Austin is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, and a huge percentage of its residents are newcomers — many from California, New York, and Chicago, arriving with plans to furnish from scratch. Whether you've just closed on a house in Round Rock, signed a lease in South Congress, or moved into a new build in Kyle, the first two weeks in a new home are hectic. This checklist helps you prioritize what to tackle, in what order, so you can feel settled fast.
Week 1: The Essentials
Focus first on the things you need to function — sleep, food, and safety.
🛌 Furniture Assembly — Priority Order
- Bed frame + mattress foundation (do this on day one — sleeping on a mattress on the floor is for one night maximum)
- Dining table and chairs
- Sofa / seating for living room
- Dresser or wardrobe (to unpack clothes)
- Desk + chair (if working from home)
- Nightstands and bedside lamps
📷 Safety & Security (Do in First 48 Hours)
- Replace or rekey all exterior locks (previous owner may still have keys)
- Test all smoke detectors — replace batteries in any that chirp
- Install CO detector on each floor that has a bedroom
- Locate and label your circuit breaker box
- Locate main water shutoff (critical for plumbing emergencies)
- Save local emergency numbers: Austin 311, Austin ATCEMS, your utility providers
Week 1–2: Get Comfortable
📺 TV & Entertainment
- Mount your TV — floor-standing TV is a safety hazard in homes with kids or pets
- Conceal cords if possible — in-wall cord management looks better and is safer
- Set up streaming accounts and test internet speed in all rooms
- If signal drops in bedrooms, plan placement for a Wi-Fi mesh node
🏠 Smart Home Quick Wins
- Install a smart thermostat (particularly valuable in Austin's extreme heat — saves 10–15% on electric bills)
- Add a video doorbell — the #1 smart home ROI for renters and homeowners
- Upgrade to smart locks if you've already rekeyed (add remote access + recurring codes for guests)
- Set up smart lighting for the entryway and bedroom at minimum
- Register your new address with Austin Energy for start of service if applicable
Week 2–4: Make It Yours
🔥 Austin-Specific Home Checks
- Pest control — Austin has aggressive fire ants, termites, and scorpions. Schedule initial treatment.
- HVAC filter replacement — Austin HVAC systems run hard. Change filters to MERV-11 at minimum.
- Check gutters and downspouts — Austin's spring storms are intense. Clogged gutters cause foundation damage.
- Test sprinkler system and set drought-appropriate schedule per Austin Water restrictions
- Inspect attic for adequate insulation — many Central Austin homes are under-insulated for summer heat
📚 Storage & Organization
- Assemble pantry or laundry shelving
- Install closet organizer systems (IKEA PAX, Elfa, or ClosetMaid)
- Hang curtain rods and curtains in bedrooms and living room
- Set up garage shelving and bike storage if applicable
📯 Walls & Art
- Determine wall types before hanging heavy items (Austin homes vary from drywall to old plaster to brick)
- Use proper anchors for anything heavier than 15 lbs
- Hang gallery walls, mirrors, and large art
- Install floating shelves in bathrooms, kitchen, or office
One Booking Covers Your Whole Move-In
AssembleAtEase specializes in move-in setups across Austin. A single booking can cover bed assembly, TV mounting, smart thermostat install, curtain rod hanging, and furniture assembly — all in one appointment. Our move-in package includes a 15–20% bundle discount when you combine five or more services.
We serve all of Austin and the surrounding areas: Cedar Park, Pflugerville, Round Rock, Kyle, Buda, Georgetown, Leander, and Dripping Springs. Most move-in packages can be scheduled within 48–72 hours of your request, including weekend slots.
Just moved to Austin?
Book your move-in setup today. Tell us what you need — we'll handle everything in one visit.