New home checklist: 5 essential things to do when moving in

Congratulations! You’re a new homeowner. But what happens now? Whether this is your first experience with homeownership or you sign closing contracts like a celebrity signs autographs, moving into a new-to-you home is an exciting time.

If you are a first-timer, then just know there are quite literally a few housekeeping items to take care of after leaving the closing table.

To help ease the stress, we’ve prepared a New Homeowner Checklist of essential tasks to take care of as you begin moving and settling in. While this list isn’t exhaustive, it will help you get a great jump start on making your new house a home.

1. Set up utilities and services

First things first on the new homeowner checklist: You’ll need the basics like electricity, water, gas, heat, and internet service. You’ll want to coordinate the setup and activation of your utilities and services according to your move-in timeline.

Your real estate professional can assist with the right timing, or perhaps your building manager if you’re purchasing a new construction home.

For example, you may want your gas, water, and electric services turned on right away so you can clean, paint, or move large furniture in comfort before your actual move-in day.

Other services, like internet, cable, and garbage disposal, can be set up either on or shortly after your move-in date. If you require outdoor maintenance, like lawn or pool care, this can be scheduled at your convenience or when the appropriate season arrives.

If you’re relocating within your utility provider’s current service area and you want to stick with them, then call your provider a few weeks before your move to give them your transfer information. If you’re moving to a location that requires you to switch providers, call the company or visit their website for instructions on activating a new service.

2. Test out essential home features

Home inspections are the second item on the new homeowner checklist. Usually home inspections aren’t required for a mortgage loan. But when home inspections are performed, nearly 90% expose the need for at least one repair.

If an inspection was not completed when you purchased, testing out your home’s essential features can quickly uncover issues that may require a professional evaluation. Before you start planning cosmetic updates, take a moment to ensure no functional repairs are needed.

When giving your home a thorough walkthrough, make sure you (or a hired professional) check the following:

• Water pressure regulator and heater
• Pipes, draining systems, and sink aerators
• Bathroom appliances (showerhead, toilet, caulking)
• Electrical outlets and lighting
• Thermostat
• HVAC and furnace filters
• Dryer vent and hose
• Kitchen appliances (garbage disposal, dishwasher, refrigerator)
• Smoke, carbon monoxide, and radon detectors
• Roofing, siding, and gutters

3. Switch out all your locks

As a new homeowner, updating the locks is an important safety precaution. If you continue using the same key handed over on your closing date, you’re likely using the same key used by the previous owner — and maybe even the owner before them!

Without swapping out locks, you may never know who still has access to your new home. For instance, prior nannies, gardeners, housekeepers, or dog walkers may have been given keys.

Make sure every lock gets replaced, including the front, back, and side entrance doors. And don’t forget to set new codes on any smart doorbells and garage openers.

A house is burglarized every 26 seconds in the U.S. But swapping your locks is an easy way to protect your family, possessions, and new investment.

For owners of new construction homes, your building manager should show you how to toggle or “activate” the door lock that disables their master access keys.

4. Update your new mailing address

The fourth item on our checklist for new homeowners is updating your mail address to your new home. The U.S. Postal Service processes and delivers 167.3 million pieces of First-Class Mail every single day. Unfortunately, not all of it makes it to the correct mailbox. A likely cause of many items being delivered to the wrong location is former owners who have forgotten to update their information.

Think for a moment about how many family members, friends, businesses, and institutions have your mailing address. If you need help putting a list together, here are a few to get you started:

Financial accounts

You don’t want sensitive financial documents falling into the wrong hands. So, update your address with your bank, credit card companies (both general and retail cards), and lenders as soon as possible.

You’ll also want to notify your employer so your W-2 form doesn’t end up at your prior address.

Finally, make sure all insurance policies (life, mortgage, health, and auto) receive your new contact information.

Government accounts

All 50 U.S. states require you to report all address changes, typically within 30 days. Failing to update your license or registration is even a crime in several states. (Yikes!) Luckily, the process is fairly straightforward, though it varies by location. Find your state’s DMV information to learn more.

You can also change your address with the Social Security Administration on their website and sign up for an account, where you can update your information at any time.

And don’t forget about your voter registration information. Every state makes its own voting rules, so there’s no single process for changing your address on your voter’s card. Review your state’s protocol to see if an online update is possible.

Memberships

Updating your memberships ensures you’ll receive information from organizations you care about. Everyone’s membership list will be different, but yours might include:

• Professional associations
• Gym
• Religious institution
• Volunteer organizations
• Retail reward programs
• Other extracurricular activities

Services

This includes any professional service provider you currently use or even have used in the past (assuming you want them to be able to reach you moving forward). Here are a few possibilities:

• Doctors
• Lawyers
• Accountants
• Childcare

5. Deep clean and handle repairs

The last thing you want to do after searching for a home, putting in an offer, working your way through the closing process, and then packing up all your belongings is clean your new place. But by taking the time to tidy up and make repairs beforehand, you’ll be able to settle in without a nagging to-do list that’s out of order.

Putting up wall art? Get the walls painted first. Is your new furniture arriving next week? Now’s the time to clean the carpets. Is tonight the first night in your new home? Make sure it’s not just visibly clean but also a healthy and sanitized environment to start making your own.

And while it’s great to take a DIY approach, don’t be afraid to call in a professional or two. It may stretch your budget a bit, but bringing your home up to speed in record time (not to mention the experience and skill a professional brings to the project) can make the added cost well worth it.

Additional Considerations for New Homeowners

As a new homeowner, there are a few additional things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth transition into your new residence:

Budgeting for Home Maintenance

Homeownership comes with its own expenses, so it's recommended that you budget for regular maintenance and unexpected repairs. Financial experts typically recommend setting aside 1% to 3% of your home's purchase price annually for maintenance.

Understanding Your Homeowner's Insurance Policy

Your insurance policy should cover the cost to replace your home and belongings damaged or destroyed. If you live in an area prone to floods or earthquakes, consider additional coverage.

Identifying Your Property Boundaries

Knowing where your property lines are can help prevent neighbors' disputes and be useful when planning home improvements or landscaping projects. In addition, this information can come in handy when following local zoning laws, which may restrict certain activities or constructions to specific areas within your property.

Planning for Future Home Improvements

If you plan on making improvements to your home, it's a good idea to start planning and budgeting early. This can help you ensure that you have the funds available when you're ready to start your project.

Preparing for Emergencies

Ensure you have a plan in place for emergencies. This includes knowing the quickest route to the nearest hospital, having important phone numbers on hand, and keeping a well-stocked first-aid kit in your home.

Setting Up a Home Safety Plan

In addition to preparing for emergencies, it's also essential to have a home safety plan. This includes:

• Regularly testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Having a fire escape plan.
• Securing your home against potential break-ins.

Remember, becoming a homeowner is a big responsibility, but with careful planning and consideration, it can also be a rewarding experience.

Go from stressed to settled in less time

Moving is a big deal. With a bit of determination and a handy guide, you can confidently check off each task and start enjoying your new home without the worry that you’ve forgotten something.