Every 4, or sometimes 8 years, and occasionally randomly, a new United States President and their family moves into the White House.  How have these housing accommodations changed over time.  When does this residential swap occur?  Who handles the official transition of furnishings?  What is the allotment for moving costs?  Below is historical background on the ever-changing White House, along with answers to these queries.

Building Background

Originally, Washington, DC was a 100 square mile plot of land, located on the banks of the Potomac River, sandwiched between the states of Maryland and Virginia.  The District of Columbia was named after Christoper Columbus, and by extension Lady Columbia, while the Washington terminology came from the nation’s first President, George Washington.

This federal zone, established by the U.S. Constitution, is completely under the jurisdiction of Congress.  Considering the importance of the President, and the Executive Branch, in the American governance system, the location of the White House makes sense, just a short walk from many key departmental buildings in the nation’s capital.

The actual mailing address for the home is the iconic 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.  This location has been included in the plot of countless fictional books and movies over time.  In addition to being the official residence of the First Family, this is the primary place there the sitting POTUS conducts their daily business.

Pierre L’Enfant, the savvy engineer who facilitated much of the Capital District city planning, was understandably heavily involved in the White House site selection.  While he had grandiose plans for a massive mansion, George Washington reined in these extravagant visions from the Frenchman.

In 1791, 2 years into his inaugural term as leader of the United States, President Washington organized a design contest for his pending new residence.  From 9 applicants, the proposal by James Hoban, an Irish immigrant architect, was selected as the winner, based on clean aesthetics, functional layout, and construction feasibility.

Hoban’s conceived layout included over 100 rooms across 3 floors, heavily leveraging the Leinster House, built in 1748, which he also designed.  This Irish architectural triumph in Dublin still stands, being used as the governmental house of Irish Parliament.  In contrast, the United States version, the White House, has been rebuilt several times over.

The original construction costs were a relatively modest $230k, equivalent to $7.5 million in today’s inflation adjusted dollars.  Not bad for a sprawling tri-story residence of 55,000 square feet.

While smaller than originally imagined by L’Enfant, upon completion, the White House still represented the largest personal residence in the United States, an honor held until 1864.  Not surprisingly, this title was claimed by Ralston Hall, built and named for the 19th century San Francisco, CA banking magnate.

Construction of the White House started on October 13th, 1792, when the initial cornerstone was put in place.  This original stone has never been found, as the freemasons who laid the first historic rock went to the bar to get drunk soon afterwards, and failed to document its location.  After numerous building reconstruction efforts over time, the inaugural pillar can no longer be accurately placed within the site.

Despite being integrally involved in the development process, George and Martha Washington never lived in the home they conceived.  President Washington died suddenly in the winter of 1799, at the age of 67, thus was unable to see his White House project through to completion.  [REF]

Required Rebuilds

After 8 years of construction, John Adams became the first president to occupy the residence, which was still being finished, at the start of the 19th century.  This new building experienced only a decade of relatively peaceful solitude, before facing attrition.

During the War of 1812, British forces burned the White House nearly to the ground, requiring an extensive rebuild.  James Monroe moved into the repaired White House in 1817, with the South Portico also being initiated during his stay.  The North Portico was completed over a decade later, in 1827, while Andrew Jackson was President.  Both additions were facilitated by Benjamin Henry Latrobe, one of the first architects formally trained in the newly founded America.

During the back half of the 1800’s, numerous refurbish and rebuild plans were proposed to modernize the White House, but none of these schemes ever got executed.

The first major White House renovation occurred under Theodore Roosevelt in 1902.  Thomas Jefferson had envisioned a similar expansion layout a century earlier, but the fledgling government’s budget and status couldn’t justify this splurge.

Teddy’s version included establishment of the Presidential office in a new zone, initially dubbed Executive Office Building, which later became the West Wing.  This substantial effort was executed by NYC design and construction firm McKim, Mead, and White, a renowned operation of the day.

It’s also rumored that the first President Roosevelt coined the “White House” name, even though the stark external execution had existed for over a century by then.  Prior monikers for the building included “President’s Palace” and “Executive Mansion”.

A huge White House overhaul occurred under Harry S. Truman, as the building was essentially falling apart; the entire place was on the verge of being condemned.  The residence was supposed to be reinforced under F.D.R., but the constrained fiscal outlays went to funding other New Deal societal programs. 

