Q: My husband Tim and I just bought our first fixer upper two weeks ago in Fort Worth, Texas. It is our second home and we hope to make it our last. Falling in love with our home was the easy part, but the thing is we just don’t know where to start. Should I mention that we have a 19 month old little ball of energy “helping” us? I know you don’t know what our house looks like nor do you know what our plans are for it. I won’t bore you with the details, I just want to know if you have a post about getting started; about how to go about making a plan so that we can go about this process efficiently. Or maybe I’m over thinking it and we need to just dive in? – Amanda
That big “where do I begin?” question comes up all the time, whether in email from readers like Amanda or in comments on posts. Since we’re at the beginning of another project ourselves, it felt like the perfect moment to share a structured approach we use to prioritize tasks when moving into a fixer-upper. Below are six practical questions we ask after moving into each house. They help turn the overwhelming to-do list into a manageable plan.
#1. What’s necessary for us to safely inhabit this house? The very first priority should be anything that affects safety, health, or habitability. During or after an inspection you might discover issues that can’t wait: mold, broken windows, a malfunctioning heating system, structural concerns, or pests. These are the items to tackle immediately because they directly impact whether you can move in and live comfortably.
In our latest move the top priorities were straightforward: a failing furnace, several dangerous trees that needed removal, rotted siding that required repair and repainting, and an actively leaking roof. None of those projects are glamorous, but fixing them first made the house safe and prevented further damage.
#2. What would be easier to do now, rather than later? Many projects are simply less disruptive when the house is empty — removing carpet, painting trim, installing new floors, or doing a big kitchen or bathroom renovation. If a project will be significantly easier and less expensive to complete before you unpack and furnish, it’s often worth prioritizing.
That said, it’s rare to complete every major renovation before moving in. We often choose to live in a space for a while before committing to gut renovations because daily use reveals what changes will be most useful. For example, we once realized closing a door freed up space for far more cabinetry in our kitchen — an idea that came from living in the layout first.
When we moved into our current house we removed musty carpet upstairs, painted blue trim white, and installed hardwood floors prior to move-in because those tasks would have been cumbersome after the furniture arrived. If you’re uncertain about finishes or materials, postpone the decision until you’re certain; rushing into a permanent choice you’ll regret is a costly mistake.
#3. What will help us feel comfortable and at home? Moving into a new house can feel like living in someone else’s space. Instead of diving immediately into large renovations, choose a few quick changes that help the house feel like yours: removing dated curtains, changing light fixtures, or painting a single wall or room. These smaller moves boost morale and give a sense of ownership quickly.
We always make sure the kids have a settled space right away. Setting up a child’s room on day one can make the transition easier for the whole family. Creating a comfortable bedroom for yourselves matters too — even basic comforts like a proper bed or unpacked essentials make it possible to rest and think clearly about the next steps.
#4. What can we afford right now? Budget dictates many decisions. If your inspection repairs drained your savings, focus on inexpensive projects that still improve the home and your quality of life. Stripping wallpaper, painting trim, replacing a shower curtain, or organizing storage can feel productive and help you regain momentum while you rebuild savings for larger renovations.
We found that tackling low-cost updates while saving for the big ticket items stopped the financial panic and allowed us to be intentional about when and how to spend money on major upgrades.
#5. What’s quick and easy? If you aren’t sure where to begin, start with simple wins. Small tasks — swapping a shower curtain, replacing cabinet hardware, or organizing a closet — take little time but create visible progress. Multiple small updates add up to meaningful change and keep motivation high.
#6. What will make us the happiest? At the end of the day, tackle what brings you joy. It doesn’t always have to be the most logical or urgent task. Sometimes arranging a cozy corner, styling a bookshelf, or playing with items on built-ins is exactly what you need to feel at peace in a chaotic house. Those small moments of satisfaction matter just as much as larger practical fixes.
Ultimately, there is no single right way to start. Any step forward is progress. Prioritize safety and habitability, then balance what’s easier to do now, what makes you feel at home, what you can afford, and what provides quick wins. And don’t forget to choose a few projects that simply make you smile — they’ll help sustain your energy through the long haul.
How do you decide what to tackle first in a new house? We’re always curious to hear other approaches since every home and homeowner is different — and we’ve got plenty of unfinished projects of our own to plan out.