You’ve signed the paperwork, circled your move-in date, and packed up all your boxes—but that doesn’t mean you’re ready to step foot in your new place quite yet.

From setting up essentials to making sure everything’s clean and functional, a bit of preparation ahead of time can save you major stress once the moving truck pulls up. Here are a few tasks that will help your house feel like home right from the start.

Arrange for your utilities and internet

The last thing you want after a move is to have to go several days with no power or running water. After closing, determine who your utility providers are for your electricity, water, gas, trash, and recycling services, then contact them to schedule activation for the day before your arrival. Likewise, verify that your home is wired for internet (as well as cable and satellite, if desired) and arrange for someone to install any equipment; reach out early to secure a good time slot, ideally on move-in day.

Another important note: make sure to notify your current providers of your move to avoid paying for services longer than necessary. Request an end date a day or two after you’re expecting to vacate just in case you end up being delayed.

Confirm appliance delivery and repairs

If your new home doesn’t come with appliances such as a refrigerator, washer, or dryer (or you’re replacing outdated ones), schedule delivery for shortly before or after move-in. Be sure to measure the doorways and hallways in advance to avoid surprise maneuverability issues during installation. Additionally, follow up to confirm that any repairs negotiated during your home purchase have been completed. This might include fixing a leaky faucet, replacing a light fixture, or updating smoke detectors—the less you have to add to your plate, the better.

Conduct a deep clean

It’s much easier to clean an empty home than one full of furniture and boxes. Whether you roll up your sleeves or hire a professional service, aim to get into every nook and cranny you can. For instance, scrub the bathrooms, wipe down the cabinets and baseboards, clean the floors and windows, and disinfect high-touch areas like doorknobs and light switches. And if the carpets haven’t been given a deep wash in a while, now is a great time to tackle that too.

Handle painting or flooring

As with cleaning, you’ll want to do any painting or flooring updates before your furniture is in place. Even small touch-ups, such as covering scuffs and repainting baseboards, can go a long way in freshening up your space.

Plan your furniture layout

Using the home’s floor plan or your own room measurements, map out where your major furniture will go. This will help you communicate clearly with the movers and avoid crowding doorways or walls on move-in day. Are you planning on ordering new pieces? Consider waiting until you’ve lived in the space for a little while to ensure that you find items that perfectly suit your new lifestyle. Of course, if you can’t hold off, be mindful of shipping estimates and delivery windows so you’re not stuck without essentials after you arrive.

Set up basic items

Even before you move, it’s worth stocking the home with a few necessities to make your first days feel more manageable as you settle in. That might include:

• Toilet paper, soap, and paper towels
• Shower curtains and bath mats
• A few lamps
• Charging cables and extension cords
• A toolkit for quick fixes

Bring an essentials bag

Finally, pack a “day one” bag with everything you’ll need immediately: medications, toiletries, a change of clothes, and bedding. You’ll also want to add any important documents to prevent them from getting lost. Keep this with you during the move so you’re not digging through boxes for basics.

While it’s tempting to focus all your energy on the logistics of moving, forethought regarding the home itself can make the transition more comfortable and far less chaotic. With your utilities turned on, your essentials in place, and a clean, functional space waiting for you, you’ll be free to enjoy those first special moments in your new place.