What to Do After Moving

Congratulations on reaching the safety of your new home through local movers or long distance movers! However, your move isn’t truly complete until you tackle the essential post-move tasks. Only then can you fully relax and begin the transition to making this new space your own.

The great news? You’ve made it to the final stage, and while there’s still work to be done, you can now manage things at your own pace without a looming moving day deadline. With this flexibility, it’s best to prioritize these remaining tasks by urgency and importance.

Wondering what to do after moving into your new home, city, or state? It’s natural to feel a bit overwhelmed by unfamiliar surroundings, but having a clear checklist will help you get started with confidence. From the moment you arrive, there are a few key tasks to ensure your first day goes smoothly and to help you settle in comfortably.

Survive your first day in the new home

You’ve finally moved into your new home, so now the big question is—what’s next?

Your tasks on the first day will depend largely on the time you arrive. If you’re getting in during the evening, your priority might simply be to shower, set up the bed, and get some rest. In that case, your “first day” will really start the next morning.

However, if you arrive earlier in the day, you’ll have more time to address some essential tasks, such as:

Check the Utilities
First thing’s first—make sure all utilities are running smoothly. Confirm that electricity and water are working properly, as you’ll need both right away. Once verified, note down the readings on the electricity and water meters to avoid any billing disputes later.
Inspect the Home
Hopefully, you’ve arranged for utilities to be activated before moving in. Now, go room by room to check that everything is in order. Ensure that doors and windows are secure and look out for any signs of damage, especially water damage, that could cause future issues.
Unpack Essential Boxes
Remember those “Open-First” boxes? Grab them and unpack your essentials like toiletries, medications, and tools—anything you’ll need right away before delving into the rest of your moving boxes.
Set Up the Bathroom
After a long journey, a shower or bath can be a much-needed refresh. Get the bathroom ready by unpacking toiletries, hanging shower curtains, and setting out towels or bathrobes. Ending the day with a quick shower and heading to bed might be just what you need to recharge.

What you accomplish on this first day can set the tone for the entire transition into your new home. Remember, you don’t need to tackle everything all at once. Take it easy, as your main objective—completing Moving Day—is already achieved.

Secure your new home

Moving into a new home often means stepping into an unfamiliar space, and while you’ll gradually get to know your new surroundings, one immediate priority is ensuring that it’s safe and secure for you and your family.

Start by securing the property to prevent unauthorized access. Change the locks on all exterior doors, and consider adding a security system, such as a burglar alarm, surveillance cameras, and exterior lighting for added protection.

Check that all windows close tightly and lock securely. If necessary, install additional window locks or covers. Make the new home safer by installing fire alarms and smoke detectors throughout the house, and ensure that each floor has a functional fire extinguisher.

If you have young children, take the time to child-proof the home. This is particularly important in areas like the nursery, bathroom, and kitchen, where common household items can pose risks. For multi-level homes, securing the stairs should be a top priority, as stair-related accidents send thousands of young children to the emergency room each year.

Your pets may also be stressed by the move, and the new environment could pose risks for them. Begin by assessing potential hazards in the kitchen (like garbage cans, chemicals, or unsafe foods), then check the bathroom (medications and chemicals) and living areas (exposed cords, certain plants, or small items). Remove or secure anything that could be harmful to keep them safe.

Lastly, purchase adequate homeowner’s or renter’s insurance for peace of mind and protection against potential risks.

Start unpacking your belongings

One of the first things to tackle after moving into a new home is unpacking. Much like packing, unpacking can be a time-consuming task, especially if you don’t have extra hands to help out. However, unlike packing, unpacking is usually less stressful since you don’t have a deadline hanging over you. This means you can prioritize unpacking essentials right away and then work at your own pace for the rest.

For example, if you have items like books that aren’t immediately needed, you can leave those packed until you have the time to organize them. Generally, unpacking is easier than packing since you don’t need to worry about protecting items in transit—that’s already done.

A challenge you’ll likely face is managing empty boxes and packing materials that start piling up. To avoid clutter, dispose of these materials as you go to keep your new space tidy.

