Before Move-In Day

•  Transfer electricity

•  Transfer gas

•  Transfer water

•  Arrange trash/recycling

•  Set up internet

•  Update homeowners insurance

•  Schedule movers

•  Arrange cleaning if desired

•  Update mailing address

•  Arrange pet/childcare for moving day if helpful

Immediately After Getting the Keys

•  Change exterior locks or rekey

•  Change garage door codes

•  Change alarm codes

•  Update smart-home passwords

•  Locate main water shutoff

•  Locate electrical panel

•  Locate gas shutoff

•  Locate sewer cleanout

•  Locate sump pump if applicable

•  Locate fire extinguishers

•  Test smoke alarms

•  Test carbon monoxide alarms

First Few Days

•  Replace HVAC filter

•  Clean dryer vent

•  Check refrigerator water filter

•  Check under sinks for leaks

•  Check toilets for leaks

•  Inspect washer hoses

•  Confirm exterior doors/windows lock properly

•  Program thermostat

•  Label breaker panel if needed

•  Establish trash day

•  Meet neighbors

•  Save HOA contact information

•  Create home maintenance binder

New Home Move-In Shopping List

A new home comes with plenty of little necessities that are easy to forget. Use this shopping list to stock the house before—or during—the first few days after move-in.

Cleaning Supplies

•  All-purpose cleaner

•  Disinfecting cleaner

•  Glass cleaner

•  Bathroom cleaner

•  Toilet bowl cleaner

•  Floor cleaner appropriate for your flooring

•  Dish soap

•  Sponges

•  Scrub brushes

•  Microfiber cloths

•  Paper towels

•  Cleaning gloves

•  Magic erasers

•  Broom and dustpan

•  Mop

•  Vacuum

•  Bucket

•  Toilet brush

•  Plunger

•  Trash bags

•  Carpet spot cleaner

•  Stainless steel cleaner, if needed

• 
  

Kitchen Basics

Food Storage & Prep

•  Food storage containers

•  Aluminum foil

•  Plastic wrap

•  Parchment paper

•  Food storage bags

•  Can opener

•  Bottle opener

•  Cutting board

•  Basic kitchen knives

•  Measuring cups and spoons

•  Mixing bowls

•  Colander/strainer

Cleaning & Organization

•  Dish towels

•  Dishcloths

•  Dishwasher detergent

•  Dishwasher rinse aid, if needed

•  Garbage disposal cleaner, if applicable

•  Kitchen trash can

•  Kitchen trash bags

•  Drawer organizers

•  Shelf liner, if desired

Easy First-Day Staples

•  Bottled water

•  Coffee

•  Coffee filters or pods

•  Creamer

•  Sugar/sweetener

•  Salt

•  Pepper

•  Cooking oil

•  Basic seasonings

•  Easy breakfast foods

•  Snacks

•  Easy meals for moving week

Bathroom Essentials

For Each Bathroom

•  Toilet paper

•  Hand soap

•  Hand towels

•  Bath towels

•  Washcloths

•  Bath mat

•  Shower curtain

•  Shower curtain liner

•  Shower curtain rings

•  Toilet brush

•  Plunger

•  Small trash can

•  Trash bags

Personal Care

•  Shampoo

•  Conditioner

•  Body wash/soap

•  Toothpaste

•  Toothbrushes

•  Hand sanitizer

•  Basic toiletries

  
  

Laundry Room

•  Laundry detergent

•  Stain remover

•  Dryer sheets or dryer balls

•  Laundry baskets

•  Hamper

•  Hangers

•  Iron

•  Ironing board or mat

•  Drying rack, if desired

•  Washing machine cleaner

•  Dryer vent cleaning brush

•  New washer hoses, if needed

  
  

Paper & Household Products

•  Toilet paper

•  Paper towels

•  Tissues

•  Napkins

•  Trash bags

•  Recycling bags, if required locally

•  Food storage bags

•  Aluminum foil

•  Plastic wrap

•  Disposable plates/cups for moving day, if helpful

  
  

Safety & Emergency Supplies

Fire & Carbon Monoxide Safety

•  Smoke alarms, if replacements are needed

•  Carbon monoxide alarms

•  Replacement batteries

•  Fire extinguisher for kitchen

•  Additional fire extinguisher for garage or upper floor

•  Fire escape ladder for upper floors, if appropriate

Emergency Supplies

•  First aid kit

•  Flashlights

•  Extra batteries

•  Battery-powered lantern

•  Portable phone chargers

•  Weather radio

•  Bottled water

•  Emergency food

•  Blankets

•  Basic emergency supplies

  
  

Security

•  New exterior door locks or rekeying kit/service

•  Spare keys

•  Key rings/tags

•  Doorbell camera, if desired

•  Security cameras, if desired

•  Alarm system, if desired

•  Motion lights

•  Window locks

•  Sliding-door security bar

•  Garage door remote replacements, if needed

  
  

Basic Tool Kit

Every homeowner should have a few basic tools available from day one.