This rebuild was a major undertaking, stripping the entire facility down to the structural outer walls.  Led by architect Lorenzo Winslow, this project took several years, during which the First Family lived in the nearby Blair House, returning to their upgraded home in 1952.

This extensive, expensive overhaul cost $5.7 million, which is equivalent to nearly $65 million in modern monetary parlance.  To justify this usage of public funds, in 1962 a filmed television documentary walking through the updated White House was broadcast nationwide. 

The program, hosted by the current lovely and charismatic First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy, was viewed by 80 million Americans.

One of the main initiatives of the Kennedy’s when they entered the White House was to make the space more inviting and homier for visitors.  To this end, Jackie embarked on a campaign to procure historical Americana decorations for her new abode.  The CBS television spot and a multipage spread in Life magazine served as a marketing campaign to enlist donors.

The ploy worked, as artwork streamed in from across the country, collectors excited to get their items displayed within the fabled White House.  Within months, the multitude of state rooms on the lower floors were refurnished with all manner of unique pieces.

Every president since John Adams has resided in the White House for a substantial portion of their term.

The White House has been transformed many times over the years, mirroring the shifts in functionality and preferences over time.  This building’s construction history is a microcosm of American society’s personal and political trends over time.  [REF]

Floorplan Fundamentals

The breakdown of spaces and features in the current White House is impressive, as listed below:

-          6 levels

-          132 rooms

-          35 bathrooms

-          412 doors

-          147 windows

-          28 fireplaces

-          8 staircases

-          3 elevators

The original design for the White House was a modest and austere building, in the Federalist style, with many classic Greek architectural elements.  Today, this Neoclassic structure is a truly fancy mansion, with shapely porticos, and supplemental wings.  The refined lines and stark color are recognizable around the world.

The form and function of the various levels of the White House have evolved over time, just like the home’s inhabitants.  Under the original Presidential occupant, John Adams, the ground floor, then dubbed basement, of the residence was used to house the servants and staff.

The now-famous north and south porticoes weren’t added to the structure until the back half of the 1820’s, while John Quincy Adams was in office.  These column-supported roof features provide a unique aesthetic, and covered shelter during the various rainy periods of the calendar in Washington, DC.  The actual levels of the White House are hard to define, as the building is positioned on a small hill, with the ground slopping away on both sides.

The true basement level was not part of the original structure; excavation and reinforcement occurred as part of the 1949 Truman renovations.  This sub-terranean layer now holds many of the critical infrastructure systems for the large building above.

The first floor, dubbed the “State Floor”, is where official, formal meetings occur.  This is the tallest level of the house, with ceilings of at least 16 feet throughout.  This layer of the main residence corresponds with the second floor of the East and West Wings, which is why the traditional ground floor nomenclature is not used. 

The confusion is understandable, considering the piecemeal nature of the construction over many decades, with countless deletions and additions.

The main second floor, in the center of the structure, represents the living quarters for the First Family.  This private space encompasses 16 rooms, and 6 bathrooms, providing enough space for everyone to spread out, with intimate guest hosting opportunity when needed.  Foreign and other official dignitaries lodge just off the official White House grounds, at the posh Blair House.  [REF]

White Walls

The original White House was constructed from large sandstone blocks, displaying a natural greyish color.  This finish was a substantial departure from the red brick used as the predominant building material in the Mid-Atlantic region at this time.

As a result, Scottish masons were brought in to execute the meticulous exterior stonework.  While skilled at chiseling and carving the rock, they didn’t have a good means of sealing the soft surface.  As a result, these men resorted to a thick layer of lime mortar, applied in a glue-like slurry across the outer surface.  The white mineral compound oxidized and lightened over time, creating a decidedly unique and stark exterior aesthetic.

After destruction of this key site during the War of 1812, the structure was rebuilt over James Madison’s reign, using architect James Hoban’s original blueprints and guidance.  The one difference was that this time the stone walls were painted bright white right from the start, as a symbol of peace and rebirth.  Plus, a necessary construction technique to help protect the porous rock. 

Hence, the legend, and nickname, of the Presidential home began.  Even though many American citizens thought this surface treatment was meant to cover up the burn marks left from the British-induced blaze, the exterior coating applied was actually highly functional, meant to preserve the delicate rock from which the walls were made.