Efficient unpacking can save you time and energy, especially if you follow a room-by-room approach. This structured unpacking order—also known as an unpacking checklist—will guide you through the process, helping you stay organized and productive. The recommended unpacking order is:

Bathroom – Set up essentials to make it usable right away.
Kitchen – Unpack necessary cookware, dishes, and utensils.
Bedroom – Arrange the bed and other essentials for a restful night.
Living Room, Spare Rooms, and Storage Spaces – Complete these last as they’re less urgent.

Time management is key when unpacking after a move. Here are some tips to speed up the process:

Focus on unpacking one room at a time to stay organized.
Avoid delaying unpacking too much; set small, achievable tasks to keep motivated.
Continually clear out packing materials to prevent clutter.
Get help from friends or professional unpacking services if possible.

Get to know your new city

Moving to a new city or town can be challenging, especially as it often means leaving behind the comfort of familiar surroundings for a new and unfamiliar environment. The transition involves major changes, and adapting to a new place isn’t always easy.

The best way to feel at home in your new city is to gradually make the unfamiliar familiar—explore and discover it on your terms. Here are some ways to start settling in and get to know your new surroundings:

Use a Map to Explore
A paper city map offers a unique way to get acquainted with your new area. Pick one up from a local bookstore and let it guide you as you walk around. This “old-school” approach can help you visualize and remember the layout of the city. And soon enough, you’ll be navigating without it.
Leverage Online Resources
The internet is a valuable tool for learning about your new city. Google Maps is a great substitute for a paper map, and many websites offer information on local attractions, events, and places of interest. Social media groups and local blogs can give insights from residents that make exploring feel less intimidating. Sites like Yelp and Citysearch are excellent for finding top-rated spots to eat, drink, relax, and try new activities.
Identify Key Places
Finding essential spots around town will help you feel more comfortable in your new surroundings. Here’s a list of important places to locate:
- Shopping centers, supermarkets, and grocery stores
- Your children’s school, if applicable
- Post offices, banks, DMV offices, and police stations
- Parks and green spaces for relaxation
- Restaurants, coffee shops, and diners
- Bars and nightlife spots
- Entertainment venues like theaters, concert halls, and cinemas
- Sports centers
- Libraries

Getting to know these spots will make you feel more at ease and help you settle in faster.

Register your vehicle in the new state

Whether you drive your own car across state lines or have it shipped by a professional auto transporter, moving to a new state legally requires you to register your vehicle within a set timeframe.

Among the tasks to complete after an interstate move, car registration at the local DMV is one with a specific deadline. Each state has different time limits for new residents to register their vehicles, so it’s important to know the timeline. For example, New York requires registration within 30 days, while Florida only allows 10 days.

Fortunately, registering your car in a new state is straightforward as long as you bring the necessary documents. Here are the steps to complete your vehicle registration hassle-free:

Contact Your Local DMV
Start by calling or visiting your new state’s DMV office to confirm the registration deadline and find out exactly which documents are needed.
Gather Required Documentation
Be prepared with the following documents:
- An auto insurance policy purchased in your new state.
- Your car title in your name.
- A safety inspection certificate, if required.
- An emissions check certificate, if required.

Make sure to register within the specified timeframe to avoid any penalties.

Write a review about your mover

After moving into your new home, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy, but one important task worth prioritizing is rating your moving company’s services. Here’s why taking the time to leave a review matters more than you might think.

Helping Others

When you were researching moving companies, you likely relied on customer reviews to guide your choice. Imagine if no one had taken the time to rate their movers—finding reliable help would have been much harder! By writing a review of your recent experience, you’ll be helping others in their search for trustworthy movers, offering either a recommendation for a positive experience or a cautionary note for a negative one.

Resolving Disputes

If you had a particularly negative experience or unresolved issue with your mover, leaving an honest, detailed review can prompt them to address the problem. Reputable moving companies often work to maintain their positive image, so a sincere review highlighting any problems may encourage them to resolve disputes or make amends.

Making Your Voice Heard

Ultimately, leaving a review benefits you, too. A well-written review takes about ten minutes but can help improve moving services for future customers. When writing your review, aim for clarity and detail, whether rating your mover from 1 to 5 stars. Be specific about what you appreciated or were disappointed by, and strive for objectivity to make your feedback more credible and helpful to others.

Find a new school for your children

If you’ve recently moved to a new state with a school-age child, one of your top priorities will be finding a good school in your new city. While ideally completed before the move, this important task can still be managed afterward if time was tight before Moving Day.

