NEW HOME MOVE-IN GUIDE

Things to Check Before Moving Into a New Home

Before the moving truck arrives, inspect your new home while the rooms are still empty. This checklist covers security, plumbing, electrical systems, painting, cleaning, heating and cooling, appliances, pests, utilities and other details that can be easier to address before your furniture and boxes arrive.

Start the Checklist

QUICK ANSWER

What should you check before moving into a new home?

Before moving into a new home, inspect the locks, plumbing, electrical system, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, heating and cooling, doors, windows, walls, ceilings, appliances, moisture-prone areas and signs of pests. It is also a good time to complete painting, repairs and deep cleaning because the rooms are still empty.

BEFORE THE BOXES ARRIVE

Why inspect your new home before moving in?

Moving day is usually focused on furniture, boxes, keys, movers and unloading. Once the property is filled with belongings, however, walls become harder to access, floors become covered and small problems may be easier to overlook.

Using the time between receiving possession of the property and moving your belongings in can give you an opportunity to inspect the home, document its condition, complete planned work and prepare the rooms for moving day.

This guide is not a replacement for a professional home inspection, licensed tradesperson or other qualified professional. It is a practical move-in checklist for identifying items you may want to investigate before settling into the property.

AT A GLANCE

New Home Pre-Move-In Checklist

Use this quick list for your first walk-through, then continue below for detailed guidance.

Change or rekey exterior locks.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Locate the main water shutoff and electrical panel.
Check sinks, toilets and visible plumbing for leaks.
Inspect walls and ceilings for damage before painting.
Check heating, cooling and thermostat operation.
Inspect windows and exterior doors.
Look for signs of pests or moisture.
Deep-clean the home while rooms are empty.
Test major appliances included with the property.
Check internet and utility connections.
Measure entrances for large furniture.
Photograph the empty home's condition.
Protect floors before movers arrive.
Prepare the bedroom, bathroom and kitchen essentials first.

SECURITY

Change the locks and review home security

One of the first things to consider after taking possession of a home is who may still have access. Previous owners, tenants, contractors, cleaners, real estate professionals or other service providers may have previously received keys or codes.

Consider rekeying or replacing exterior door locks.
Reset smart-lock codes and remove previous authorized users.
Reset garage-door remotes or access codes where appropriate.
Confirm all exterior doors close and lock properly.
Check sliding-door locks and secondary security devices.
Confirm that windows can be securely locked.
Review existing alarm-system access.
Change passwords for smart-home devices that remain with the property.
Check exterior lighting around entrances, garages and walkways.

PLUMBING

Check for leaks and learn how to shut off the water

Finding a small plumbing problem before furniture and stored belongings arrive can make repairs much easier. Walk through the home and inspect visible plumbing before you start unpacking.

Locate the home's main water shutoff.
Check underneath kitchen and bathroom sinks.
Look around toilets for signs of leaking or moisture.
Run faucets and observe water flow.
Check shower and bathtub fixtures.
Look for slow drains or standing water.
Inspect visible pipes for corrosion or moisture.
Look around the water heater for signs of leakage.
Check basement areas for dampness or water staining.
Inspect ceilings below bathrooms for visible staining.

ELECTRICAL

Locate the electrical panel and inspect obvious electrical issues

Before moving in, identify the electrical panel and become familiar with the circuits serving important areas of the home. Visible damage, unusual smells, overheating or recurring electrical problems should be assessed by a qualified professional.

Locate the main electrical panel.
Check whether circuits are clearly labelled.
Test normal light switches.
Check for visibly damaged outlets or cover plates.
Confirm important rooms have working lighting.
Identify outlets needed for major appliances.
Check exterior electrical outlets where relevant.
Avoid attempting electrical repairs beyond your knowledge or qualifications.

HOME SAFETY

Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

Do not wait until the home is fully unpacked to learn where its safety devices are located. Identify the alarms in the property and follow the manufacturer's testing and replacement guidance.