Since the 1960’s, with the establishment an official Preservation Committee, the White House became a national monument, and living museum.  Which has severely limited the ability of the home’s residents to make major modifications, upgrades, or renovations.  Superficial cosmetic changes, and mandatory structural fixes, are the only alterations which have occurred at the White House over the past half century.

In this regard, a major project was reinforcing the external structure throughout the 1990’s.  During this complex task, requiring extensive ladders and scaffolding, 40 coats of lacquer, of various chemical composition, were removed.  The existing sandstone walls were sandblasted, inspected, repaired, then repainted.  With a stark white, highly durable, environmentally friendly, coating.  Thus, the moniker legend continues.

The modern White House requires 570 gallons of paint to cover the entire exterior.  Considering the 2-century-old age of this structure, constant maintenance on both the inside and outside is required.  [REF]

Exterior Execution

The White House as an entity has battle significant attrition: attacks, fires, degradation, and even competition from an alternative executive lodging proposal.

During the 1790’s, Philadelphia built an alternate Presidential palace to lure George Washington away from the District of Columbia.  However, the first U.S. President passed away, just before the 19th century started, and never occupied either of the mansions looking to court the most famous family in the land.

During the War of 1812, in retribution for American troops burning Canada’s parliamentary offices, the British set fire to the White House structure.  Only a few of the original exterior stone walls survived this onslaught, and were preserved in the rebuild.  Another famous item saved from destruction was the now-famous painting of George Washington created by Gilbert Stuart.

Fire has been a recurring issue at the White House, in both arson and accident forms.  While the 1814 British bombardment caused burning was planned, over a century later, a much more innocuous ignition occurred.  A clogged flue in the kitchen fireplace on Christmas Eve, as the staff prepared a fancy meal for the pending holiday. 

This burn destroyed much of the new Oval Office and West Wing.  Herbert Hoover, who was in office at the time, was at a party away from home, but quickly returned to help fight the fire.  Even with the substantial resources afforded by the POTUS detail, many important rooms and possessions were torched.

Amusingly, there’s a replica of the White House located in McLean, VA.  While only a quarter of the square footage, this facility has copies of many key rooms, like the Lincoln Bedroom and Oval Office.  Built based off the original blueprints, and decorated using historical pictures, this is the closet most commoners will ever get to the President’s private hallowed halls.

While currently available for tours, this Virginia compound, on sale for $5 million, can be purchased for an estimated 1/50th the original.  With no executive chefs or security guards included, unfortunately.  At least this home comes with all the modern 21st century amenities, a luxury not afforded to many Presidential families of yore.  [REF]

Interior Improvements

Running Water

Originally, water for the White House needed to be carried pail by pail from a wellhead pump at the nearby Treasury Building. 

Eventually an attic cistern was installed, the brainchild of Thomas Jefferson, relying on gravity for pipe distribution, with manually means still needed to fill the large upper tank.  This physics-based innovation allowed bathrooms to be moved inside, in lieu of an outdoor toilet, providing more pleasant accommodations for his family. 

An engineered system of pipes, pumps, and pools, executed in 1833, allowed clean, fresh water for drinking and bathing to be readily available.  Interior central plumbing, including hot and cold taps, along with flushable toilets, didn’t get installed until 1853 on the second floor living quarters.  The entire house retrofit was completed in 1876, at the end of President U.S. Grant’s final term.

HVAC

Initially, heat for the White House was supplied via wood-burning fireplaces, with the means of cooling consisting of simply opening windows at night. Central heating was finally provided in 1840; a furnace in the basement with gravity-fed ducts rising up, initially to the main floor rooms, and eventually expanding to the upper bedrooms and offices under President James K. Polk.

Air conditioning came along much later, mandated by President Garfield being bedridden after an assassination attempt.  Prior leaders simply left muggy Washington, DC for cooler climates in the steamy summer.  Though subsequent Presidents augmented this AC system, it wasn’t until Teddy Roosevelt’s reign that a modern cooling system was installed for comfort reasons.

Telephone

The White House was very innovative in this regard, with a telephone placed within the existing telegraph room in 1877, just a year after Alexander Graham Bell patented this product.  President Rutherford B. Hayes made the first call, to the only other telephone located in the Capital district at the time, which was housed in the nearby Treasury Department building.

President Herbert Hoover was the first to have a functional telephone on his desk in the Oval Office, in the spring of 1929.  Even in modern times, despite ubiquitous cellphones, there are still numerous secure landlines interspersed throughout the White House.