Moving with children can be particularly challenging due to the added pressure of ensuring their well-being and locating a school where they can continue their education seamlessly. Here’s a guide to finding the right school for your child in your new city or state.

1. Identify Your Child’s Needs

Take a moment to assess your child’s specific educational needs. You may have a few options to choose from, so consider whether a smaller or larger school would suit them best. Also, consider the importance of extracurricular activities, like sports, music, or drama, as part of their overall development.

2. Look for Recommendations

Seek trustworthy recommendations from friends, or reach out on social media for suggestions from parents in your new city. Online forums and local community groups can also be valuable resources for insights about schools in your area.

3. Research Online Resources

Research your shortlisted schools online to gather more information. The National Center for Education Statistics has a tool to locate schools across the country, providing helpful statistical data on each. Additionally, GreatSchools.org, a nonprofit site, offers school ratings, program details, and parent reviews on public and private schools throughout the U.S.

4. Tour the Schools

Touring potential schools is a crucial step in making the best choice. Bring your child along to help gauge the atmosphere and get firsthand impressions. If possible, arrange meetings with the school principal or administrators to address any questions you have prepared in advance. Meeting some of the teachers can also give you insight into the learning environment and help you decide on the best fit for your child.

5. Prepare the Necessary Documents

Before you can register your child, you’ll need essential documents, including copies of report cards, transcripts, completed exams and scores, teacher recommendations, and your child’s immunization records. Having these ready will ensure a smoother enrollment process.

Finding the right school will help your child settle comfortably into their new environment, setting them up for a positive start in your new community.

Find a new family physician

After moving to a new state, one of the first things you’ll want to do is find a new primary care physician. Although this task takes time and effort, it’s essential for your peace of mind—you never know when a medical issue may arise.

Unlike your previous doctor who knew you and your medical history, you’ll now need to start fresh with a new healthcare provider. Building this relationship from the ground up can be challenging, but it’s a crucial step for you and your family’s health.

Here’s how to find a qualified family physician in your new city or town:

Ask Your Previous Doctor for a Referral
Contact your former doctor and ask if they can recommend a physician in your new area. This is often the best approach since they’re familiar with your health needs and may know trusted professionals in your new location.
Seek Recommendations from Friends
Let friends and acquaintances know you’re looking for a new doctor in the area. Posting on social media can quickly spread the word, and you might receive meaningful recommendations or at least helpful leads.
Read Online Patient Reviews
Explore online forums where patients share experiences with their doctors. Look for reviews that mention professionalism, expertise, and patient care, as these insights can help identify well-regarded physicians in your area.
Use Specialized Medical Websites
The internet is a valuable resource for finding healthcare providers. Websites like the American Medical Association and Healthgrades provide comprehensive listings and reviews of doctors by city, making it easier to narrow down your options.
Consult Your Health Insurance Provider
If you need a doctor within your insurance network, ask your health insurance company for a list of primary care physicians in your area. This will save time and ensure that your visits are covered.
Schedule Initial Appointments
Once you’ve narrowed down your list, set up introductory appointments. These brief meetings are an excellent way to gauge each physician’s professionalism and determine which doctor will be the best fit for you and your family.

Make new friends after the move

After relocating to a new city, often in a different state, you’ll quickly find that some post-move tasks are essential yet not immediately urgent. One of these is making new friends in your new town or city. Building friendships takes time and shouldn’t be rushed; natural connections often lead to meaningful, lasting relationships. However, there are several effective ways to start forming new friendships after the move.

Here are some of the best ways to connect with new people in your new city:

Reach Out on Social Media
A simple post, like “Does anyone know people in [city name]?” can connect you with friends of friends who may offer a warm welcome and potentially lead to a new friendship.
Use Friend-Making Apps
Mobile apps like Meetup can help you meet people with similar interests. Available in thousands of U.S. cities and towns, Meetup is worth exploring to see if it helps you build connections.
Get to Know Your Co-Workers
A great way to make new friends is by being sociable at work. Since you’ll be spending many hours with your colleagues, they’re likely to share common interests, making it easier to build genuine friendships.
Be a Friendly Neighbor
Being a good neighbor is a simple and effective way to make friends. By being friendly and helpful to the people next door, you may find supportive friendships right in your neighborhood.

