We wrote about this 7 years ago (see original post below) and here we are again, but this time instead of the transition between the Obamas and the Trumps, it is the Bidens and the Trumps. Witnessing history in the making. Crazy, right? The transition between presidents is such an amazing, efficient process we wanted to highlight it again.

On Inauguration Day, the White House undergoes a meticulously coordinated transition to move the outgoing president’s belongings out and settle the incoming president’s items in, all within approximately five hours. This process is overseen by the White House chief usher and carried out by a dedicated team of residence staff, including maids, butlers, and other personnel.

The transition begins after the outgoing president and first lady bid farewell to the White House staff in the State Dining Room—a moment often filled with emotion due to the bonds formed over the years. Once they depart for the inauguration ceremony, the staff springs into action. Tasks include switching out mattresses and bedding, moving furniture, unpacking boxes, restocking refrigerators with preferred foods, supplying specific toiletries, performing paint touch-ups, and organizing closets to reflect the preferences of the new first family.

For security reasons, no external movers are involved; the entire operation is executed by the White House staff. The chief usher begins preparations well in advance, reaching out to the president-elect’s team to learn about their likes and dislikes, ensuring a seamless and personalized move-in experience.

This rapid and efficient transition underscores the dedication and expertise of the White House residence staff, ensuring that the new first family finds their new home both comfortable and reflective of their personal tastes from the moment they step through the doors.

Source: ABC News

Here are additional the details of how the transition unfolds:

Timing and Logistics

Five-Hour Window: The outgoing president and first family typically leave the White House in the morning, heading to the inauguration ceremony. During this time, the White House residence staff, led by the chief usher, carries out the transition.
Pre-Planning: Months before Inauguration Day, the incoming first family’s preferences are gathered, including their favorite foods, preferred room arrangements, and decorative tastes. This ensures a smooth personalization of the residence.

Tasks Undertaken

Packing and Moving Out: The belongings of the outgoing president and first family are packed and moved out promptly. Trucks carrying their personal items leave as soon as the family departs.
Unpacking and Setting Up: Simultaneously, the incoming first family’s belongings, which have been pre-packed and shipped to Washington, D.C., are brought into the residence and unpacked.
Furniture and Decor Changes: Furniture may be rearranged or replaced based on the incoming family’s preferences. Walls may even be repainted or re-carpeted in certain rooms if requested.
Bedding and Mattresses: Mattresses and bedding are swapped out to meet the new family’s needs, ensuring a fresh start.

Coordination and Teamwork

Residence Staff: A team of approximately 100 staff members, including butlers, chefs, and housekeepers, manages the transition. They work in highly coordinated shifts to complete the move within the tight timeframe.
Security Measures: For security reasons, external movers are not allowed; only trusted White House staff handle the transition process.
Seamless Experience: The staff’s goal is to make the transition invisible to the public and stress-free for the incoming family. By the time the new president and family arrive later in the afternoon, the residence looks and feels like home.

Personalization for the New Family

Closets and Drawers: Clothes are unpacked and organized in closets. Personal items like family photos and keepsakes are placed in the designated locations.
Kitchen Stocking: Refrigerators and pantries are stocked with the incoming family’s favorite foods and beverages.
Decorative Touches: Any family heirlooms, art, or preferred decorations are carefully arranged.

Significance and Tradition

Smooth Transition of Power: This highly orchestrated move is a symbolic and logistical representation of the peaceful transition of power.
Emotional Farewell: The outgoing first family often shares an emotional goodbye with the residence staff, many of whom have served them for four or eight years. This is a poignant moment highlighting the close relationships formed during their tenure.

Recent Examples

Obama to Trump (2017): The Obama family left the White House at 10:30 AM, and the staff had just under six hours to prepare the residence for the Trump family. Specific changes included redecorating the private quarters and setting up Melania and Barron Trump’s spaces.
Trump to Biden (2021): Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the process included additional sanitization measures. The Biden team worked closely with the chief usher to ensure the move adhered to health protocols while meeting their personal preferences.

Moving Day at the White House is not just about logistics; it is steeped in history, symbolism, and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that the new president and first family feel immediately at home.

Here is the original article from 2017.

Great article on Today.com:

The sprint begins the moment President Obama leaves the White House Friday morning with his family to head to the inauguration of his successor.

That’s when the clock starts at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue for 95 staff members, who have roughly five hours to flip the White House for its new residents.
Furniture gets swapped, walls repainted and artwork replaced, all in accordance with the wishes of the incoming first family.

“They literally move all your stuff out in one day,” President Obama explained recently on “The Tonight Show.”

The White House may have served as home to the Obama family on Friday morning, but its welcome mat belongs to the Trumps that afternoon….

Read The Rest Of The Article Here.

White House moving day: Behind the 5-hour flip between the Bidens and the Trumps