Figuring out what to do first as you settle into a new home can feel overwhelming. From what to unpack first to updating important information, our checklist has you covered. Here’s how to get started with the list of things to do when moving to make sure you don’t forget anything.

Get your utilities up and running

When you move into a new house, certain utilities may have been shut off, especially if there was a significant gap between you and the previous tenant. You may need to call the power company, gas provider, or water company to have utilities turned back on. If they are already on, you will need to arrange to have them put in your name.

Unpack the essentials

What do you unpack first? Hopefully, you packed an overnight bag for each person with the basics: toothpaste and toothbrush, sheets and towels, and a few changes of clothes. What do you personally need in order to live functionally in your new home? You may need to unpack your home office right off the bat, or you might be more concerned with the kitchen. You know your needs and habits best. Decide what is essential and start there.

Locate the fuse box, propane and/or oil shutoff, and the main water supply shut off

This is a safety concern above all else. In case of emergency, you need to know how to turn off the power and the water to your home. You should also familiarize yourself with how to shut off the gas and/or oil, as well as the furnace and water heater. Let’s hope you never need to use this knowledge, but just in case…

Install a home security system

Moving to a new neighborhood means a lot of unknowns. Who are your neighbors? How safe is your town really? Choose a good home security system to increase your sense of comfort and safety immediately. This will leave you more at ease as you learn your new surroundings.

Update your address

Simple enough: through the U.S. Post Office, you can update your address online or in person at your local branch. You may need to contact government agencies such as the Social Security Office, Veterans’ Affairs Office, or the IRS to change your address directly if you are concerned about receiving important letters or payments, or if the change in address will impact your tax return or business registration.

Get a new license and register your car

These will need to happen concurrently, as you can’t register your car without your new license. Be sure to do your research ahead of time to find out what you will need to provide for identification and proof of residency. Not all states are the same. If you haven’t moved to a new state, you may not need to get an entirely new license, but you will need to register your car in your new town.

Update voter registration

You can often take care of this step at the same time when you register your car. Just be sure to ask for the voter registration paperwork. If not, you can usually do this easily at your town office or sometimes online.

Transfer medical records

Let’s hope that you don’t need them, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Select your new primary care providers and get your medical records transferred to them. Keep in mind that according to HIPAA, your old provider has up to a month to process your paperwork. Be proactive, and keep following up!

Lastly? Enjoy your new home!