Before the furniture comes in
The best time to prepare a house is while it is empty. If you can, get the keys a day or two early to clean, check the basics and decide where large items will go. Even a short window helps: floors, cabinets and bathrooms are far easier to clean without furniture in the way. It is also the easiest moment to sketch where large pieces will sit, using the ideas in interior design traffic flow.
Safety and security first
Many people suggest handling these items before settling in:
- Locks: Consider changing or re-keying exterior locks, since you cannot know who else has keys. If you rent, ask your landlord first.
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms: Test them, and replace batteries or units if they are old or missing. Local rules on where alarms are needed vary, so check guidance for your area.
- Fire safety: A small extinguisher or fire blanket in the kitchen may be a sensible addition.
- Shut-off points: Find the main water shut-off, the electrical panel and the gas shut-off if you have one, and make sure everyone in the household knows where they are.
- First-aid kit: Keep one somewhere easy to reach.
Cleaning kit
Keep a basic kit handy for the first day:
- All-purpose cleaner and disinfectant
- Sponges, microfibre cloths and paper towels
- Broom, dustpan, mop and vacuum
- Toilet cleaner and brush
- Heavy-duty rubbish bags
The open-first box
Pack one box or bag you carry yourself and open first. It should hold what you would otherwise spend the first night hunting for:
- Toilet paper, hand soap and a towel
- Toiletries and any medication
- Bedding and pillows, or an air mattress
- Phone chargers and a power strip
- Basic tools, scissors and a box cutter
- A flashlight, light bulbs and batteries
- A few plates, cups, cutlery and a kettle or coffee maker
- Snacks, water and pet supplies if needed
For apartments, the same idea is covered in our guide to basic necessities for a new apartment.
Tools and utilities
A small tool kit with a hammer, screwdrivers, pliers, a tape measure and a utility knife covers most early jobs, such as assembling a bed or hanging curtain rods. Also set up utilities and internet ahead of time where possible, and take photos of meter readings and the condition of the property on arrival.
What to bring in first
There is no formal rule, but a practical order is: the open-first box, bedding and the mattress, then essential kitchen items, then the sofa or main seating, and finally everything else. Setting up the bedroom early means you will have somewhere comfortable to rest even if the rest of the house is in boxes.
A note on the “3-3-3 rule for buying a house”: it appears in searches near this topic, but it is a home-buying or finance idea rather than a move-in or decorating rule, and descriptions vary. Check any financial rules of thumb against advice from a qualified professional.
Easily forgotten items
- Spare keys and a place to keep them
- Light bulbs in the right sizes
- Shower curtain and hooks
- Toilet paper in every bathroom
- Trash bags and bins
- Curtains or blinds for privacy on the first night
- Furniture-assembly tools and screws
- Chargers and extension cords
- Doormat and shoe storage
Ten tips for a smoother move-in
- Clean before unpacking.
- Check alarms and locks on day one.
- Label boxes by room and priority.
- Decide where furniture goes before the movers arrive.
- Photograph the condition of the property.
- Unpack the bedroom and bathroom first.
- Keep important documents with you rather than in the moving truck.
- Set up utilities and mail forwarding early.
- Meet your neighbours when convenient.
- Do not buy everything at once. Live in the space first.
What can wait
Decorative items, art, extra furniture and specialty gadgets can be delayed. If you are feeling pressure to finish everything quickly, see overwhelmed decorating a new house. For the full list of everyday items, use the essentials checklist, and for the bigger plan see how to furnish a new house.