Electricity

White House proliferation of electricity occurred after the telephone, and was surprisingly slow to gain adoption.  President Benjamin Harrison begrudgingly oversaw the initial wiring installation in 1891, as his entire family feared electrocution.

Electric-powered devices proliferated in subsequent years, with Calvin Coolidge procuring a kitchen refrigerator in 1926, and F.D.R. installing the aforementioned air conditioning units in 1933.  Various sustainability initiatives have occurred over the past half century, with Jimmy Carter leveraging solar panels to heat water in 1979, while George W. Bush oversaw a rooftop solar electricity system in 2003.

Bunker

No personal residence is complete without a proper bunker.  This safety space was understandably built in 1942, during the heart of World War II, when aerial raids of cities were rampant across Europe.  Fortunately, such destructive bombing onslaughts never materialized in the contiguous United States. 

When President Roosevelt left office upon his death, after serving in the supreme leadership role for over a decade, and the global conflict ended, President Harry Truman moved in.  He quickly expanded and reinforced the bunker, turning this chamber into the formally known Presidential Emergency Operations Center, or PEOC for short.

This subterranean facility didn’t see much use until President George W. Bush and his family took shelter there in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attack of 2001.  A more modern and extensive safehouse was built below the North Lawn of the White House in 2010, under the direction of President Obama.

Located over 1,000 feet below the surface, this 5-story compound is self-sufficient in terms of air, water, and sustenance.  Most other elements of the operation, including the extensive network of underground passageways, are understandably shrouded in secrecy for national safety reasons.  [REF]

Special Spaces

Oval Office

The Oval Office is the most important functional space in the White House; in addition to housing the primary desk of the President, this room also serves a much more ceremonial role, signifying leadership power.  As such, this is one of the most renovated rooms in the White House, each incoming POTUS desiring to cement their mark on the new position.

Aside from mandating multiple doors, per obvious security procedures, and a wooden bureau for curated pictures while pretending to work, the rest of the décor is wide open for adaptation.

The dubbed “Resolute Desk”, though not officially named, actually outdates the Oval Office, having been received as a present from Queen Victoria of England to President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1880.  Under the guidance of Jacqueline Kennedy, this historic piece of furniture was refurbished, and still serves as the official workspace of the globe’s most influential figure.

The Oval Office was designed by architect Nathan C. Wyeth in 1909, not to be confused with famed illustrator N. C. Wyeth, who was more relevant and famous in the artistic space during this same period.  This formal workspace was completed under President William Taft, which necessitated a sturdy desk, and a large chair.  Thus, the lore of the Oval Office began.

The first major renovation of the Oval Office came by necessity, as a fire destroyed a significant portion of the West Wing in 1929.  Acting President Herbert Hoover oversaw the rebuild, which expanded many of the interior spaces, but left the original ovular dimensions fixed and relatively unchanged.  Aside from adding a modern amenity of the time.  A private telephone.

Determined to complete the substantial rebuild project when elected, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt further rearranged the West Wing layout, starting in 1934.  At this time, the Oval Office was moved to the extreme southeast corner of the White House footprint, displacing what was historically outdoor clothes drying yard.  The hallowed cubicle is still located there to this day, along with the Presidential seal that was imprinted on the new ceiling nearly a century ago.

Seating arrangements in the Oval Office have evolved over the years, based on styles in vogue, comfort preferences, and most importantly, it’s owner’s desired functionality for the space.  Each president has a different opinion on how they like to work, and how many folks they prefer to have as part of their inner circle.

Most of the modifications to the Oval Office over the past half century have been cosmetic.  Gerald Ford’s stripped white and burgundy couches in 1975.  The gold Presidential emblem on the center of the grey carpet installed in 1990 by George Bush Sr.  Which was replaced by his son in 2001, who preferred a desert tan motif with embroidered sunburst pattern.

The flowing curtains, hanging from the trio of tall windows behind the desk, are another source of personal customization.  President Clinton preferred sparking gold fabric, while President Obama selected rust red drapes.

The historical figures portrayed throughout the room are another point of customization in the Oval Office.  While President Trump chose to hang a large painting of Andrew Jackson, President Biden put Ben Franklin in a wall position of prominence.  Meanwhile, a bust of Winston Churchill was swapped out for a statue of Rosa Parks by the current administration.  As with all elements of government these days, political posturing plays heavily in the decisions made.

