cities don't allow it, and the owner may be billed for the repair. Others reply that many slab homes have no shutoff inside at all, only at the curb. The fix most agree on: if you only have a curb valve, have a plumber add a shutoff on the house side instead of relying on a key. (Reddit)

How to do it
  1. Trace the line
  2. Read the handle
  3. Check its condition
  4. Close it
  5. Prove it worked
  6. Reopen it
  7. Tag it and tell people

Sources: Insurance Information Institute, Ready.gov, inspectandtest.net, azure.rotorooter.com

Full how-to page

Your main electrical panel is usually in a garage, basement or utility room, or outside near the meter. Find it and learn which switch is the main. To label an electrical panel, turn off one breaker at a time and write down what goes dark. Label the door clearly and leave the panel cover on.

Must-doEmergency prep20 minutes to find; 1 to 2 hours to labelFreeDIY for finding and labeling; licensed electrician for anything behind the cover
ThruNite Archer 2A V3 Right first buy for most homes · compare 3 picks
Check price at ThruNite
What owners say

Map the breakers the day you get the keys, before any furniture arrives. The top answer in one first-week thread says that it is far easier when every outlet is reachable in empty rooms. Note which wall switch controls which outlet while you're at it. (Reddit)

Don't trust labels that are already on the panel. One family found out in an emergency that the previous owners had electrical work done but never updated the directory. While you map it, also note which outlets are controlled by a wall switch, so you don't think one is dead later. (Reddit)

Where owners disagree: Some owners love outlet-level labels. Others warn that labels go stale when breakers get moved for a later project, and a stale label can lead you to work on a live circuit. Always confirm with a tester. (Hacker News)

How to do it
  1. Find every panel
  2. Identify the main
  3. Protect what's plugged in
  4. Turn off one breaker
  5. Write it down at once
  6. Mark the leftovers
  7. Post the directory

Buying guides for this task: Flashlights and lanterns, Label makers

Sources: jaspector.com, ecmweb.com, CPSC, Ready.gov, smcgov.org

Full how-to page

Your gas shutoff valve sits on the pipe entering the meter, usually outside or in an external closet. A quarter turn closes it, leaving the lever across the pipe. If you smell gas or hear hissing, get everyone out first, then call the gas company from a safe place.

Must-doEmergency prep15 minutesThe price of a wrench, if you don't already own oneDIY to find it; only the utility or a qualified pro turns gas back onOnly if: gas appliances or gas heat
How to do it
  1. Find the meter
  2. Spot the valve
  3. Call your gas company
  4. Keep a tool at the meter
  5. Practice without closing
  6. Note the appliance valves
  7. Practice the leak rule

Sources: Ready.gov, smcgov.org, csusm.edu, humanservices.hawaii.gov

Full how-to page

Anchor furniture to the wall by strapping every dresser, bookcase and tall cabinet to a wall stud with an anti-tip kit, and wall-mount TVs or strap them to a low, anchored stand. CPSC says most kits cost under $20 and take under 20 minutes. Add the anti-tip bracket on any freestanding range.

Must-doSafetyUnder 20 minutes per piece, per CPSCUnder $20 per kit for most kits, per CPSCDIYOnly if: kids at home
Hangman Anti-Tip Kit (400 lb steel cable) Best for wood studs, if you can find it · compare 3 picks
Check price at Solid Signal
How to do it
  1. List every piece that can tip
  2. Find a stud behind each piece
  3. Fix the bracket to the wall
  4. Move the furniture close to the wall
  5. Fix the second bracket to the furniture
  6. Connect and tighten the strap
  7. Check the range

Buying guides for this task: Furniture and TV anti-tip kits, Stud finders

Sources: anchorit.gov, consumerfed.org, CPSC

Full how-to page

On the day you get the keys, check the utilities in your new house: test the lights, hot and cold water, and heating or cooling. Then photograph each electric, gas and water meter so you have a dated start reading. If gas appliances won't light, call the gas utility and don't relight anything yourself.

Must-doUtilities10 minutesFreeDIY; the gas utility for anything involving gas
How to do it
  1. Turn on some lights
  2. Run the water
  3. Try the thermostat
  4. Find every meter
  5. Photograph each reading
  6. Store the photos
  7. Compare your first bills

Sources: updater.com, EPA, Ready.gov

Full how-to page

To keep pets safe on moving day, put them in a quiet room with the door shut, or at a friend's house or boarding, while doors stand open. Before the move, put your new details on the tag and microchip. At the new house, check for hazards and start pets in one closed room.

