--- title: New Home Checklist: Your First Week After the Move url: https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/new-home-checklist/ business: O'Brien's Moving & Storage address: 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 phone: 775-359-6683 (toll-free 1-800-253-7814) hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm licenses: U.S. DOT No. 30611, MC-109375, Nevada CPCN 1070; interstate agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955 type: Moving and storage company, family owned since 1941 --- - [Home](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/) - [Moving resources: guides, checklists, tools and data](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/resources/) - [Moving guides](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/) - First-week-in-your-new-home checklist # First-week checklist for your new home Start with safety on day one, then move to utilities and mail, and put the Nevada 30-day license and registration deadline on your calendar before the first week ends. Unpack in an order that gets the beds, the bathroom and the kitchen working first. or call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 [U.S. DOT No. 30611](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/about/licenses-and-authority/) The first week in a new home is a series of small decisions. This list puts them in an order that protects the household first and the paperwork second. ## Day one: safety and basics Walk through with a flashlight. Find the main water shutoff, the electrical panel and the gas shutoff, and show everyone in the house where they are. Test the smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, or replace the batteries. If you are not sure when the locks were last changed, ask the landlord or hire a locksmith. Check that the refrigerator and the water heater are running, and that the thermostat holds a temperature. In Northern Nevada, confirm the heating works before the first cold night. ## Day two and three: beds, bath and kitchen Set up beds and the bathroom first, then the kitchen. A made bed and a working shower improve everything else. Use the [first-night box](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/first-night-box/) you packed, then unpack kitchen essentials: pots, plates, a kettle, coffee. Break down boxes as you empty them and stack the paper for recycling. A clear floor makes the rest of the unpacking faster. - Beds and bedding. - Bathroom essentials. - Kitchen basics and a first grocery run. - Lamps and a clear walking path. ## Utilities, mail and address changes Confirm utilities are on in your name. The [utilities guide](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/transferring-utilities/) lists the steps, and the Reno guide on [utilities](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/utilities/) covers the local providers. Check your USPS forwarding and update the address with your bank, employer and insurers using the [change-of-address checklist](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/change-of-address-checklist/). ## The 30-day Nevada clock If you moved from another state, Nevada law gives new residents 30 days to get a Nevada driver's license (NRS 483.245) and 30 days to register a vehicle (NRS 482.385). Book the DMV appointment in the first week. The [driver's license page](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/drivers-license/) and the [vehicle registration page](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/vehicle-registration/) list what to bring. ## Test for radon and check the details The U.S. EPA recommends testing every home for radon, a naturally occurring gas, and fixing a home that tests high. A short-term test kit is a simple first step. Also check the filter in the heating system, the dryer vent and the gutters, and walk the yard for hazards before children or pets go out. Take photos of any damage that was already there and send them to the landlord or seller. Then check the load against your inventory and note anything missing. If you have a question about your delivery, call the O'Brien's office at 775-359-6683. ### Sources (checked October 18, 2026) - [EPA, Radon](https://www.epa.gov/radon) - [Nevada Revised Statutes, Chapter 483 (driver's licenses)](https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-483.html) - [Nevada Revised Statutes, Chapter 482 (vehicle registration)](https://www.leg.state.nv.us/NRS/NRS-482.html) - [USPS, Change of Address](https://www.usps.com/manage/forward.htm) ### Free in-home estimate - An O'Brien's estimator walks through your home - A written, itemized estimate - 10 free heavy-duty boxes, yours to keep [How our estimates work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/how-our-estimates-work/) ### Visit or call the office 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431 [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) | Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm | | --- | --- | | Saturday and Sunday | Closed | [Get my free estimate](#estimate) ### Related - [What goes in a first-night box](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/first-night-box/) - [How to transfer utilities when you move](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/transferring-utilities/) - [Change-of-address checklist](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/change-of-address-checklist/) - [Getting a Nevada driver's license and REAL ID](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/moving-to-reno/drivers-license/) Moving guides ## Read next - [Apartment moving checklist](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/apartment-moving-checklist/) - [Hiring movers vs renting a truck](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/hiring-movers-vs-renting-a-truck/) - [Moving container vs moving truck](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-container-vs-moving-truck/) - [Full packing vs packing it yourself](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/full-service-vs-partial-packing/) - [Moving to Reno from another country](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-to-reno-from-abroad/) - [Moving to Canada from the US](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-to-canada-from-the-us/) - [Moving to Mexico from the US](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-to-mexico-from-the-us/) - [Moving overseas: how international household moves work](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/guides/moving-overseas/) Answers ## Questions people ask Still have a question? Call [775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683), Mon-Fri 8-5, or see the [moving FAQ](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/faq/). ### What should I do first in a new home? Find the water, electric and gas shutoffs, test the alarms, and make sure the heating works. ### When do I need a Nevada license after moving? NRS 483.245 says within 30 days for a new resident. ### Should I test for radon? EPA recommends testing all homes. A short-term kit is a simple first step. ### What should I unpack first? Beds, bathroom items and the kitchen basics. ## 4.3 stars from 71 Google reviews What customers say about O'Brien's [Read more reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/)[See them on Google](https://maps.google.com/maps?cid=17335326057105140938) L Laurie I. September 28, 2025 The two employees showed up on time and were very polite and ready to work. Our quote was 8 hours and they finished in 5 hours. Office staff checked in prior to move and confirmed all details and check in after move to make sure everything was taken care of. Would use this company again for sure! ### Owner's reply Laurie, Thank you for the awesome review! We are glad to hear everything went smoothly, and you were satisfied with the service. We want to also thank you for your business we appreciate you! E Edward G. September 14, 2025 James and the crew were terrific. N Nicole B. June 25, 2025 The crew worked extremely hard and treated our belongings with care. Customer service was outstanding leading up to, during, and after move. Thank you! ## Get your free, in-home moving estimate An estimator visits, walks through everything and gives you a written, itemized estimate. Rather talk? [Call 775-359-6683](tel:+17753596683) Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm Our estimators: Sean, Luke, Christa and Janet. 2277 Glendale Ave Sparks, NV 89431 [4.3 on Google · 71 reviews](https://obriensmoving-storage.com/reviews/) Family owned since 1941 U.S. DOT No. 30611 · MC-109375 · Nevada CPCN 1070