Blue Room

While the Oval Office is likely the most famous room in the White House, it’s not the only space with curved walls.  Fittingly, due to the similar size and shape, during Oval Office renovations under his watch, President F. D. R., starting in 1934, relocated his desk to the Blue Room for 6 years of his lengthy tenure.

This room occupies a very prominent position on White House floor plan.  Located right in the center of the main structure, the exterior wall is framed up by the Southern Portico, with tall windows looking out on the South Lawn.  The only elements blocking the view from this sanctuary are the 6 columns, which define the exterior appearance of this entire famous building.

Though the décor inside is self-descriptive, it doesn’t mean the furnishings haven’t changed over the years.  The Blue Room is elliptical in shape, meant to promote enlightened conversation in an intimate space.  Such receptions, dating back to the foundation of the American republic, where President Washington held court to political colleagues and adversaries, was the inspiration for this room’s format.

Within this fixed footprint, all manner of artwork, from paintings to statues to antiquities, have turned over throughout the years.  When the carpet, upholstery, wallpaper, and curtain hues are fixed, there needs to be some way to spruce up the space.

It wasn’t until the Clinton family’s occupation of the White House, during 1995, that the Blue Room finally got a full remake, at the suggestion of the official Preservation Committee.  Rich brown stain on the refurbished hardwood floor, and new yellow wallpaper over many layers of dark paint, made the room more welcoming, while trim embellishments maintained the original moniker color.

In modern times, the Blue Room has housed an important holiday tradition found at nearly every home across America.  The family Christmas tree.

Granted, with a 20-foot-tall ceiling, and 30-foot room diameter, these displayed evergreens are a little fancier than the normal fake fare, requiring an extension ladder to place the multitude of lights and ornaments.  Plus, this room has 6 distinct doors, providing multiple means for Santa to slip in and out unseen.

State Dining Room

The formal state dining room is used for large event and holiday meals, along with some business meetings.  This multi-purpose space has been modified on both furnishings and functionality over the years.  With the modern White House kitchen able to prepare dinner for 150 guests, and appetizers for 1,000, essentially any party plan is in play.

The current footprint was a result of the White House expansion in 1902 under President Teddy Roosevelt.  Fittingly, this outdoor enthusiast enlisted a natural green motif, complete with taxidermy moose heads mounted on the walls.  This room’s original intent was for intimate meals, with just 6 seats at the long central table.

The space remained in this basic layout until the next major White House remodel, under President Harry Truman in 1952.  Painting the dark wall panels white, and switching to a beige carpet, with gold window drapes, helped brighten up the room.  A lengthy tabletop that could accommodate 15 pairs of guests seated face to face was also commissioned.

Over the years, various rectangular, square, and round dining configurations have materialized, depending on the number of distinguished guests on the invite list.  Tablecloth colors, floral centerpieces, and place settings have changed over the years, often dictated by the First Lady, who is typically responsible for curating the meals at these formal gatherings.

The official State Dining Room has been used for entertaining much less in recent years, with just 2 such honorary meals under President Trump, and 6 under President Biden.  The COVID-19 pandemic certainly affected the desire to host parties with global participants in an enclosed space.

In fact, eschewing the indoor dining space all together, Joe Biden’s inaugural State Dinner was held on the expansive South Lawn.  Occurring in December 2022, and attended by French President Emmanuel Macron, a massive glass pavilion was erected to protect the guests from any inclement weather which may materialize.  [REF]

Outdoor Opportunities

The indoor space is just part of the area allotted for the First Family.  The White House grounds occupy a plot of land encompassing 18 acres.  Fully fenced and well-guarded, this represents an expansive playground for the President and their pals.  Granted, these days, any important person of interest is tracked by Secret Service as soon as they set foot outside the private residence. 

The South Lawn is commonly used for large gatherings, especially in Washington, DC’s temperate summer months.  In typical governmental delegation fashion, there’s even an official position in the administration for such party planning.  The White House Social Secretary.

The grounds and gardens around the White House have evolved over time.  With no shortage of lawn and labor, the greenery has often been transformed, based on the whims and wishes of each Presidential party.  John Quincy Adams established the first, small flower garden; these days various varietals bloom throughout the grounds.  Andrew Johnson installed a pair of greenhouses, lengthening the growing season, and providing a relaxing, covered spot to enjoy nature.

