The First Week After You Move

by Jackson StallingsJun 26, 2025

What to Do the First Week After You Move Into a New Home

Congratulations—you’ve finally moved into your new home! 🎉 After weeks (or even months) of planning, packing, and hauling boxes, you’ve crossed the finish line. But while the heavy lifting might be over, the first week in your new house is crucial for setting the tone for a comfortable, organized, and safe future.

To help you make the most of this fresh start, we’ve put together a step-by-step checklist of what to do the first week after moving into a new home. From unpacking essentials to updating your address and securing your space, this guide ensures nothing important falls through the cracks.

1. Inspect Your New Home Thoroughly

Before you get too comfortable, walk through your home and inspect every room, system, and surface—especially if you purchased the property recently or are renting.

What to Check:

Test light switches and electrical outlets
Run all faucets and check for leaks
Inspect walls, floors, and ceilings for damage
Confirm appliances are working
Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Note anything that needs repair or professional attention

🛠 If you’re a renter, document issues and report them to your landlord immediately.

2. Prioritize Unpacking Essentials First

You don’t need to unpack everything right away, but the first week should be focused on functionality.

Unpack These First:

Kitchen basics (plates, utensils, small appliances)
Bathroom essentials (toiletries, towels, toilet paper)
Bedding and linens
Cleaning supplies
Clothing and shoes for the week
Important documents and chargers

Pro tip: If you used a portable storage container like Mobile Attic, unpacking can happen at your own pace without cluttering your new home with unopened boxes.

3. Set Up Utilities and Internet

If you didn’t set up utilities before moving in, do it during your first week to avoid service interruptions.

Key Utilities to Confirm:

Electricity and gas
Water and sewer
Trash and recycling pickup
Internet and cable
Heating and cooling systems

You may also want to shop around for new service providers if you’re in a different area with more competitive rates.

4. Update Your Address and Forward Mail

Don’t miss important documents or deliveries—updating your address is one of the most critical tasks in your first week.

Where to Update:

USPS (set up mail forwarding online)
Bank and credit card accounts
Driver’s license and vehicle registration
Employer and payroll system
Subscriptions, memberships, and online retailers
Insurance providers (home, auto, health)

📬 Bonus tip: Label your mailbox if it doesn’t already have your name to ensure proper delivery.

5. Change Locks and Secure Entry Points

You never know who might still have a copy of the old keys. For peace of mind, change all locks and codes the first week after moving in.

Home Security Checklist:

Replace front and back door locks
Reprogram garage door openers
Update alarm codes or smart lock settings
Test door and window locks throughout the home

If your new home doesn’t have a security system, consider installing one or using smart home devices like video doorbells and motion sensors.

6. Clean Your Home Top to Bottom

Even if the previous owners or tenants cleaned before leaving, a deep clean helps you feel more settled and ensures a sanitary start.

Focus Areas:

Cabinets and drawers (inside and out)
Floors (vacuum, mop, or steam clean)
Bathrooms (toilets, showers, and sinks)
Kitchen appliances (especially the fridge and oven)
Air vents and ceiling fans

🧼 Cleaning before you’re fully unpacked is much easier, so knock this out early in the week.

7. Introduce Yourself to Neighbors

Getting to know your neighbors early builds a sense of community and can be helpful for everything from safety tips to local recommendations.

Ways to Say Hello:

Greet neighbors when you see them outside
Leave a friendly note or knock on the door
Join local Facebook groups or neighborhood apps like Nextdoor
Ask about trash day, local events, or school info

Friendly connections make your new neighborhood feel like home even faster.

8. Locate Emergency Shut-Offs and Safety Essentials

Emergencies can happen at any time, so knowing where key systems are located is essential.

Find and Label:

Main water shut-off valve
Electrical breaker box
Gas shut-off
Fire extinguishers and emergency exits

Also, take a few minutes to review or create a home emergency plan that includes evacuation routes and key contacts.

9. Explore the Area and Establish New Routines

The first week is the perfect time to explore your surroundings and start integrating into your new community.

Things to Discover:

Nearest grocery store, pharmacy, and gas station
Local parks and recreation spots
Favorite coffee shops or restaurants
Walking or biking routes
Community centers, gyms, or libraries

Creating new routines will help you feel grounded and excited about your new environment.

10. Start Planning Future Projects

While it’s not urgent, the first week is a good time to take notes on future upgrades or improvements you’d like to make.

Consider:

Painting or decorating ideas
Landscaping changes
Furniture layouts or storage needs
Minor repairs or safety updates

If you’re using Mobile Attic Portable Storage, it can also serve as on-site storage for renovation supplies, tools, or extra furniture as you settle in.

Bonus Tip: Use Portable Storage to Make the Transition Smoother

Still not fully unpacked? Using a Mobile Attic Portable Storage Container can make a huge difference in your first week after moving in.

Benefits:

Unpack at your own pace without crowding your living space
Keep seasonal items or extra furniture secure and out of the way
Perfect for ongoing renovations or home improvement projects
Weather-resistant and lockable, offering security right on your property

Portable storage takes the pressure off, giving you the flexibility to settle in without rushing the unpacking process.

Final Thoughts

The first week in your new home is about more than just unpacking—it’s about setting up your space, connecting with your new surroundings, and building routines that support your lifestyle.

By tackling these 10 essential tasks, you’ll feel more confident, organized, and truly at home in your new place. And with support from flexible, secure solutions like Mobile Attic Portable Storage, your transition can be smoother than ever.

🎯 Ready to simplify your move-in process?
Let Mobile Attic help with affordable, weather-resistant storage solutions delivered right to your door.