10 Surprising Details About Moving into the White House

2. There Are Only 12 Hours to Move In, Clean and Spruce

Why is move-in like a military maneuver? Because it happens fast. “Officers from the General Services Administration are moving people out and in, painting and recarpeting,” says Blakeman. “It takes every bit of 12 hours to finish up. They’re in there until midnight and later to put the finishing touches on.” All personal decor choices from the first family will take place after move-in day.