The famous Rose Garden is located just outside the Oval Office.  This is a lovely and colorful backdrop, often used for official Presidential press engagements, in the summer months, when the various vibrant pedals are in full bloom. 

There’s an additional curated floral area, opposite the Rose Garden on the Lawn, which is equally curated and beautiful.  This alternate plot is unofficially dubbed the First Lady’s Garden, providing important symmetry both inside and outside the residence.

For athletic as opposed to arbor enthusiasts in the Presidential party, there’s no shortage of options: a bowling alley, jogging track, swimming pool, tennis court, and weightlifting gym, are all available on site.

An indoor pool was built inside the West Terrace, spanning between the White House and the West Wing, opening in 1933.  This aquatic center provided valuable as a soothing outlet for President Franklin Roosevelt to ease his pain from polio.

President Nixon covered up this pool in 1970, repurposing this space into a press room to satisfy the increasing demand for public news engagements.  An ironic move for a political player which often sought to manipulate the media, as evidence by his subsequent Watergate scandal impeachment.  5 years later, President Gerald Ford had an outdoor pool put it, reinstating aquatic enjoyment at the White House.

Other elements of the White House outdoor features have also evolved over times, based on the preferences of the incoming inhabitants.

A tennis hardcourt, used by many, that was recently adapted into a basketball court, by hoops aficionado Barack Obama.  A putting green, grass as opposed to synthetic, which went in and out of vogue.  Even a horseshoe pit, installed by Harry Truman, and reinstated by the more recent George Bush, a Texan with a penchant for tossing shoes. 

The final key element of the South Lawn is nature based, but still very functional.  This wide expanse of turf serves as the landing pad for Marine One, the official Presidential helicopter.  Rather than installing a permanent ring on the law, creating a visual eyesore on the green grass, the South Lawn uses a trio of rigid discs, which can be dropped down or picked up in a moment’s notice.

Whether the First Family is looking to exercise, escape, examine, energize, or evacuate, the White House grounds offer numerous opportunities.  [REF]

Modern Museum

Fittingly, the open to the public, living museum, nature of the White House started way can in 1805, with the election of Thomas Jefferson.  In these simpler times, many citizens in attendance to witness the inauguration simply followed the new President home from the event, where he regaled these randoms with life stories in the Blue Room.

For the initial 2 centuries of America’s existence, inaugurations were held on the White House lawn, with a parade of patrons stalking the incoming President.  There are entertaining anecdotes of drunken followers wandering the sacred grounds, especially under popular electees Andrew Jackson and Abraham Lincoln.

However, as the 1900’s approached, these hordes, often numbering in the tens of thousands, became too unruly to safely corral and control, even if most fans motives were benign.  Starting with President Grover Cleveland’s second term in 1893, the now traditional inauguration at the U.S. Capital building, with substantial viewing capacity along the National Mall, was established.

The West Wing, now of drama television lore, includes the Oval Office, and other important rooms for Executive Branch function, with very tight security throughout.  In contrast, the East Wing is now the entry point for public visitors to the White House, allowing the garden and outdoor family entertainment areas to be viewed.

Some internal sections of the White House are also open for the general public to tour free of charge.  This museum section pays homage to the various Presidential figures who have called this unique residence home during their term in office.

President Jefferson, a clear polymath, is also credited with providing this perk; while in office he created a showroom in the entrance hall highlighting flora, fauna, and artifacts native to America.  Similar displays have remained in various formats throughout the circuitous history of the White House. 

While security has certainly gotten stricter, there’s still an opportunity for any U.S. citizen to explore the residence where their elected leader lives.  At least the more innocuous portions of the space.  [REF]

Renovation Remunerations

Congress appropriates funds to each incoming Presidential family, allowing them to make updates to White House furnishings and décor which have become worn down or gone out of style.  This money is meant to cover improvements to both the private and public zones of the residence.

Back in 1800, a sum of $14k was allotted to the inaugural first couple, John and Abigail Adams.  This represents an impressive $350k tally in today’s inflation adjusted dollars; granted, they had an entire mansion to furnish.

In 1833, the amount was increased to $20k, coinciding with President Andrew Jackson’s 2nd term.  It was nearly a century before the stipend was raised, to $50k, coinciding with Calvin Coolidge’s inauguration.  If Presidents go over their budget, they can make up the difference with personal funds.  In this regard, there has been a wide disparity of discretionary financial resources amongst elected leaders over the years.

