LiteMovers was featured as a moving expert on Redfin. Their new house checklist covers 15 steps that make move-in day easier. This post walks through each step with a Philadelphia-area lens. It adds what we see on real jobs across the Main Line, Chester County, Montgomery County, and Delaware County.
As Featured In
We were featured as an expert on Redfin powered by Rocket. Read the full article here: Checklist for Moving Into a New House
Why a New House Checklist Matters
Closing day and move-in day often land within a week of each other. That is a short window. Utilities, locks, internet, and movers all need attention at the same time. A checklist keeps the small tasks from piling up into a stressful first week.
Redfin’s list is built for buyers anywhere in the country. Our notes below add local detail. Township rules, PECO timelines, and older Main Line homes change how some steps play out.
The Redfin New House Checklist, With Local Notes
1. Transfer utilities before closing
Call PECO for electric and gas at least a week before closing. Water is handled by Aqua Pennsylvania or your township authority. Ask for service to start the day before you move in. Cold showers on night one are a common mistake.
2. Schedule movers
Book your movers as soon as you have a closing date. Weekends and month-end dates fill fast from May through September. Ask about packing and storage options at the same time. LiteMovers is licensed with the PA PUC (A-8916211) and USDOT (2173383).
3. Update your mailing address
File a change of address with USPS online. Then update PennDOT for your license and registration. Banks, insurance, and your employer come next. Keep a running list so nothing slips.
4. Set up internet, cable, and appliances
Xfinity and Verizon Fios cover most of our service area. Schedule installation for move-in week, not move-in day. Our crews need clear paths, and installers need the same. Check that the washer and dryer hookups match your units before the truck arrives.
5. Plan the layout and any new furniture
Measure doorways, stairwells, and the rooms before you buy anything. Older homes in Wayne, Ardmore, and West Chester often have narrow turns. Tell your crew where each large piece goes. We place furniture once, so a simple room map saves time.
6. Make the home safe for kids and pets
Install outlet covers and cabinet latches before the boxes arrive. Set up a quiet room for pets on move day. Open doors and busy crews are stressful for animals. A closed room with food and water keeps everyone safe.
7. Find the circuit breaker and water shutoff
Locate both on your first walk-through. Label the breaker panel if the seller did not. Know how to shut the main water valve. Ten minutes now can prevent a flooded basement later.
8. Change the locks and add security
Rekey every exterior door on day one. Then think about cameras or a monitored system. Many Main Line homes have older garage doors. Check that opener too.
9. Deep clean each room
Clean before the furniture goes in. Empty rooms are easy to clean. Full rooms are not. If your timeline is tight, ask us about short-term warehouse storage so the house can be cleaned or painted first.
10. Assess home improvements
Flooring, paint, and major repairs are easier in an empty house. Many of our clients store their belongings while work is done. See our guide to storage during a renovation for how that works.
11. Stock each room with essentials
Pack a first-night box for each family member. Include toilet paper, soap, chargers, sheets, and a change of clothes. Keep the coffee maker in the car. Our crews unload the kitchen first when asked.
12. Create an unpacking system
Unpack in this order: kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms, living space. Leave decor and the garage for later. Boxes labeled by room make this fast. More ideas are in our moving tips.
13. Consider a home warranty or energy audit
Older homes in Chester and Delaware County can be drafty. PECO offers home energy assessments. A warranty can cover aging HVAC and appliances during your first year.
14. Make an emergency plan
Buy a fire extinguisher for the kitchen and one for the garage. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Walk the family through two exits from each bedroom.
15. Review your inspection report
Sort the inspection findings into now, soon, and later. Handle safety items first. Keep the report with your closing documents for future reference.
What LiteMovers Adds After the Truck Is Unloaded
- ✓ Furniture placement. We set each piece where you want it, not where it landed.
- ✓ Bed and table reassembly. Crews rebuild what they took apart at the old house.
- ✓ Debris removal. Boxes, paper, and wrap leave with us when you want them gone. See junk removal and donations.
- ✓ Overflow storage. Items that do not fit yet can wait in our climate-controlled vaults.
- ✓ Senior move support. Our senior moving team handles downsizing and setup with extra care.
Working With Your Realtor
Many of the buyers we move come to us through their agent. We coordinate closing times, key handoffs, and walk-through schedules with the agent directly. Learn more on our Realtor partner page. Agents across the areas we service rely on us for move-in day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do first when moving into a new house?
Transfer utilities before closing, then confirm your movers. In the Philadelphia area, that means PECO for electric and gas, plus Aqua or your township water authority. Set the start date for the day before you move in.
How far ahead should I schedule movers in the Philadelphia suburbs?
Book two to four weeks ahead for most local moves. Summer weekends and the last days of the month fill first. Main Line and Chester County moves with packing services need more lead time.
Should I change the locks on a new house?
Yes. You do not know how many copies the prior owner handed out. Rekey or replace exterior locks on day one. Add smart locks or a security system once the rest of the house is set up.
What is the best way to unpack a new house?
Unpack the kitchen and one bathroom first. Then set up bedrooms so everyone can sleep. Leave garage, basement, and decor boxes for later. Labeling boxes by room before the move makes this simple.
Can LiteMovers help after the truck is unloaded?
Yes. Our crews place furniture, reassemble beds, and remove packing debris. We can also hold overflow items in our climate-controlled warehouse until the house is ready for them.
Moving Into a New House in the Philadelphia Area?
LiteMovers has handled local and long-distance moves since 2007. PA PUC A-8916211 • USDOT 2173383 • MC-888055
Call (610) 755-5535 or toll-free 1-877-798-8989
Have questions about your move-in timeline? Our estimate FAQs cover what to expect. Or read about our residential moving services on the Main Line.
Comments are closed.