Move-In Ready Checklist: Final Steps for a Safe, Smooth Transition Into Your New Home

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Why a Move-In Ready Checklist is Your Secret to a Safer Home

You’ve done the right thing. You got a home inspection, reviewed the findings, and maybe even completed a few recommended repairs or safety upgrades. But before you unpack that first box or hang your favorite picture on the wall, let’s talk about making your new home truly move-in ready.

At Wisdom Home Inspection Services, we believe homeownership should start with confidence. That’s why we created this post-inspection checklist to help you go the extra mile with peace of mind. These simple steps—most of which are best done before your belongings are in the way—can help prevent problems down the road and make your transition smoother and safer from day one.

After the home inspection and before you move in, there’s a critical window to complete tasks that protect your investment, safety, and peace of mind. A well-organized move-in-ready checklist helps you prioritize the work more easily and cheaply to complete before the furniture arrives. Here's what we recommend:

Move-In Ready Checklist: Essential Task Before You Unpack

Replacing the Door Locks

🔐 Change the Locks and Garage Codes

It may sound basic, but it’s one of the most essential safety moves you can make. Even if the previous owner gave you every key, you can’t be sure who else has a copy. Spare keys could be with neighbors or contractors or hidden under a rock.

We recommend replacing or rekeying all exterior locks and updating any keypad entry or garage door codes. Invest in quality hardware, don’t just buy the cheapest lock on the shelf. Brands like Schlage and Baldwin offer dependable performance for everyday use. While Kwikset locks are standard and budget-friendly, they tend to wear faster and may not provide the same long-term security.

You can purchase lock sets (entry and deadbolt) that are already keyed alike and ready for installation right out of the box. Or, for a custom solution and professional peace of mind, call your local locksmith to rekey or upgrade all the locks to a single key system.

🚨 Test All Safety Devices

Check every smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm in the home. Test them, replace batteries, and ensure they’re properly located in bedrooms, hallways, and living areas. Upgrade to modern combo units with battery backup if outdated or mismatched.

For added reliability, consider hardwired models from trusted brands like First Alert or Kidde—especially if you're planning renovations.

❄️ Service the HVAC System

Even if your system worked during the inspection, it's smart to schedule a professional tune-up. A licensed HVAC technician can clean the system, replace filters, check for worn components, and help improve energy efficiency.

Starting your first season at home with a freshly serviced system ensures better comfort and fewer surprises.

🧽 Deep Clean and Sanitize

A good deep clean before move-in is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. Focus on high-touch areas like cabinet handles, light switches, doorknobs, and inside appliances. Don’t forget vent covers and closet shelves.

You or a professional cleaning service can thoroughly clean an empty house. This will set the tone for your new beginning and help you spot any issues that weren’t visible before.

Painting Before Moving In

🎨 Paint Before You Move In

If you plan to update wall colors or freshen the existing paint, do it before the furniture arrives. Painters (or you!) can work more efficiently with empty rooms without covering or moving everything.

Painting ahead means no lingering fumes, no risk of drips on furniture, and a much cleaner, faster job overall. It’s also the perfect moment to patch small holes, repair nail pops, and upgrade to modern, neutral tones that reflect your style.

🛠️ Replace Carpeting or Do Light Remodeling (If Time Permits)

New flooring, updated lighting, or other minor remodeling projects are far easier to tackle before the house is filled with boxes. Replacing carpet, updating outdated fixtures, or installing closet organizers now can help you settle in faster, without tearing things up again later.

Knocking out these smaller jobs can save stress and mess down the road if time allows before move-in.

🛁 Seal Grout and Caulk Around Wet Areas

Moisture is the enemy of every home. Check bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms for cracked or missing caulk around sinks, tubs, and backsplashes. Reseal grout and use mildew-resistant silicone caulk to prevent leaks, mold, and damage to surrounding materials.

This is a quick project that offers long-lasting protection.

🔌 Set Up Utilities and Internet

Plan to turn everything on before you walk through the front door. Schedule early electric, water, gas, internet, and trash services—especially if technician visits are required.

Most homeowners today rely on cell phones, but if you need a landline for a medical alert system, security panel, or business use, this is the time to install it.

🧯 Inspect Dryer Vents and Exhaust Fans

Lint and dust buildup in dryer ducts or exhaust fans can be a serious fire hazard. Take this opportunity to vacuum out dryer vents and clean the fan covers in bathrooms and kitchens.

These are often overlooked but critical for safety and indoor air quality.

🌳 Walk the Yard for Hazards

Take a slow walk around the property and check for loose steps, uneven walkways, trip hazards, or low-hanging branches. Consider adding self-closing gates or motion-sensor lights for extra security if you have children or pets.

Also, take note of any grading or drainage issues so you can plan future landscaping projects.

Happy New Homeowners

✅ Ready, Set, Move!

Following these simple but essential steps before you move in will give you a clean slate, a safer home, and greater peace of mind. It’s all about being proactive—something we deeply believe in at Wisdom Home Inspection Services.

If you have questions about your inspection report, need help prioritizing repairs, or want to schedule a maintenance inspection down the road, we’re here for you.

📞 Contact us anytime—and remember:

Using Wisdom Makes Dreams Come True!