Behind the Scenes: How the White House Transforms on Inauguration Day

By Y.M. Lowy
While the world focuses on the ceremonies of Inauguration Day, an intricate operation quietly unfolds at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Within just a few hours, the White House undergoes a complete transformation as one First Family moves out and another moves in.
This carefully choreographed process is led entirely by White House staff, who work tirelessly to ensure a seamless transition. From swapping mattresses to restocking refrigerators with favorite foods, every detail is handled with precision. Kate Andersen Brower, author of The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House, describes it as “an amazing day where they have five hours to move one family out and another family in. They don’t hire movers; everyone on staff pitches in.”
The day begins with an emotional farewell ceremony in the State Dining Room, where the outgoing president and first lady say goodbye to the ushers, butlers, chefs, and other staff. It’s a touching moment, as bonds formed over years of service come to a close. The staff presents the departing president with two American flags, one flown on their first day in office and the other on their last, encased in a wooden box crafted by White House carpenters.
Once the outgoing family leaves for the inauguration ceremony, the frenzy begins. Trucks positioned on one side of the driveway whisk away the departing family’s belongings, while others on the opposite side unload the incoming family’s possessions. Tasks range from switching out furniture and filling closets to stocking toiletries and doing paint touch-ups. No detail is too small, and security concerns mean no outside movers are allowed.
The planning for this monumental move begins months in advance, even before Election Day. Once a president-elect is chosen, the chief usher and staff work with the incoming family to learn their preferences, from favorite shampoos to pillow types.
Though this sounds like a wonderful perk of moving into the White House, it's just a reality because the president has to get to work on Day 1.
For Donald and Melania Trump, this year’s transition is unique. Returning to the White House after a four-year absence, they’ll be greeted by familiar staff who already know their preferences, making the process smoother. “There’s been a four-year break, but they’ll be back, and the staff knows exactly what he wants stocked,” Brower explains.