Guide · US edition · Updated 2026-10-29

First 30 Days After Moving: The New-Home Checklist

The boxes are inside. Now comes the part people forget, usually until a deadline arrives.

Week 1: safety and basics

☐ Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms; replace batteries
☐ Find the water shut-off, electrical panel and gas shut-off
☐ If you own the home, consider changing or rekeying the locks
☐ Unpack the kitchen, bathrooms and beds first
☐ Check for any moving damage and report claims to the mover quickly. For interstate moves, you generally have up to 9 months to file a written claim, but sooner is better.

Weeks 1–2: paperwork

☐ Confirm your USPS change of address is working
☐ Update the remaining accounts on your change-of-address checklist
☐ Driver's license and vehicle registration if you changed states. Many states give you only a short window, often 10 to 30 days, so check your new state's DMV
☐ Update voter registration
☐ Renters or homeowners insurance in place; take photos of your belongings for your records

Weeks 2–4: settle in

☐ Find a doctor, dentist, pharmacy and vet; transfer records
☐ Register kids for school and activities
☐ Learn trash, recycling and street-cleaning days
☐ Meet a neighbor or two
☐ Recycle or give away the boxes

Close out the old place

☐ Watch for the final utility bills
☐ Follow up on your security deposit if you rented (see the move-out checklist)
☐ Cancel old memberships (gym, parking, local services)

Money

☐ Compare actual move costs with your moving budget
☐ File receipts in one folder

General information, not legal advice. Deadlines vary by state.

The Moving Day Binder's last section is a first-30-days checklist with a contacts sheet for the new neighborhood.

Moving Day Binder — $14

18-page moving binder: 8-week countdown, mover comparison and interstate rights, change-of-address checklist, packing plan and a 150-box inventory. Instant download: PDF + DOCX + XLSX.

Get the Moving Day Binder Family Paperwork Bundle — $34