Preparing for a move into your first house and no idea what to do? This is a good time to pause and read our checklist. Preparing your new home for a move is the step that many overlook, but it’s the one that sets the tone for the entire moving experience.
From cleaning and utility setup to floor protection and layout planning, here’s how I help clients prepare their new homes so they’re fully ready to move in. This guide breaks down the real prep
1. Deep Clean Your New House Before Moving Day
Before you bring in your first box, the home needs a thorough cleaning. Dust, debris, or leftover grime from previous residents is not something you want to unpack into. Focus on:
- Kitchen surfaces, appliances, and cabinets
- Bathrooms: toilet, sink, tub, and floors
- Inside closets and baseboards
- HVAC vents and filters
Use quality cleaning supplies or consider hiring a local cleaning crew.
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2. Set Up Utilities and Wi-Fi in Advance
No electricity, water, or internet on moving day? That’s a rookie mistake. Call all utility providers at least two weeks ahead of your moving date to activate:
- Power and gas
- Water and sewer
- Internet and cable
- Trash and recycling services
Your new utility setup should be tested a few days before the move. I always recommend taking photos of meters in your old and new homes.
3. Change the Locks and Secure the Property
It’s a good idea to change the locks as soon as you get the keys. You never know who still has access to the new home. Go further by checking:
- All window locks and sliding doors
- Garage openers and keypad codes
- Smoke detectors and security alarms
Safety should be part of your home maintenance checklist.
4. Protect Floors and Doorways Before Movers Arrive
Whether you hire professional movers or do a DIY move, your new floors are at risk. Tape down drop cloths or plastic sheeting in high-traffic zones and pad door frames to avoid dents.
At Best California Movers, we offer padded protection for tight entries, wood floors, and stair railings—ask about our custom moving plans.
5. Measure Furniture and Pre-Plan Layout
When preparing to move belongings, know where everything goes. Measure furniture and plan each room’s layout in advance so our crew doesn’t waste time figuring out where to put the couch.
Upload your layout sketches or room tags when booking with us, and we’ll use them on move-in day.
6. Create a Staging Area for Essentials
Designate a staging zone in your new space where the first-day essentials go: cleaning supplies, tools, important documents, chargers, snacks, pet items. This helps you stay organized when boxes start flying in.
Include a box with:
- Medications
- Trash bags and toilet paper
- Basic tools
- Light bulbs
Think of it as your home’s welcome kit for the big move.
7. Inspect Appliances and Fixtures Early
Test every appliance before moving into your new home. Make sure the oven works, outlets are live, and faucets don’t leak. If you find issues early, you can repair them before you move in.
This also applies to:
- Heating and cooling units
- Water heaters
- Light fixtures
If something breaks the day after you arrive at your new home, you’ll be glad you caught it beforehand.
8. Paint and Repair Before Furniture Arrives
Any painting, patching, or fixture upgrades are way easier before the moving boxes show up. Schedule this work at least a week in advance.
Painting after you move belongings in is slower, more expensive, and much harder to execute.
9. Create a Labeling System in Advance
- If your new home isn’t labeled and mapped, you’ll end up directing every single box. Avoid that by using room labels, color codes, or digital QR stickers.
Ask our team to implement a smart labeling system for a more seamless move-in process.
10. Schedule a Walkthrough With Your Mover
If you’re using a full-service moving company, coordinate a pre-move walkthrough. At Best California Movers, we offer this as part of our service. It helps our crews identify obstacles, prep routes, and confirm access.
If you’re doing a DIY move, walk through your new house yourself with a camera and tape measure in hand.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Even with thorough preparation, several overlooked issues can disrupt your move-in day and overall experience. Here are frequent pitfalls when preparing a new home, along with actionable advice to prevent them:
- Overlooking Local Regulations and Permits
Many new residents forget to check for building or moving permits, especially in condos or gated communities. Ignoring these requirements can lead to delays or fines. Before moving day, contact your building management or local authorities to secure any needed permissions. If you’re unsure about these details, Best California Movers can help guide you through the regulations related to your move—contact us for support. - Not Confirming Access Times with Building Management
Failing to coordinate elevator reservations or access windows for your movers can cause last-minute logistical headaches. Confirm all access details and restrictions several days before moving to ensure your movers can operate smoothly. With Best California Movers, our team coordinates these details on your behalf to make your move seamless—learn more about our service. - Underestimating Time for Unexpected Repairs
A newly purchased home may require minor fixes—leaky faucets, faulty outlets, or door adjustments—that, if left until after moving in, slow down unpacking and setup. Schedule a pre-move inspection and address simple repairs in advance to keep your moving process on track. Need help managing timing? Our expert movers work with your schedule to reduce downtime—request a consultation. - Forgetting to Update Address on Critical Accounts Early
Delays in updating your new address with banks, insurance providers, and government agencies can cause missed mail or service interruptions. Create a list of important accounts and notify them early to ensure continuity. To stay organized, Best California Movers offers planning checklists that include address updates—download yours today.
- Ignoring Seasonal or Weather-Related Issues
Moves during rainy or extremely hot seasons require additional planning, such as protecting floors from mud or scheduling moves during cooler parts of the day. Assess local climate conditions and prepare accordingly to safeguard your belongings and new home. Our team provides protective floor coverings and flexible scheduling options—see how we protect your home. - Relying Solely on Verbal Agreements with Movers
Without written contracts or clear service details, misunderstandings can arise about what the moving company will provide. Always review and confirm all terms in writing to avoid surprises related to costs, timing, or services. Best California Movers guarantees transparent contracts and upfront pricing—get your detailed quote here. - Neglecting to Arrange Temporary Storage if Needed
If your moving date and closing date don’t align perfectly, lacking a storage plan for your belongings can lead to clutter or damage. Research and book storage units in advance if there’s any gap between moves. We offer secure climate-controlled storage solutions to bridge timing gaps—ask about storage options. - Overestimating Your Packing Speed and Capacity
Underestimating the time and effort required to pack thoroughly can result in rushed, unsafe packing. Allow ample time and, when possible, leverage professional packing supplies and services to maintain organization and protection. Consider using Best California Movers’ packing services to simplify this step—explore packing help.
By recognizing these pitfalls early, you can incorporate them into your new home checklist and create a more controlled, predictable moving experience. When you’re ready to tackle your move confidently, Best California Movers is here to assist every step of the way.
What are The Advantages of Best California Movers?
Our job starts before the boxes are even packed. We help you:
- Set up and prep your new home for the move
- Coordinate with utility setups and access logistics
- Deliver packing supplies and materials
- Customize your moving checklist to include advanced planning
We’re here to make sure your new place is more than just ready—it’s optimized. This is all done by your trusted, local and licensed, Best California Movers.
