10 Essential Move-In Day Tasks

After weeks of planning, packing, and organizing, you've finally arrived at your new home. Move-in day can feel chaotic, but if you follow these 10 tasks in order, you'll set yourself up for a smooth first night and an easier first week.

• 1

  Do a Walkthrough Before Unloading

  Before the first box comes off the truck, walk through the entire home with your keys. Check every room, closet, and storage space. Look for any pre-existing damage and take photos immediately. This protects you from being held responsible for anything that was there before you arrived.

• 2

  Locate the Main Shutoffs

  Find and note the location of the main water shutoff, electrical panel, and gas shutoff. This is essential safety information you should know on day one — not during an emergency. If you're not sure where they are, ask the previous owner, your landlord, or your realtor.

• 3

  Change the Locks

  You don't know who has a copy of the existing keys — previous owners, old tenants, contractors, or neighbours. Changing the locks on the same day you move in is one of the smartest things you can do for your family's security. It's cheap and fast.

• 4

  Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

  Press the test button on every smoke and CO detector in the home. Replace batteries if needed, or install new detectors if there are none. In Fort McMurray especially, functioning fire detectors are non-negotiable. Don't leave this for later.

• 5

  Set Up Your Beds First

  Instruct your movers (or helpers) to bring mattresses and bed frames in early. After a long moving day, the last thing you want is to assemble a bed at midnight. Having your sleeping space ready before you tackle anything else means at least one room is settled when you're exhausted.

• 6

  Set Up the Bathroom

  Get one bathroom fully functional: toilet paper, soap, towels, toiletries. This is the one room your entire family will need multiple times before the day is over. Pack a "bathroom essentials" box that's easy to identify and unpack first.

• 7

  Unpack the Kitchen Essentials

  You don't need to fully unpack the kitchen on day one, but find the basics: a pot, a few plates, utensils, the kettle or coffee maker. Having the ability to make a simple meal or a coffee will make the rest of the day much more manageable.

• 8

  Connect Utilities and Check Internet

  Make sure your electricity, heat, and water are working before the moving crew leaves. If anything isn't functioning, it's much easier to address immediately than after everyone has gone. If you've pre-arranged internet setup, confirm the activation date — it sometimes takes longer than expected.

• 9

  Inspect All Delivered Items

  Before your moving crew leaves, do a quick check of large furniture and any high-value items. If anything was damaged during the move, document it immediately with photos and report it to the moving company before they depart. Most reputable companies — including Horizon — address these situations promptly when reported right away.

• 10

  Give Yourself Permission to Rest

  Not everything needs to be done today. Once your beds are set up, your bathroom is ready, and you have access to basic kitchen items, you've done enough for day one. Unpacking the rest can happen over the next few days. Moving is exhausting — rest well so you can tackle the rest with energy tomorrow.

One More Tip: Plan It Before You Need It

Print this list and keep it accessible on moving day — not buried in a box. The more chaos there is around you, the more you'll appreciate having a simple checklist to follow. And if you want a more comprehensive list covering weeks before your move, check out our complete moving checklist.