Several times, overzealous incoming wives have burned through their allotted budget frivolously: Elizabeth Monroe imported loads of furniture from France, while Mary Todd Lincoln bought expensive porcelain plates and crystal glasses from East Coast department stores.

Women aren’t the individuals to wreak havoc with their issued move-in stipend.  In 1881, Chester A. Arthur became President by default, after the assassination of James Garfield.  In addition to the leadership change, Garfield also completely overhauled the White House interior.  With a penchant for Victorian treatments, ornate stained-glass windows and embellished gold-film dishware was purchased, with most of the prior household furnishings being sold off on the cheap at auction.

These overzealous gaffs with regards to Presidential property led to important protocol adjustments during the 20th century.

The White House building and possessions within are now all treated as inalienable property, per a Congressional act in 1961.  An executive order by L.B.J continued this artifact protection, to establish the White House Preservation Committee in 1964.  First Ladies Rosalynn Carter in 1979, and Barbara Bush in 1990, continued to expand the endowment and trust funds, allowing preservation of the White House furnishings collection.

The White House archives keeps an extensive collection of items in climate-controlled storage, letting incoming Presidents pull from this custom inventory free of charge.  In many cases, new leaders select historical artifacts displayed by their political idols in prior periods, often signifying political party posturing.

Currently, as established in 1999 during President Clinton’s 2nd term, each incoming First Family receives $100k for White House remodeling, which they can spend as desired.  Private funds can also be used for decoration changes, provided the additions are approved by the Committee of Preservation.

Considering the incredible public persona of this iconic building, and the individuals who live within, most of the White House furnishings are understandably provided free or charge.  Any business marketing opportunity is immediately pounced on in this era of rampant American consumerism.  Which extends even to the most important and influential lineages of the United States.  [REF]

Move-In Machinations

Moving into the White House isn’t allowed until noon on January 20th, over 2 months after being elected.  All logistics must be handled in advance, with minimal knowledge of the physical space to be occupied.  However, all manner of pictures displaying the interior are provided to the incoming First Family, allowing premeditated layout planning.

The first 12 hours are simply used for the initial equipment swap.  Personal possessions for the incoming and exiting parties are transferred in and out simultaneously.  Each vacated room is quickly cleaned and painted, then refilled with new items.

Any more complicated upgrades to the White House interior décor occur well after the initial stressful day.  Like us commoners occupying a new space, it takes time to get fully unpacked and settled.

The new President must cover their own moving expenses to transfer possessions from their current accommodations to the White House.  Once delivered, an extensive staff of caretakers at this posh residence take inventory, then take charge.  Conveniently, new electees can pull from the available funds of their understandably happy political party, considering the recent election result.

The Inauguration Day address, parade, and subsequent festivities, occupy the First Family for most of their initial time in Washington, DC.  As a result, the Chief Usher back at the White House is responsible for smoothly executing the move out, and in, following written as opposed to verbal direction from both groups involved.

Each Presidential changeover represents a massive overhaul, regardless of the political leanings for exiting and incoming leaders.  Each new First Family wants to make their home personal, and instill a curated image of beneficial change to the general public.  To facilitate this makeover, upward of 500 folks work diligently to ensure the move-in is meticulous.

There are many random action items to take care of in the first week of residency: trying out the brand-new limousine, selecting a competent head chef, making contingency funeral plans, getting formal pictures taken.

These are certainly not the top checklist items for a normal couple moving their new apartment complex.  That said, there’s not much normal about being President of the United States, and residing in the White House.  [REF]

Since 1974, the U.S. Vice President has been placed in much more modest accommodations, located at #1 Observatory Circle, on the U.S. Navy Observatory grounds in Washington, DC.  This residence of 9,000 square feet still has plenty of room for every living, be it simple relaxing or formal hosting.  Located 3 miles from the White House, in a gated area with substantial military presence, this assigned site provides risk mitigation and redundant safety within the Executive Branch of the United States government.

Know Hows

Historical TV footage of Jackie Kennedy’s public residence tour.  [REF]

Sales listing for the White House replica in McLean, VA.  [REF]

Timeline of technological advancements in the White House.  [REF]

Photo montage of the differences between the Trump and Biden Oval Office furnishings.  [REF]

Image archive of unique possessions held by the Preservation Committee.  [REF]

Absurdly detailed schematic of the modern White House, with key rooms called out.  [REF]