You did it! The day has finally come to move into your first home! After the excitement and pandemonium of moving day has passed, it’s time to get settled in your new home. It’s more than unpacking. Here are a few things you’ll want to tackle during the first week to cement your status as a homeowner.
First-time buyers can get into their new home faster when they don’t have to wait for carpets to be shampooed or take the time to do a deep cleaning of the home prior to move in day.
Why it matters: Getting organized early helps you avoid surprises, stay safe, and feel at home faster. It also sets you up for long-term success as a homeowner.
First Week in New Home Checklist
Set up essential services
Electricity, water, and gas should already be running. Now add internet, trash pickup, lawn care, and security systems if needed.
Change your address
Forward your mail with the USPS and update your info with banks, insurers, your employer, credit card companies, and service providers.
Learn your new home
Find your circuit breaker and water shutoff valves now – before you need them. Check near major appliances and fixtures.
Prioritize safety
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If construction locks weren’t rekeyed at closing, replace them. You don’t know who still has a key.
Organize your paperwork
Create a safe space for closing docs, warranties, and manuals. Knowing what’s covered – and for how long – will save you time later.
Review HOA rules
If you’re in an HOA, read the guidelines. They’ll tell you what’s allowed in terms of yard work, exterior changes, and more.
Shop smart
You’ll likely need essentials like tools, hoses, lawn care gear, or a snow shovel, depending on your climate. Don’t forget the basics.
Meet your neighborhood
Introduce yourself to the neighbors, find local stores, map your commute, and look up nearby doctors, emergency contacts, and handymen. Consider having a housewarming party to keep you on task with unpacking and organizing.
The bottom line
The first week is about more than settling in – it’s your chance to take control of your space, your schedule, and your new life at home.
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Sarah Kinbar
Sarah Kinbar is a writer and editor with a passion for design and images. She was the editor of Garden Design magazine, curating coverage of residential gardens around the globe. As the editor of American Photo, Kinbar worked with photographers of every genre to create a magazine that told the story of the photographer's journey. She has been writing about architecture, landscape design and new-home construction for NewHomeSource since 2012. During that time, she founded Kinship Design Marketing, a boutique agency that provides content for website redesigns, blogs, inbound marketing campaigns and eNewsletters.