The truly stressful part of moving has passed once your belongings are in your new residence and the movers have left, but there are still plenty of tasks to accomplish to make sure the transition is complete. Our checklist of the 10 most important things to do after you move will ensure that you do not forget anything crucial as you begin the journey in your new residence. However, many of the things you need to do after you move with Royal Moving & Storage must be set up before your moving date, so keep that in mind next to our tips.
#1 Avoid Future Headaches by Inspecting Your Items Right Away
Upon organizing your relocation, it’s essential to create a detailed inventory of your belongings. This list will play a crucial role in identifying any lost or damaged items during your transition. As your possessions start arriving at your new San Francisco home, utilize your inventory document or your remarkable memory to examine each box and furniture piece. Ensure that every single item finds its way into your home in perfect condition. In the event of an item missing or getting damaged, it’s crucial to notify your movers promptly.
Moreover, while you’re going through the unpacking process, take note of any items that appear damaged or broken. It’s essential to get in touch with the moving company to address these matters. Moving companies in San Francisco that are professionally licensed and insured strive to promptly resolve issues related to any damages incurred during the relocation in a manner that benefits you.
Keep in mind that moving, especially in a bustling city like San Francisco, can be prone to accidents. So, ensuring that you have adequate insurance (or additional coverage) in place can save you from further distress and inconvenience should any loss or damage occur during the move. This is why hiring reputable, highly skilled movers in San Francisco ensures avoiding all of the headaches that might occur.

#2 Ensure Your Utilities are Set Up
Whether you’ve just relocated across neighborhoods or traversed vast distances to land in your fresh abode in San Francisco, managing utilities is a task you must attend to first. Switching utility services to your new home can sometimes be straightforward, but it’s usually more nuanced than that. Avoid situations where you’re left grappling with no light or water in your San Francisco home, putting a pause on your daily life while you rush to get utilities up and running.
San Francisco’s municipal websites typically offer information to newcomers about available utilities in the locality and the amenities the city extends. These services customarily encompass water supply, sewage systems, trash collection, and recycling. However, you’ll find multiple options when it comes to electricity, gas, and cable services, which often fluctuate across regions.
As a general rule, utility companies tend to kick-start their services within a span of three to five days. Reach out to your service providers a fortnight in advance to ascertain a smooth transition of utilities either on the day you move or even a day before. This is particularly important if you’ve engaged moving companies in Oakland CA, as coordinating both can be challenging.
Consider that during peak relocation times like the summer, the month’s start and end, weekends, and holidays, it could take longer to get your utilities set up. This holds for the disconnection process at your previous residence as well. You wouldn’t want to juggle utilities for two homes, so planning is key. Moreover, bear in mind that even if you’re initiating a relationship with a new service provider, you might need to furnish a deposit. This is sometimes the case even for individuals who boast good credit histories.
#3 Unpack The Things You Cannot Function Normally Without
What exactly is a “survival kit” for moving day? The initial 24 hours in your new home, especially in the vibrant city of San Francisco, can be overwhelming, with your possessions scattered in countless boxes. Hence, it’s crucial to dedicate one box to the immediate necessities, sparing you the hassle of rummaging through a sea of boxes to locate the bare essentials. Here are some indispensable items to include in your “San Francisco move-in survival kit.”
Essentials for Personal Comfort
- Bathroom essentials, such as toilet paper and a shower curtain;
- Personalized towel sets for each family member;
- A fresh outfit for each family member;
- Basic personal care items encompassing shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and so forth
- Any prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs you may need;
- Simple and easily accessible meals, like pasta for dinner and bagels for breakfast. Opting for takeout for the first few days can be a great idea, relieving you from the need to unpack cookware immediately;
- Disposable dining ware, including plates, glasses, and cutlery, can simplify meals and alleviate the need for washing dishes in your first days;
- Coffee maker and coffee;
- Electronics like personal devices, laptops, and TV remotes, along with their respective chargers.
Practical Tools and Emergency Items
- Trash bags for immediate waste management;
- A basic toolkit to help put together necessary items such as bed frames or entertainment systems;
- Emergency preparedness items like a flashlight and candles;
- A first aid kit to handle any minor mishaps during the moving process;
- Pet supplies like food and bowls if you have furry family members;
- Essential paperwork and documents.
With these indispensable items in your “essentials bag,” you’ll be well-prepared to start your new chapter in the City by the Bay, embracing both its unique challenges and opportunities.

