Congratulations — the boxes are in, the truck is gone, and you’ve officially arrived. But what comes next? The first 5 things after you move in are crucial steps that help you get organized, stay safe, and feel at home faster.
This short but powerful window right after your move is the perfect opportunity to set the tone for your time in the new home. Whether you're moving into a rental, a townhome, or your dream house, the steps you take in the first 48 hours can save you time, stress, and even money down the road.
Before you dive into unpacking, take time to check off these essential tasks that every new homeowner or renter should complete within the first 24–48 hours.
1. Do a Full Walkthrough
Before you move furniture or start unpacking, walk through the home with fresh eyes. Test all light switches and outlets, flush toilets, run faucets, check appliances, and inspect doors and windows for damage or missing locks.
If you’re renting, document any pre-existing issues with photos and share them with your landlord. Doing this now prevents disputes later.
Even if the home was recently cleaned or inspected, it’s important to do this yourself. Things can shift in transit or go unnoticed during staging and showings. Keep a notepad or your phone handy to jot down observations. Check for leaks under sinks, make sure the oven turns on, and test the garage door opener if applicable. This walkthrough becomes your new baseline of what’s working — and what’s not.
2. Locate Safety Essentials
Find the circuit breaker, water shut-off valve, and gas shut-off. Make sure smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms work — replace batteries if needed. These are often overlooked but critical for safety and peace of mind.
Knowing where to shut off utilities in an emergency is one of the smartest things you can do as a new resident. Test alarms with the “check” button and replace batteries with fresh ones even if they appear new — it’s better to be sure. If you have children or pets, walk through the space to identify any hazards you may want to address in the days ahead.
Need a checklist to stay on track? Use our full change of address checklist as your go-to moving day reference.
3. Set Up Utilities and Internet
Confirm your electric, water, and gas services are active. Then test your internet and cable setup. If something isn’t working, now’s the time to contact your providers and schedule support before the busy unpacking begins.
Internet is especially important if you work from home or have children who rely on digital tools for school. Don’t assume everything is good to go — verify connection speeds and confirm account activation. Pro tip: write down your Wi-Fi password on a sticky note and post it somewhere visible. That way, everyone in the household can stay connected without frustration.
For full Des Moines utility setup info, see our move-in resources guide.
4. Clean Key Areas Before Unpacking
Even if your home looks clean, a quick wipe-down ensures peace of mind. Prioritize high-touch areas like kitchen counters, shelves, bathroom fixtures, and floors. It’s much easier to clean now — before boxes and furniture get in the way.
You don’t have to deep-clean everything, but a quick sweep and wipe can go a long way. Sanitize fridge handles, faucet levers, cabinet pulls, and light switches. It’s especially smart if kids or pets are involved — you want your home to be a safe, fresh slate. If time allows, clean and line shelves before filling them with pantry items or dishes.
Pack disinfecting wipes and a broom in your essentials box so they’re ready to go when you arrive.
💡 Move-In Tip
It’s easy to lose track of paperwork and emails during a move. Having all the most important info at your fingertips prevents future scrambling. Consider keeping a printed copy in your kitchen drawer and a backup in a cloud storage folder for convenience. Don’t forget to include pet records, HOA documents, or warranty details for appliances if you received them from the previous owner.
5. Make One Room Functional
Instead of unpacking everything at once, focus on one room — usually the kitchen or bedroom — and make it fully usable. Being able to sleep, shower, or eat comfortably helps you recharge and lowers stress after a long move.
Start with the room that will give you the most immediate comfort. For many people, that’s a bedroom with fresh sheets and a place to rest. Others prioritize the kitchen so they can enjoy a hot cup of coffee or a meal without takeout. Whatever you choose, make that room feel finished. Hang a picture, light a candle, or unpack a comfort item — it helps your house feel like home faster.
Need help deciding what to unpack first? Read our article on moving day strategies and setup priorities.
Final Thoughts | First 5 Things After You Move In
Your move-in day sets the tone for everything that follows. Completing the first 5 things after you move in gives you control, comfort, and confidence before the chaos of daily life resumes. Unpack smarter, not faster — and give yourself a strong start in your new space.
It’s easy to feel pulled in every direction after a move. There are boxes to unpack, people to notify, rooms to decorate — but slowing down and following a plan gives you breathing room. These first five actions aren’t just checkboxes — they’re your foundation. Take time to do them well, and you’ll save yourself from avoidable stress later.
Need help beyond moving day? Contact Blue Cow Moving & Storage for post-move support, storage options, and pro tips to make your move feel like home sooner.
More Move-In Help from Blue Cow