Safety30 minFree, plus a new tag or boarding if you use itDIYOnly if: pets
How to do it
  1. Update the tag and microchip
  2. Get pets used to the carrier
  3. Decide where pets will spend the day
  4. Post a do-not-open sign
  5. Save a 24-hour emergency vet
  6. Check the new yard and house
  7. Set up one home base room
  8. Open the house slowly

Sources: Ready.gov, ASPCA

Full how-to page

To secure home Wi-Fi, factory-reset every smart device the seller left, then set each one up under your own account. On the router, change the admin password and network name, use WPA3 or WPA2 Personal, update the firmware, and turn off remote management, WPS and UPnP. Put smart devices on the guest network.

SecurityAbout 1 hourFree, unless your router needs replacingDIY
What owners say

Owners who inherit a previous owner's smart home describe it as untangling someone else's code: mystery hubs, dead apps and devices tied to old accounts. Many factory-reset or remove anything they can't fully take over. (Hacker News)

Where owners disagree: Owners repeatedly say to hold off on home automation: products are fussy, privacy is poor, and the next owner often rips it out. Owners who otherwise distrust smart gear still recommend water-leak sensors. (Hacker News)

How to do it
  1. Ask the seller to let go
  2. Reset every inherited device
  3. Lock down the router
  4. Set encryption and the Wi-Fi password
  5. Update, then switch features off
  6. Build the guest network
  7. Review who's connected

Sources: FTC, CISA

Full how-to page

Start your first night box checklist with one small box or bag for each person holding pajamas, tomorrow's clothes, toiletries, chargers and bedding, plus one shared box with cleaning and kitchen basics. Keep medications, IDs and house keys with you. Label everything clearly, and travel with the boxes yourself if you can.

Settling in30 minFree, using things you ownDIY
Milwaukee FASTBACK Compact Folding Utility Knife Best for one careful user · compare 2 picks
Check price at Home Depot
What owners say

Pack the essentials in a suitcase, not a box, so they don't disappear among identical boxes. It's part of the top answer in one thread. (Reddit)

Bring toilet paper, hand soap, paper towels and trash bags the very first time you walk in. One owner found the cleaners had thrown out the seller's partial rolls. Carry the box on your lap so it's the first thing inside. Include a way to make coffee or tea, put the TV remotes in your bag, and make the beds first. If some rooms have no ceiling lights, pack a lamp, or you'll be using your phone as a flashlight. (Reddit)

How to do it
  1. Count your people and pets
  2. Pack bedding for every bed
  3. Add bathroom basics
  4. Add tools and cleaning supplies
  5. Add food and paper goods
  6. Bag your must-not-lose items
  7. Label all sides
  8. Keep the boxes with you

Sources: zeromaxmoving.com, taskrabbit.com, Ready.gov

Full how-to page

What to unpack first after moving? Set up beds and one bathroom, then a basic working kitchen. Move on to the living room, clothes and any home office, and leave guest rooms and storage for last. Essential rooms can often be usable in one to three days, and the full job often takes one to three weeks.

Settling inBed and bath on moving day; 1 to 3 weeks for the restFreeDIY
How to do it
  1. Sort boxes into rooms
  2. Open your first-night kit
  3. Build and make the beds
  4. Stock one bathroom
  5. Set up a basic kitchen
  6. Finish one room at a time
  7. Leave low-use items for last

Sources: publicstorage.com, wehaulnashville.co, CPSC, anchorit.gov, ASPCA

Full how-to page

The best plunger for a toilet is a flange plunger, so keep one beside every toilet. Its fold-out rubber flap fits the toilet drain, which a flat cup plunger can't seal. With the bowl about half full, pump quickly for 20 seconds and don't flush. If the clog stays, use a toilet auger or call a plumber.

Settling in5 minutes to set upVaries; a low-cost purchaseDIY
Korky BeehiveMAX Universal Toilet Plunger Best for most homes · compare 3 picks
Check price at Korky
What owners say

Don't count on plungers the seller left behind. Old rubber hardens and won't seal. Buy full-size ones, since one owner's small cheap plunger broke the first time. Several owners keep a 3–6 ft hand-crank toilet auger on hand from day one. One says it cleared a toy and whole rolls of paper that plunging couldn't move. (Reddit)

Skip the CO2 or compressed-air plungers. One commenter warns they can crack pipes and lead to a plumber bill over $1,000. A $3 flange plunger and a $6 toilet auger handle most clogs. (Reddit)

How to do it
  1. Buy a flange plunger for each toilet
  2. Find the shutoff valve
  3. Set the water level
  4. Seat the plunger
  5. Plunge for 20 seconds
  6. Move on to the auger if it fails

Buying guides for this task: Toilet plungers, Drain snakes and toilet augers

Sources: rotorooter.com, Bob Vila

Full how-to page

To protect floors on moving day, film every room, floor and doorframe before anything comes off the truck, then cover the main path with runners and pad the door frames. Check the mover's inventory as items arrive, and write any damage on the paperwork before you sign. A note alone isn't a claim.