Locate smoke alarms throughout the home.
Locate carbon monoxide alarms where applicable.
Follow manufacturer instructions for testing alarms.
Check whether batteries or devices require replacement.
Make sure alarms are not blocked by furniture or decorations.
Keep manufacturer information or model numbers when available.

05 · WALLS & PAINT

Inspect and paint walls before the furniture arrives

If you are planning to repaint the home, the period before move-in can be one of the most convenient times to complete the work. Furniture, shelving and moving boxes are not yet blocking the walls, and there is less to move or cover before painting begins.

Walk through each room in natural light and look for nail holes, dents, cracked or damaged drywall, peeling finishes, stains, uneven patches and areas requiring touch-ups.

If the project involves multiple rooms, significant wall repair, high ceilings or extensive preparation, you may prefer to have the work assessed before moving day.

Homeowners who would rather have the work completed professionally can also review Home Painters Pro when comparing professional painting options before moving furniture into the home.

Before painting, check:

Nail and screw holes
Cracked or damaged drywall
Peeling or bubbling paint
Water stains or unexplained discoloration
Baseboards and trim
Ceiling condition
Previous patchwork
Areas hidden behind large furniture
Rooms that need colour changes
Drying time before moving day

HEATING & COOLING

Check heating, cooling and ventilation

Confirm that the home's essential climate systems are operating and learn where the thermostat, filters and relevant controls are located before moving day.

Locate the thermostat.
Confirm heating or cooling responds to normal thermostat controls.
Identify the furnace or HVAC equipment.
Check whether accessible filters appear to require replacement.
Make sure vents are not blocked before arranging furniture.
Look for obvious water around HVAC equipment.
Record equipment model information when useful for future maintenance.
Arrange qualified service if a system is not operating normally.

DOORS & WINDOWS

Inspect doors, windows and entry points

Doors and windows affect security, comfort and the movement of large furniture. Check them while the home is empty and easy to access.

Open and close exterior doors.
Confirm door locks operate correctly.
Open and close accessible windows.
Check window locks.
Look for damaged screens.
Look for visible gaps or damaged seals.
Check patio and balcony doors.
Measure narrow entrances before moving large furniture.

PESTS & MOISTURE

Look for signs of pests, dampness or mold

Empty rooms make it easier to inspect corners, cabinets, storage areas and wall edges that may later be hidden by furniture.

Check inside kitchen cabinets.
Inspect underneath sinks.
Look along basement walls and floor edges.
Check closets and storage areas.
Look around doors and possible exterior entry points.
Watch for droppings, insect activity or damaged materials.
Notice persistent musty odours.
Look for visible dampness or staining.
Investigate unexplained moisture instead of simply covering it.
Seek qualified help when a problem requires professional assessment.

09 · DEEP CLEANING

Clean the home before boxes cover the floors

Even a property that appears clean can benefit from a pre-move cleaning. Empty rooms give you access to floors, closets, cabinets and areas that will become inconvenient once furniture arrives.

Prioritize areas that will immediately be used after the move, including bathrooms, kitchen surfaces, food-storage areas and bedrooms.

Kitchen cabinets and drawers
Countertops and backsplashes
Inside closets
Bathroom fixtures
Floors
Baseboards
Window ledges
Appliance interiors where appropriate
High-touch surfaces
Areas previously hidden by furniture

APPLIANCES

Check appliances included with the home

If appliances are included with the property, identify basic problems before you depend on them during the first few days after moving.

Check that the refrigerator is operating before storing food.
Check the freezer.
Inspect the stove and oven using appropriate operating procedures.
Check the dishwasher where applicable.
Check the washing machine and dryer where applicable.
Look for visible leaks around water-connected appliances.
Check appliance doors, shelves and removable components.
Locate available manuals or model information.