•  Hammer

•  Phillips screwdriver

•  Flat-head screwdriver

•  Multi-bit screwdriver

•  Pliers

•  Adjustable wrench

•  Tape measure

•  Level

•  Utility knife

•  Stud finder

•  Drill

•  Drill bits

•  Allen wrench set

•  Socket set

•  Nails

•  Screws

•  Wall anchors

•  Picture-hanging hardware

•  Duct tape

•  Electrical tape

•  Painter's tape

•  Super glue

•  Zip ties

•  Extension cords

•  Step ladder

  
  

Home Maintenance Supplies

•  HVAC filters in the correct size

•  Refrigerator water filter, if applicable

•  Replacement light bulbs

•  Extra smoke detector batteries

•  Furnace/HVAC filter reminder stickers

•  Caulk

•  Caulk gun

•  WD-40 or household lubricant

•  Drain snake

•  Drain stopper

•  Pipe wrench or adjustable wrench

•  Shop towels

•  Work gloves

•  Safety glasses

  
  

Electrical & Technology

•  Power strips

•  Surge protectors

•  Extension cords

•  USB charging blocks

•  Phone chargers

•  Ethernet cables, if needed

•  Batteries in common sizes

•  Cable management supplies

•  Smart plugs, if desired

•  Wi-Fi extender or mesh system, if needed

  
  

Bedroom & Closet Basics

•  Hangers

•  Closet organizers

•  Storage bins

•  Mattress protector

•  Sheets

•  Pillows

•  Extra blankets

•  Laundry hamper

•  Nightlights

•  Blackout curtains, if needed

  
  

Entryway & Organization

•  Welcome mat

•  Indoor door mat

•  Shoe rack

•  Coat hooks

•  Key hooks or key bowl

•  Umbrella holder, if desired

•  Mail organizer

•  Command hooks

•  Storage baskets

•  Labels

  
  

Garage

•  Heavy-duty trash bags

•  Push broom

•  Shop vacuum

•  Work gloves

•  Extension cord

•  Storage shelves

•  Storage totes

•  Wall hooks

•  Basic automotive supplies

•  Ice melt, if appropriate for your climate

•  Snow shovel, if appropriate

•  Fire extinguisher

  
  

Lawn & Exterior

Basic Yard Care

•  Garden hose

•  Hose nozzle

•  Hose storage

•  Lawn mower, if needed

•  String trimmer

•  Rake

•  Leaf rake

•  Shovel

•  Outdoor broom

•  Garden gloves

•  Pruning shears

•  Weed control supplies

•  Outdoor trash can

Seasonal Items

•  Snow shovel

•  Ice melt

•  Leaf bags

•  Outdoor extension cord

•  Outdoor faucet covers

•  Weatherproof storage container

  
  

Pest Prevention

•  Ant traps

•  Insect spray

•  Fly swatter

•  Bug traps

•  Wasp spray

•  Mouse traps

•  Door sweeps if needed

•  Exterior gap sealant

•  Food-storage containers with secure lids

  
  

Pet Owners

•  Food

•  Food and water bowls

•  Pet bed

•  Crate

•  Leash

•  Waste bags

•  Litter/litter box if applicable

•  Pet stain and odor cleaner

•  Baby/pet gates

•  Updated ID tags with new address/phone number

•  Flea/tick supplies

  
  

Families With Young Children

•  Outlet covers

•  Cabinet locks

•  Door knob covers if needed

•  Baby gates

•  Furniture anchors

•  Cord safety devices for blinds

•  Toilet locks if needed

•  Corner guards

•  Nightlights

•  Stair safety gates

  
  

The "Buy This Before Moving Day" Short List

If you don't want to purchase everything at once, start here:

•  Toilet paper

•  Paper towels

•  Trash bags

•  Hand soap

•  Dish soap

•  Cleaning spray

•  Sponges

•  Toilet brush

•  Plunger

•  Shower curtain and liner

•  Towels

•  Laundry detergent

•  Dishwasher detergent

•  Bottled water

•  Easy meals/snacks

•  Coffee supplies

•  Basic tool kit

•  Flashlights

•  Batteries

•  First aid kit

•  Fire extinguisher

•  New HVAC filter

•  Light bulbs

•  Phone chargers

•  Extension cords/power strips

•  Cleaning gloves

•  Broom

•  Vacuum

•  Mop

•  New locks/rekeying arrangements

  
  

Don't Forget to Measure Before Buying

Before purchasing these items, confirm the size or type needed:

•  HVAC filter size

•  Refrigerator water filter

•  Shower curtain dimensions

•  Window dimensions

•  Appliance openings

•  Washer/dryer hookups

•  Trash can space

•  Cabinet/shelf dimensions

•  Garage storage space

•  Door lock style

•  Light bulb types