Building new connections after a move can help prevent feelings of isolation or even relocation depression. That said, it’s also important to maintain connections with old friends. Stay in touch through phone calls, letters, or postcards, or use modern communication like emails, social media, and chats. Whenever possible, plan visits to see each other in person to keep those cherished friendships strong.

Throw a housewarming party

After moving into a new home, there will be plenty of tasks to handle, especially unpacking, which can take weeks. However, now that you’ve survived the stress of moving, and with no deadlines pressing, why not add a fun event to your post-move schedule – a housewarming party!

Hosting a housewarming party soon after your move is a great way to celebrate your successful relocation. It also gives you a chance to invite friends, coworkers, and especially your new neighbors, providing a perfect opportunity to get acquainted.

While a housewarming party isn’t a must, it comes with some great benefits:

It offers a mental break from unpacking and settling in.
You can show your new place to friends, neighbors, and colleagues, which may lead to new friendships.
It marks the start of a new chapter, potentially bringing good luck to your home and everyone living in it.

When should you throw a housewarming party?
There’s no strict rule on timing, but avoid scheduling it too early – you’ll want a little time to settle in first. Ideally, plan your gathering 4-5 weeks after moving, giving yourself some space to unpack and get organized. However, the best timing is when you feel ready. Just be sure to give your guests enough advance notice so they can make plans to attend.

Make your new place feel like home

When you move into a new home, it’s natural if it doesn’t feel like “home” right away. The unfamiliar surroundings may seem strange or even unwelcoming at first. This is normal—after all, you’ve just left a familiar space. Often, only time can help you settle in and create a true sense of belonging. With each passing day, you’ll likely start to feel more comfortable, but why not speed up the process?

There are ways to help make your new place feel like home faster, so you can settle into this new chapter with ease. Here are some tips to help you feel at home sooner:

Create a Floor Plan
Moving into a new place is an opportunity to design your space exactly as you want. Creating a floor plan can help you decide where each large furniture piece and appliance should go, making the best use of your space. Good space management is especially important if you’re working with limited room or have downsized.
Personalize Your Space
Set up and decorate your new place in a way that feels right to you. If you’re someone who enjoys familiarity, try recreating your previous setup by arranging furniture and decorations as they were in your old home. Or, if you’re eager for a fresh start, experiment with new décor ideas to create a different ambiance that feels relaxing and peaceful.
Finish Unpacking
It’s hard to feel truly at home when you’re surrounded by unpacked boxes. Completing the unpacking process will help reduce clutter and create a welcoming environment that allows you to relax and settle in.

Adapt to the new environment

When you step into your new home, the journey of adjusting to post-move life truly begins. How long and challenging that adjustment feels will depend on several factors. Some people adapt quickly and get back to their routines without difficulty, while others may struggle with the changes, finding it hard to let go of the familiar comforts and connections they left behind.

It’s natural to feel unsettled and even disoriented after a big move, especially if you’ve relocated to a different part of the country with new weather, surroundings, or cultural dynamics. Often, though, it’s the longing for the people and places you left that makes settling in feel harder.

Here are some strategies to help you adapt more smoothly to your new environment:

Adapting to Your New Home

Personalize Your Space
Arrange the furniture, add decorations, and set up your favorite photos and art to create a cozy and familiar atmosphere. Making the home feel like yours will boost comfort and ease your transition.
Explore the Space
Take time to get to know your new home’s layout and any unique features. Also, ensure it’s secure and safe for everyone, including kids and pets, so you feel at ease.
Unpack and Declutter
Complete your unpacking and clear away boxes and packing materials to reduce clutter and make your home feel lived-in and comfortable.
Clean Thoroughly
A good cleaning can make a world of difference, helping you feel more at home in your new surroundings.

Adapting to Your New Community

While getting comfortable in your new home is essential, adjusting to the broader environment outside your door is just as important. Here’s how:

Explore Your New Area
Spend time getting to know your neighborhood and nearby spots. The more you familiarize yourself with the area, the quicker you’ll feel at home.
Engage with Work as a Stabilizer
Focusing on your job can help keep your mind engaged and prevent homesickness. Work can offer structure and purpose, making your transition easier.
Connect with New People
Meeting new people can make settling into your new city much easier. Consider pursuing hobbies, joining local clubs, or signing up for activities like fitness, art, or sports classes to connect with others who share your interests.