Settling in20 minVaries with the protection you buyDIY
What owners say

Photograph every room and wall while the house is empty, not just the moving path. Owners use these photos months later to check whether a crack has grown. They also say they enjoy the before shots once they've changed the place. (Reddit)

How to do it
  1. Film before you unload
  2. Close up on old damage
  3. Clean, then cover the path
  4. Pad the pinch points
  5. Label room doors
  6. Check items off as they arrive
  7. Note damage before you sign
  8. File a written claim soon

Sources: siliconvalleymoving.com, nationmoving.com, NAIC, ASPCA

Full how-to page
The gear list

What this checklist asks you to buy

20 things the tasks above call for, in the order you’ll need them. Mark what you already own; each one links to our buying guide.

For: Rekey or replace every exterior lock

Deadbolts

Best for most front doors Schlage B60N Single Cylinder Deadbolt Budget: Kwikset 980 Single Cylinder Deadbolt with SmartKey
Check price at Home Depot
For: Test, replace and add smoke alarms

Smoke alarms

Best for most homes without wiring Kidde Smoke Alarm, 10-Year Battery Powered (DETECT series) Budget: Kidde Smoke Alarm, AA Battery Powered (DETECT series)
Check price at Kidde
For: Test, replace and add smoke alarms

Step ladders

Best for most homes Louisville Ladder 6-Foot Fiberglass Cross Step Ladder Budget: Gorilla Ladders 2-Step Aluminum Step Stool Ladder
Check price at Home Depot
For: Test and add carbon monoxide alarms

Carbon monoxide alarms

Best for most homes First Alert Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Battery Backup and Digital Display Budget: First Alert Plug-In Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Battery Backup
Check price at First Alert Store
For: Replace the HVAC filter and record its size

HVAC air filters

Best for most 1-inch slots Filtrete Healthy Living Elite Allergen Reduction, MPR 2200 (MERV 13), 1-inch Budget: Aerostar Allergen & Pet Dander MERV 11 Pleated Air Filter
Check price at Filtrete
For: Set up internet and Wi-Fi

Surge protectors

Best for most homes Tripp Lite Protect It! 12-Outlet Surge Protector, 8 ft cord, 2880 joules Budget: Tripp Lite Protect It! 6-Outlet Surge Protector, 6 ft cord, 900 joules
Check price at Eaton Tripp Lite
For: Deep clean the empty house

Wet/dry shop vacuums

Best for most homes with a basement Ridgid 12-Gallon 5.0 Peak HP NXT Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum Budget: Stanley 5-Gallon 4 Peak HP Wet/Dry Vacuum
Check price at Home Depot
For: Find the electrical panel and label the breakers

Label makers

Best for most homes Brother P-touch PT-D220 Home/Office Label Maker Budget: Brother P-touch PT-H110
Check price at Walmart
For: Anchor dressers, bookcases and TVs

Stud finders

Best for most drywall homes Zircon MultiScanner A200 Budget: Zircon StudSensor A100
Check price at Zircon

Sources

We wrote every task from primary sources: fire and safety agencies, federal regulators, and building-science and inspection groups. Links on each task point to the exact page. Costs are typical U.S. ranges, not quotes. This checklist is general guidance; your local code, lender or insurer may require more.

anchorit.gov, ASPCA, azure.rotorooter.com, blindster.com, Bob Vila, callmepower.com, carpet-rug.org, carsonnow.org, CISA, consumerfed.org, CPSC, csusm.edu, doh.wa.gov, ecmweb.com, ENERGY STAR, EPA, everycrsreport.com, FTC, humanservices.hawaii.gov, independencemo.gov, inspectandtest.net, Insurance Information Institute, irvinepd.gov, jaspector.com, kua.com, law.cornell.edu, lawinfo.com, NAIC, nationmoving.com, NFPA, paintcare.org, poolsafely.gov, psc.maryland.gov, publicstorage.com, Ready.gov, redfin.com, rotorooter.com, seattle.gov, siliconvalleymoving.com, smcgov.org, stories.pplelectric.com, taskrabbit.com, testmyspeed.com, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Fire Administration, updater.com, USPS, wehaulnashville.co, windowcoverings.org, zeromaxmoving.com

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    59 tasks only matter for some homes: well testing, septic pumping, lead paint, a pool fence. Answer what you know and they disappear when they don’t apply. Skip anything you’re not sure about.

    Step 1 of 4: The house

    When was it built?
    How many floors?
    Is there a basement?
    Is there an attic you can get into?
    Is there an attached garage?
    A fireplace or wood stove?