New Home Service Checklist

Electricity

Contact your new provider to start service on your move-in date. Cancel or transfer service at your old address for the day after you move out.

💡 Some areas have only one provider. Others let you choose — compare rates before signing up.

Gas / Natural Gas

Set up gas service for heating, cooking, and hot water. Schedule a start date so your home is warm when you arrive.

💡 If your home uses propane instead of natural gas, you'll need to find a propane delivery company.

Water & Sewer

Contact your local water utility to transfer service into your name. This is usually handled by the city or county.

💡 Ask if there's a deposit required. Some municipalities require $50–$200 for new accounts.

Trash & Recycling

Find out if trash pickup is included in your property taxes or if you need a separate service. Set up recycling too.

💡 Some areas have private trash companies with different rates. Ask your neighbors who they use.

Internet Service

Research providers at your new address. Schedule installation early — wait times can be 1–2 weeks during busy seasons.

💡 Check if fiber is available at your address. It's the fastest and most reliable option. Use broadbandmap.fcc.gov to see options.

Cable / Satellite TV

Transfer your existing service or set up new service. Consider cutting the cord — streaming services may be cheaper.

💡 If you're in a contract, check if your provider serves your new address. If not, you may be able to cancel without a fee.

Home Phone / VoIP

If you still use a landline, transfer or set up service. Most people now use cell phones only.

💡 VoIP services like Ooma or Google Voice are much cheaper than traditional landlines.

USPS Mail Forwarding

Go to usps.com/move or visit your local post office to forward mail. It costs $1.10 online and forwards mail for 12 months.

💡 Set the start date for the day after your move. You can forward mail for your whole family in one request.

Driver's License

Update your address with your state's DMV. Most states require this within 30 days of moving.

💡 Some states let you update online. Others require an in-person visit. Check your state's DMV website.

Vehicle Registration

If you moved to a new state, you'll need to register your car and may need a new title and inspection.

💡 Some states have very different registration fees. Budget for this — it can be $100–$500+.

Voter Registration

Update your voter registration at your new address. You can do this at vote.org or your state's election website.

💡 Do this early so you're registered before the next election. Some states have registration deadlines.

Bank & Financial Accounts

Update your mailing address with all banks, credit cards, investment accounts, and retirement accounts.

💡 Don't forget: PayPal, Venmo, brokerage accounts, HSA/FSA, student loan servicers.

Employer / HR Department

Give your employer your new address for tax documents (W-2) and update your emergency contact info.

💡 If you moved to a different state, your tax withholding may change. Ask HR about state tax implications.

IRS

File Form 8822 with the IRS to update your address, or it will update automatically when you file your next tax return.

💡 If you're expecting a tax refund, make sure the IRS has your current address.

Homeowner's Insurance

You should already have this from closing. Make sure the policy is active, the coverage is adequate, and you have the declarations page saved.

💡 Review your coverage annually. As home values change, you may be under- or over-insured.

Auto Insurance

Update your address — your location affects your premium. Rates may go up or down depending on your new area.

💡 Moving is a great time to shop around. Get 3–5 quotes and you could save hundreds per year.

Life Insurance

Update your beneficiary information and make sure your coverage amount still makes sense with your new mortgage.

💡 A common rule: life insurance should cover your mortgage balance + 5–10 years of income.

Umbrella Policy

If you own a home, consider an umbrella policy for extra liability protection beyond your homeowner's and auto policies.

💡 Umbrella policies are surprisingly affordable — often $200–$400/year for $1 million in coverage.

HVAC Service

Schedule a tune-up for your heating and cooling system. Find a reliable local company and set up a maintenance plan.

💡 Many HVAC companies offer annual maintenance contracts ($150–$300/year) that include 2 tune-ups and priority service.

Pest Control

Set up preventive pest control, especially if you're in an area with termites, ants, or rodents.

💡 Quarterly treatments typically cost $100–$150 per visit. Preventive treatment is much cheaper than dealing with an infestation.

Landscaping / Lawn Care

Decide if you'll DIY or hire a service. Find a reliable company for mowing, fertilizing, and seasonal cleanup.

💡 Basic weekly mowing runs $30–$60 per visit. Full-service (mow, edge, blow, fertilize) is $50–$100+.

House Cleaning

Consider a move-in deep cleaning before you unpack. Then decide if you want regular cleaning service.

💡 A move-in deep clean costs $200–$400. Regular biweekly cleaning runs $120–$200 per visit.

Pool / Hot Tub Service

If your home has a pool or hot tub, set up weekly maintenance or learn to do it yourself.

💡 Pool service runs $100–$200/month. DIY is cheaper but requires learning water chemistry.

Security System

Set up a home security system or transfer your existing one. Change all door codes and garage codes.

💡 Modern DIY systems (Ring, SimpliSafe) cost $10–$25/month. Traditional monitored systems run $30–$60/month.

Change All Locks

You don't know who has copies of the existing keys. Re-key or replace all exterior door locks.

💡 Re-keying is cheaper ($50–$150 for the whole house) than replacing locks ($200–$400+). A locksmith can do it in an hour.

Change Garage Door Code

Reset the code on your garage door opener. The previous owner (and their neighbors, contractors, etc.) may know the old code.

Test Smoke & CO Detectors

Test every smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector. Replace batteries. Replace the whole unit if it's over 10 years old.

💡 You need detectors on every level and near every bedroom. Budget $20–$40 per detector.

Locate Water Shut-Off Valve

Find the main water shut-off and make sure everyone in the household knows where it is. A burst pipe can cause thousands in damage in minutes.

Locate Electrical Panel

Find your breaker box and label each breaker if they aren't already. You'll need this when circuits trip.

Find the Furnace Filter

Locate your HVAC filter and check its size. Buy replacements and change it every 1–3 months.

💡 Write the filter size on the furnace with a marker so you always know what to buy.

Check Fire Extinguisher

Have at least one fire extinguisher on each level. Keep one in the kitchen and one in the garage.

💡 Get ABC-rated extinguishers — they work on all common fire types. Cost: $25–$50 each.

Amazon / Online Shopping

Update your default shipping address on Amazon, Walmart, Target, and any other online stores you use regularly.

Subscription Boxes

Update your address for meal kits, pet supplies, vitamins, magazines, and any recurring deliveries.

💡 Make a list by checking your credit card/bank statement for recurring charges.

Pharmacy

Transfer prescriptions to a pharmacy near your new home. Your current pharmacy can transfer them electronically.

💡 If you use mail-order pharmacy, update your shipping address immediately.

Grocery Delivery

Update your address on Instacart, DoorDash, Uber Eats, and any other delivery apps.

Doctors & Dentist

If you moved to a new area, find new primary care, dentist, and specialist doctors. Request records from your old providers.

💡 Ask neighbors and coworkers for recommendations. Check if new doctors accept your insurance before scheduling.

Veterinarian

Find a new vet near your home and transfer your pet's medical records.

💡 Ask for the emergency vet's address too — emergencies always happen on weekends.

Kids' School Enrollment

Register children at their new school. You'll need proof of address, immunization records, and previous school records.

Daycare / Childcare

Research and enroll in daycare, preschool, or after-school programs. Waitlists can be long — start early.

💡 Ask about waitlists 2–3 months before moving if possible.

Gym / Fitness

Cancel your old gym membership or transfer it. Find a new gym near your home or work.