UTILITIES

Confirm utilities and internet before moving day

Moving into a home becomes considerably less convenient if essential services are not active. Confirm important connections before you are depending on them.

Confirm electricity is active.
Confirm water service is active.
Confirm heating or cooling as appropriate for the season.
Arrange internet installation or activation.
Identify where the modem or router will be located.
Check cellular reception in important areas if relevant.
Confirm any building-specific utility procedures.
Keep service-provider contact details accessible.

12 · DOCUMENT THE PROPERTY

Photograph the home before moving your belongings in

Take clear photographs of the property while rooms are empty. This can create a useful record of the condition of floors, walls, appliances and other areas before furniture and moving activity begin.

Floors
Walls and ceilings
Doors
Windows
Appliances
Existing damage
Kitchen
Bathrooms
Basement or storage areas
Exterior areas relevant to your property

MOVING PREPARATION

Measure before the moving truck arrives

Measure large furniture and difficult access points before moving day. Discovering that a sofa will not fit through a doorway is much easier before it is sitting on the driveway.

Measure exterior door openings.
Measure narrow interior doorways.
Measure stairways and tight turns.
Measure elevators where applicable.
Check building loading access.
Plan the destination room for large furniture.
Decide where major pieces should be placed before unloading.
Identify anything that may require disassembly.

PROTECT THE HOME

Prepare floors, walls and traffic areas for moving day

Moving day introduces boxes, furniture, footwear and repeated traffic through the same areas. Prepare vulnerable surfaces before unloading begins.

Identify the main route movers will use.
Protect suitable flooring when necessary.
Keep wet footwear in mind during rain or snow.
Remove tripping hazards.
Protect vulnerable corners where appropriate.
Keep hallways and entrances clear.
Have moving blankets available for furniture protection.

MOVING-DAY PROTECTION

Preparing to move the furniture in?

Moving blankets, stretch wrap, mattress protection, packing tape and boxes can help organize and protect belongings during the move.

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WHAT TO DO FIRST

Which jobs are easiest to complete before moving in?

Task	Why do it before moving in?
Painting	Walls are accessible and furniture does not need to be moved or covered.
Deep cleaning	Floors, closets and cabinets are easier to reach.
Floor repairs	Rooms are clear of furniture.
Lock changes	New access can be controlled before move-in.
Minor repairs	Work areas are easier to access.
Pest treatment	Empty rooms provide better visibility and access.
Internet setup	Service can be ready when you arrive.

COMMON QUESTIONS

New Home Move-In Checklist FAQ

Quick answers to common questions about preparing a home before moving in.

What should I check before moving into a new house?

Before moving in, check locks, plumbing, visible electrical issues, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, heating and cooling, doors, windows, signs of moisture or pests, appliances, walls and ceilings. You should also identify important controls such as the water shutoff and electrical panel.

What should I do first when I get the keys to a new home?

Start by documenting the property's condition, checking that doors and windows are secure, locating important utility controls, and confirming that essential services such as water, electricity, heating or cooling are functioning.

Should I paint before moving into a new home?

If you already plan to repaint, completing the work before furniture and moving boxes arrive can make access to walls and ceilings easier and reduce the amount of furniture that must be moved or protected.

Should I change the locks when moving into a new house?

Many homeowners consider rekeying or replacing exterior locks because it may be difficult to know how many previous copies of a key exist. Smart-lock, alarm and garage-door access codes should also be reviewed.

Should I clean a new home before moving in?

An empty home is generally easier to clean because floors, cabinets, closets, appliances and corners are accessible before furniture and boxes are placed throughout the property.

What should I inspect for water damage before moving in?

Look under sinks, around toilets, near showers and tubs, around the water heater, along basement walls, near windows and on ceilings. Staining, dampness, peeling finishes or musty odours may justify further investigation.

What should I unpack first after moving?

Prioritize beds, bathroom supplies, medications, chargers, basic kitchen items, important documents and anything required for work, school, children or pets during the first day.

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