9 Crucial Things to Do After Moving (Including the One No One Talks About)!

by Jacquelyn Waters

The Ultimate Moving Checklist: 9 Essential Tasks to Complete After Moving Day!

So, you finally made it. After endless home tours, packing boxes, and questioning your life choices as you debated whether to keep that old beanbag chair, you’ve officially moved into your new home. The hardest part’s over, right? Well, yes and no. Now it’s time to get settled.

Before you pop that bottle of champagne, there are a few essential things to tackle first. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later. From security to Wi-Fi (because let’s be honest, who can live without Netflix these days?), here’s your post-move checklist to make your new place feel like home in no time.

1. Do a Quick Clean

Even if your new place looks clean, it’s probably worth giving it a once-over. There’s something satisfying about wiping down counters and vacuuming floors in an empty space. Plus, who knows what the previous tenants/owners left behind—mystery crumbs in the kitchen? No, thank you. A quick clean makes the space truly yours.

Pro Tip: Focus on the kitchen and bathroom. They’ve seen things… and not the good kind of things.

2. Secure Your Windows and Doors

Now that you’re in, it’s time to make sure no one else can get in. Check that all doors and windows lock properly. If you’re feeling extra cautious (or just want some added peace of mind), consider rekeying the locks or installing a smart lock. Better safe than sorry, right?

Pro Tip: Smart Locks are relatively inexpensive and super easy to install! Here is just one of the MANY options to choose from!

3. Test Your Electrical Outlets

Because nothing is more frustrating than arranging your entire living room only to discover that your TV is plugged into a dead outlet. Grab your phone charger and plug it into every outlet to make sure they’re working. If you find a dead one, check the fuse box. Sometimes it’s just a quick flip of a switch.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to check for two-prong vs. three-prong outlets. If you need adapters, Amazon will be your new best friend.

4. Set Up Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Let’s not take any chances here. Test the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (yes, both). If they’re not installed, get on that ASAP. Trust me, they’re not just annoying beeping things—they actually save lives. And if the batteries are dead, replace them. Your future self will thank you.

Pro Tip: You should have a smoke detector in every bedroom AND at least one (depending on the length) in the hallway outside of the bedrooms.

5. Get the Wi-Fi Up and Running

We all know this is really priority number one, but I didn’t want to seem shallow. Whether you need Wi-Fi for work, streaming, or just to keep your kids entertained while you unpack, it’s a must. Make sure it’s set up quickly, especially if you’re working remotely. Nobody wants to be that person who has to camp out at Starbucks all day just to check emails.

Real Talk: Call the internet provider as soon as you know your move-in date. The wait time for installation can feel like forever.

6. Assemble Essential Furniture First

Before you go crazy with decorating or organizing your closets, focus on the big stuff—like your bed. You’ll thank yourself when it’s midnight and you’re ready to crash. Set up your couch, bed, and maybe even a desk (if you’re fancy). Once those are in place, you can worry about where to hang your collection of ironic wall art.

Pro Tip: Start with the bed. You can always unpack boxes later, but you’re going to need somewhere comfy to sleep!

7. Change Your Address

Sure, you’ve moved, but if your mail is still going to your old place, does it even count? Make sure to file a change of address with USPS and update your info with banks, credit card companies, and anyone else who sends you important stuff. No one wants to deal with identity theft because a credit card statement got sent to the wrong place.

Pro Tip: Update your Amazon shipping address before your next impulse buy arrives at the old place. And DON'T forget your subscriptions!

8. Explore the Neighborhood

Take a break from the boxes and step outside. Get to know your new surroundings—find the closest grocery store, gas station, and maybe even a cute coffee shop (you deserve a latte after all that unpacking). Plus, getting a feel for your new area will help you settle in faster.

Fun Fact: Walking around your new neighborhood is also a great way to figure out which neighbors have dogs. Instant icebreakers!

9. Introduce Yourself to Your Neighbors

Okay, I know this one might make introverts cringe, but hear me out. Saying hello to your neighbors doesn’t mean you have to become besties, but a friendly wave or quick chat can go a long way. Plus, they can clue you in on all the local insider tips (like the best takeout spots and when to avoid trash day chaos).

Real Talk: As someone who LOVES my privacy once I am done people-ing for the day (thank you Powhatan). The thought of going and introducing myself to neighbors is less appealing than sitting on a porcupine nekked. HOWEVER, you do not want to make enemies with the people responsible for calling 911 if your house on fire!... Just something to consider.

Bonus: Change Out Your Toilet Seats

Let’s be honest—this is one of those things people rarely talk about but absolutely should. You don’t know what’s happened on that toilet seat before you moved in, and honestly, do you want to? A fresh seat = peace of mind. It’s an inexpensive upgrade that just makes sense.

Reminder: Treat yourself to a new throne. Trust me, you deserve it. I've heard amazing things about bidets :-D

Final Thoughts Moving can be stressful, but with this checklist, you'll have a smoother, more organized transition into your new home. Take it one step at a time (or one Wi-Fi password at a time), and before you know it, you'll be fully settled in, with no mystery crumbs or broken outlets to worry about.