5 Things to Do When You Move Into a New Home

Moving into a new home is exciting, but it can also be exhausting. There are boxes everywhere, furniture to figure out, utilities to set up, and usually a long list of things that need your attention.

When we moved to Austin, we were renting and had to make the move pretty quickly. We arrived before most of our things and slept on air mattresses for a few days while we waited for our pod. It wasn't exactly the calm, organized move-in experience you might picture.

But as we started settling in, there were a few things I wanted to address right away.

These are five things I recommend doing when you move into a new home or apartment. They come from my Feng Shui practice, but they're also practical ways to make a new space begin to feel like yours. And yes, you can do them in a rental too.

1. Clean and clear your new space

If you have access to the home before your furniture arrives, give it a good cleaning first.

Your new home may already be professionally cleaned, especially if you're renting, so this doesn't always mean a full deep clean. Pay attention to what needs it and start there.

I also like to clear a new home energetically.

Moving usually marks a new chapter, so before you start filling the rooms, think about what you'd like this home to support. Maybe you're starting a new job, building new friendships, focusing on your family, or simply ready for life to feel different.

You can clear a space with sound, scent, or smoke. I personally like sandalwood incense because it's simple and easy to carry from room to room.

Start at the front door and walk through the home while holding your intention for this next season of your life.

If you've already moved in, that's fine too. I didn't get to do ours beforehand either.

2. Give your front door and entry some attention

In Feng Shui, the front door is where chi, or energy, enters the home. I always pay attention to this area when I'm settling into a new space.

Start outside.

Wipe down the front door. Add a plant if you have room. Make sure the area feels clean and welcoming.

Then look at what you see when you step inside.

Shoes, jackets, dog leashes, bags, and unopened boxes have a way of gathering near the door. Find simple places for the things you use every day so you're not greeted by clutter each time you come home.

After a long day, you want to walk through the door and feel like you're home.

3. Clean the windows

This was one of the first things I noticed in our Austin house. We had beautiful, tall windows across the back living area, and they were dirty.

In Feng Shui, windows are often considered the eyes of the home. I associate them with clarity and being able to see what's ahead.

That felt especially relevant for me because we hadn't just moved houses. We'd moved to a completely new city, and I was figuring out what came next for my family and my business.

I've always enjoyed cleaning windows for this reason. While I'm doing it, I'll think about where I could use more clarity or where I might need to see something from another perspective.

Our new windows were twelve feet tall, though, so I happily called a professional.

Sometimes supporting yourself means knowing which jobs you don't need to do yourself.

4. Find your wealth, love, and health areas

Once you're settled enough to think beyond the boxes, pull out a Feng Shui Bagua map and locate three areas of your home: wealth, love, and health.

I like starting here because these areas often connect to things we're thinking about when we're beginning a new chapter.

You don't need to immediately decorate or "fix" them.

In our rental, my wealth area landed in the dining room. We hadn't purchased dining furniture yet, and I wasn't sure I wanted to. Instead of rushing to fill an empty room, I decided to leave some space and see what felt right.

That space actually felt appropriate for where I was in my life. There were a lot of possibilities ahead, and I didn't have to decide everything immediately.

Sometimes noticing what your home is showing you is enough.

5. Check your bathrooms and plumbing

Finally, walk through the house and pay attention to your plumbing, especially your bathrooms.

Fix dripping faucets and anything else that isn't working properly. I also keep toilet lids closed, which is a simple Feng Shui practice for reducing draining energy.

Then notice how the bathrooms feel.

Bathrooms naturally contain a lot of Water and Metal energy through plumbing, tile, mirrors, and fixtures. If yours feels cold or stark, bring in warmer materials and colors.

A woven basket, plant, wood tray, warm towels, or a little terracotta can soften the space without requiring permanent changes.

This is especially helpful in rentals where you may not be able to change tile, paint, or fixtures.

Give your new home a little time

One thing this move reminded me of is that you don't need to finish your home immediately.

You can live with an empty dining room for a while. You can wait before buying furniture. You can notice how your family actually uses the space before deciding what belongs where.

Moving takes a lot out of you, even when it's a move you're excited about.

Clean your space. Pay attention to the front door. Let some light through those windows. Notice how the rooms feel as you begin living in them.

Your home will start telling you what it needs.

And you can take it from there.