#4 Prioritize Important Post-Move Tasks
Start by cataloging all the important things to do after you move into your fresh San Francisco dwelling during the initial week. This is something that apartment movers in San Francisco use for better organization. Prioritize tasks like unboxing, immediate assembly, and setup of necessities while identifying objects that can be attended to the following weekend. Break down each day with manageable assignments to undertake, and any feelings of being overwhelmed or unsettled about organizing your new home will fade.
#5 Inspect Your House or Apartment Right After Moving In
Try to understand the intricacies of your new residence. Specifically, for those who have relocated to a rental home or an apartment in San Francisco, it’s one of the important things to do after you move to examine the property for any damage meticulously. A frequent culprit of damage is water, so be vigilant for signs of plumbing issues like leaky pipes, constantly dripping taps, incessantly running toilets, and damage to walls and floors resulting from water-related problems.
If you’re a tenant, record these issues on your rental inspection checklist. Even if you’re a homeowner, it’s essential to address these repairs promptly. Neglected plumbing problems can escalate to higher water bills, sewage complications, foundation troubles, and damage to floors, ceilings, and walls.
Additionally, be on the lookout for any signs of fire damage, and check for any imperfections in the walls, such as holes or marks left behind by the previous inhabitant’s artwork or wall mounts. Ensure that all appliances are not only operational but are functioning correctly. Moreover, conduct a thorough inspection of the yard for any signs of pests, as nipping the issue in the bud is crucial to prevent these pests from invading your new home. Your San Francisco residential movers would have left by now, and it’s now up to you to ensure everything is in order in your new place.

#6 Locate the Emergency Shutoff Locations
Upon moving into your new home in San Francisco, it’s essential to know how to handle unexpected mishaps like damage to water pipes, gas lines, or electric circuits. It’s one of the important things to do after you move with cross-country moving companies San Francisco offers. Being capable of shutting off your home’s primary water, gas, and electricity can be a real lifesaver while awaiting professional repair.
Additionally, if the circuit breakers in your fuse box lack appropriate labels or they’re incorrect, it’s your responsibility to rectify this. This way, you can manage any future electric hitches and repairs. Now, let’s get to the specifics.
- Your fuse box is typically away in a closet or garage, and that’s your first stop.
- The main valve for your water supply, which can be turned on and off using a special water key, is generally tucked away somewhere in your yard.
- Lastly, the master switch for your natural gas supply is located just before the gas meter. The valve facing the street generally sports a rectangular handle that’s considered “open” when it aligns with the incoming gas line.
However, this isn’t always true, so don’t hesitate to seek assistance if you find this confusing.
#7 Childproofing Your Home is One of the Important Things to do After you Move
Relocating to a new home in San Francisco with a baby or a toddler necessitates adopting certain safety measures. One of the first important things to do after you move is to identify potential risks in your new household and methodically address them. Anchoring wobbly furniture, such as changing tables, is crucial to prevent them from toppling accidentally. Install window protections to guarantee that only an adult can open them, providing an additional layer of safety.
Next on your childproofing list, after your same-day movers in San Francisco have left: you should place electrical outlet covers on all accessible sockets. Moreover, fitting locks to cabinets is key to ensuring your toddler doesn’t access any potentially dangerous cleaning substances.

#8 Update your Address on Time
Be sure not to overlook the necessity of updating your postal details a day before moving. You can do this by submitting a change of address form at the nearest post office. In the same vein, take a moment to contact your bank and other vital organizations that regularly mail you documents.
Equally important, whether virtually or physically, plan a visit to the Department of Motor Vehicles to change the new address on your license. Keep in mind that “Failure to Report a Change of Address” on your license and vehicle registration within a month of moving might result in a minor penalty.
You’ve made a significant decision to move, likely with the help of professional furniture movers San Francisco recommended. Now, consider transferring your medical records to a local healthcare provider in your new city. Furthermore, you might need to find a San Francisco-based pharmacy if you have prescriptions that need regular refilling.
#9 Greet your Neighbors and Scout your Area
Starting your exploration of your new San Francisco locale with the insights of your neighbors, who’ve resided in the area longer, is an excellent strategy. Posing queries to them about the local gems, bustling hangouts, and prime food and shopping establishments can be a wonderful way to break the ice.
In addition, initiating conversation with your neighbors post-relocation not only serves as a sign of good manners but may also turn out to be advantageous down the line. Should you find yourself out of town for a couple of days or in need of an urgent favor, having established those relationships may prove invaluable, be it to keep an eye on your property, care for your pets, or lend you something necessary in a pinch.

#10 Crown the Process With a Celebration
If you’ve successfully moved into a new house, it’s a milestone worthy of celebration. The process of moving can be tough, costly, and stressful, but a housewarming party can turn a potentially negative experience into a positive conclusion.
Nowadays, a housewarming celebration is an occasion to present your new place to friends and family, thank those who assisted in your transition, and connect with your new neighbors. Some may bring house gifts as well. Hosting a potluck where guests bring a dish or drinks makes the party simple and enjoyable.
But the most important aspect is to relax, have fun, and create memorable moments in your new home. As you can see, the important things to do after you move don’t require much time. But they require you to remember to do them, which many people forget about.