You’ve got the keys in hand. The place smells like fresh paint. The floors haven’t seen a single footprint yet. Moving into a newly built house is exciting—it’s a clean slate that’s all yours. No old carpet to rip out. No patchy paint jobs to fix. Just wide-open rooms waiting for your furniture and finishing touches.
But even though it’s brand new, moving in still takes planning. You’ll need to set up services, check the small details, and make sure the house is really ready to live in. It’s easy to overlook things when everything looks shiny and untouched.
That’s where this checklist comes in. It’ll walk you through the key steps to take before, during, and right after move-in day so you can settle in smoothly—with fewer surprises and way less stress.
Read more:
- Common Moving Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- The Ultimate Guide to Packing and Moving Homes Efficiently
- The Ultimate Guide to Hassle-Free Moving
- 11 Ways to Make Moving Fun for the Family
- Hidden Costs to Remember When Moving House
Schedule Your Move-in the Right Way
The first thing to do is make sure the house is actually ready for you. Builders sometimes cut things close with deadlines, so confirm your closing date and final inspection before planning the move. If you haven’t done a final walk-through, now’s the time.
Once everything checks out, you can confidently set a move-in date. This is when you should look up movers near me to find a moving company that is familiar with the area. Local movers often know how to handle newly built neighborhoods, which can come with quirks like unfinished roads or limited parking. Hiring a moving company that understands the area will save you a lot of stress and time on move day.
Handle the Utilities and Services Before Move-In Day
Your home might be brand new, but that doesn’t mean everything’s connected yet. Set up your utilities a week or more before move-in day. That includes electricity, water, gas, internet, trash, and even security services if needed.
Don’t forget to update your address everywhere—your bank, employer, subscriptions, and especially the post office. A quick visit to the USPS site lets you forward your mail to your new home easily.
Do a Final Walkthrough—And Bring a Notepad
Even brand-new homes can have small issues. During your final walk-through, check every room carefully. Look at paint, trim, flooring, appliances, and outlets. Open windows, test water pressure, and make sure the toilets flush properly.
It helps to bring a notepad or use your phone to take photos. If you notice anything off, let your builder know right away. Don’t assume things will “just get fixed.” Now’s the best time to speak up.
Secure the Home From Day One
A lot of people have had access to your house during construction—contractors, inspectors, and maybe even other buyers. That’s why one of your first tasks should be securing the property.
Change the locks or install smart locks. Add a video doorbell if you don’t already have one. Test any installed alarms and replace the default codes. This is your space now, and it should feel that way from the start.
Stock the Essentials Before You Sleep There
It’s tempting to move everything in and figure it out later, but your first night will be easier if you plan ahead. Pack a “first-night box” with everything you’ll need right away—sheets, towels, toilet paper, chargers, snacks, and a change of clothes.
Make sure your kitchen has at least the basics: plates, cups, a pan, and utensils. Labeling your boxes clearly will help you find things faster when you’re too tired to dig around.
Set Up a Clean and Safe Space for Pets and Kids
New homes can be exciting for little ones and pets, but they’re not always move-in ready for them. Loose wires, open outlets, nails on the floor, and sharp edges can be a problem.
Pick one room to set up a safe space. Bring familiar toys, bedding, and anything else that keeps them calm. While you’re unpacking, it’s nice to know your kids or pets have somewhere to go where you don’t have to worry.
Check the HVAC, Smoke Alarms, and Filters
Before the weather shifts, test the heat and air conditioning. You’ll want to know everything works before you need it. Also, check all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Even if they were installed by the builder, test them yourself to be sure.
Most HVAC systems come with standard filters, but those aren’t always the best quality. Swap them out for something better and make a note to replace them every few months.
Make a Plan for Landscaping and Outdoor Setup
Many builders leave the yard as a blank slate. That means you may be starting from scratch with landscaping. Decide if you’ll seed grass, lay sod, or hire someone to do it for you. Plan for irrigation if needed and check whether fencing is allowed under HOA rules.
You might also need to install outdoor lighting, motion sensors, or security cameras if your home doesn’t come with those. Outdoor space matters just as much as what’s inside.
Introduce Yourself to the Neighbours (and the HOA)
Take a walk and say hello to your neighbors. Even a quick wave helps build a sense of community. They might offer helpful tips, like which days the trash gets picked up or which internet provider actually works well in the area.
If your neighborhood has an HOA, read the rules early. That way, you won’t be surprised by policies about paint colors, mailboxes, or yard decor.
Take Your Time Unpacking and Setting Up
You don’t need to unpack everything in one weekend. Focus on the most important spaces first—your bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. These rooms make a house feel livable while the rest gets sorted out.
Keep a box of tools handy for quick fixes and shelf assembly. Trash bags, scissors, and a box cutter are also must-haves. Remember: the goal isn’t to make it perfect right away. Just make it comfortable and functional as you settle in.
Moving into a newly built house feels different than moving into an older home. You’re starting from zero, which means you get to make the space your own from day one. But even with a fresh start, there’s still a list of things that need to get done.
This checklist is here to help you stay organized, avoid surprises, and enjoy the experience. Take it step by step, and soon, your new house will feel like home in all the ways that matter.
