This post-move home setup checklist covers the first 48 hours and the first two weeks. It lists what to have on hand before the truck arrives. It also lists the small products that turn a house of boxes into a home: TV mounts, picture hangers, shelves, cords, and lights.
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First 48 Hours: The Essentials Box
Pack one box that rides in your car. It should get you through two nights without opening any other box.
- ✓Sheets, pillows, and a blanket for each bed.
- ✓Towels, toilet paper, soap, and a shower curtain.
- ✓Phone chargers, a power strip, and an extension cord.
- ✓Coffee maker, mugs, paper plates, and snacks.
- ✓Pills, glasses, and key papers.
- ✓Box cutter, screwdriver, flashlight, and trash bags.
- ✓A night light for the hallway and one for the bathroom.
Need packing help or a full-service move? Request a LiteMovers estimate or call (610) 755-5535.
First-night power and light
- ✓Anker Surge Protector Power Strip, 12 outlets — one strip by the bed runs phones, lamps, and a sound machine.
- ✓UltraPro 15 ft Indoor Extension Cord, 3 outlets — outlets are never where you need them the first week.
- ✓LOHAS Plug-in LED Night Lights, 2-pack — plug-in lights for a hall you do not know yet.
- ✓AUVON Motion Sensor Night Lights, 4-pack — motion lights for stairs and bathrooms.
Rather skip the shopping? Request a LiteMovers estimate or call (610) 755-5535.
Our first-night packing guide goes deeper on what to keep with you.
Week One: Beds, Bathrooms, Kitchen
Unpack in this order. Beds first, so everyone sleeps. Bathrooms next. Then the kitchen. Living room decor can wait.
- ✓Put bed frames together before the mattresses come off the truck.
- ✓Unpack the dish kit and one box of pots. Leave the rest for later.
- ✓Set the fridge and let it sit two hours before plugging in.
- ✓Find the water shutoff, breaker panel, and smoke detectors.
- ✓Hang the shower curtain and set out towels.
Week Two: TVs, Pictures, and Closets
Once beds and kitchens work, make the place yours. A few small products save a lot of time here.
Need packing help or a full-service move? Request a LiteMovers estimate or call (610) 755-5535.
TV and picture setup
- ✓Mounting Dream TV Wall Mount, 42 to 90 in — for 42 to 90 inch TVs; check your TV’s weight first.
- ✓Amazon Basics TV Wall Mount, 26 to 55 in — a simple mount for 26 to 55 inch TVs in bedrooms.
- ✓GE Universal Remote — replaces the remote that always goes missing in a move.
- ✓Universal TV Remote for Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio, TCL — one remote for the main TV brands.
- ✓Mr. Pen Picture Hanging Kit, 310 pieces — hooks, nails, wire, and hangers for a whole house.
- ✓Heavy-Duty Picture Hanging Kit, 225 pieces — strong hooks for mirrors and large frames.
Rather skip the shopping? Request a LiteMovers estimate or call (610) 755-5535.
Need packing help or a full-service move? Request a LiteMovers estimate or call (610) 755-5535.
Closets, shelving, and garage
- ✓YOUDENOVA 6-Shelf Hanging Closet Shelves — hanging shelves for sweaters, jeans, and shoes; no tools.
- ✓Granny Says 3-Shelf Hanging Closet Shelves — a smaller unit for kids’ closets and linen closets.
- ✓Amazon Basics 5-Shelf Steel Wire Shelving — steel shelves for the garage, basement, or pantry.
- ✓Amazon Basics 4-Shelf Steel Wire Shelving — a shorter unit for under a window or in the laundry room.
- ✓12 ft 14/3 Heavy-Duty Extension Cord — a heavy cord for the garage and workshop.
- ✓Hanycony Surge Protector Power Strip — a second surge strip for the office or TV stand.
Rather skip the shopping? Request a LiteMovers estimate or call (610) 755-5535.
Paperwork and Accounts
Handle these in the first two weeks. Our change of address checklist and utility transfer checklist walk through each step.
- ✓USPS change of address, then banks, insurance, and your job.
- ✓Driver’s license and car tags within the state deadline.
- ✓Voter sign-up and school records.
- ✓Trash and recycling day for your new township.
- ✓Home or renter’s insurance at the new address.
Flatten the Boxes
Break down boxes as you empty them. Stack them flat. LiteMovers can pick up used boxes and packing paper after a full-service move. See packing and unpacking for details. Return to the moving supplies guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I set up first after moving in?
Beds, bathroom, and coffee. Make every bed, hang the shower curtain, and unpack the kitchen box with the coffee maker. The rest can wait until morning.
What do I need for the first 48 hours in a new home?
Toilet paper, soap, towels, sheets, phone chargers, a power strip, a night light, snacks, basic tools, a box cutter, and your pills. Keep this box in your car, not on the truck.
Do movers mount TVs and hang pictures?
LiteMovers crews take TVs off the wall and take pictures down at the old home. Mounting into new walls needs a stud finder and the right hardware. Most families do it themselves or hire a handyman.
How do I set up closets after a move?
Unpack wardrobe boxes straight onto the rod. Add hanging shelves for sweaters and shoes before the closet fills. It is much harder to sort a closet once it is full.
When should I change the address and set up utilities?
Set up electric, gas, water, and internet before moving day so they work when you arrive. File the change of address with USPS the week before.
Planning a move in Philadelphia, the Main Line, or beyond?
LiteMovers packs, moves, and stores for families across the Philadelphia suburbs. Get a real estimate from a real local mover.
Call (610) 755-5535 · Toll-free 1-877-798-8989
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