It’s true—moving isn’t for the faint of heart. And yet, it’s something that each of us will do an average of 11.7 times in our lifetimes, according to the United States Census Bureau.
Some spaces require extra thought—the kitchen and all of its moving parts, for example. But there’s one room that likely gets overlooked during the moving process, and that’s the bedroom.
When moving into a new home, and specifically, when outfitting a new bedroom, it can be so helpful to refer to a checklist to help you get ready. These are things you’ll carry out and check before you officially move in.
“Checklists make the often overwhelming task of moving a little less stressful,” says Darlene Molnar, a Washington, DC-based interior designer. “They are a great way of understanding everything you need to get done and arranging those tasks by priority so you get to the most important tasks first.”
This article will focus specifically on what you’ll want to do to prepare your bedroom so it’s move-in ready. View the full new home checklist for the bedroom here.
New home checklist: how to prepare your new bedroom for moving in
1. Deep clean the bedroom
When the room is clear and empty, the very first thing you should do is a good, deep clean of the space, says Molnar. Also, since the room is completely vacant at this point, it’s a wise idea to do any painting if need be, she adds.
2. Do some measuring
Whip out your measuring tape because it’s time to get your measurements straight before you bring anything into the room. Taking a proper survey of the room, which includes measurements and photos, is extremely important, says Molnar.
One essential measurement you should take before moving in? Be sure to measure the door frames to ensure that your furniture fits, which can help you avoid a big headache later.
Watch this video to learn more about measurements you should take before moving into a new home.
3. Get inspired
Head to Pinterest or flip through your favorite magazines and search for ways you’d like to decorate your new bedroom space.
“Put together a mood board,” recommends Molnar. “This will help later on when deciding what to purchase for the room.”
This will make shopping so much easier, and you can establish a theme or color palette before making all those purchases.
4. Install window treatments
“Install window treatments, especially if you require privacy or blackout window treatments,” Molnar advises.
Remember, blackout curtains are something that can truly sleep-proof your space, making for restful Z’s as soon as you move in.
5. Address electrical needs
Before moving in, also get an idea of any electrical needs that should be addressed, suggests Molnar.
This can include installing a ceiling fan, replacing a chandelier, or, if the home you’re moving into doesn’t have central air, installing an air conditioner.
6. Do a furniture inventory
When considering what to buy for a new home, it can be helpful to make a list of the furniture you’ll be bringing with you and what you still need to buy, says Molnar.
Also, if you’re buying a new mattress, you might want to place it in your desired spot so you can envision how to lay out the entire room.
FAQs
What should you do when you move into a new bedroom?
Before moving into that beautiful, new bedroom, refer to our checklist for your new home. Do a deep cleaning, refresh the walls with paint, measure, gather decor inspiration, install window treatments, think through your electrical needs, and ponder what furniture you should buy for the space.
What should you measure in a new bedroom?
When measuring, it’s important to measure “ceiling height, overall dimensions, and window and door locations as well as door dimensions to ensure items you are bringing in will fit through the door,” says Molnar.
Where should a bed be placed in a bedroom?
There actually isn’t a definitive place where a bed should always go in a bedroom. “This is a personal decision and there really isn’t any one right answer as long as you are accounting for everything else in the room, like bedside tables,” says Molnar. Check out our feng shui guide for inspiration on where to place your bed in your bedroom.