New Homeowner Checklist: What To Do After Moving In

Olivia Elsher

Jun 30, 2021

new homeowner checklist

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The process of buying a home can be exhilarating and exhausting. As a new homeowner, there are a few actions you may want to consider taking in order to make the transition a little easier. There are a couple of things you should prioritize before getting fully settled in. Below is the ultimate moving checklist for new homeowners, before and after you officially relocate.

Pre-Move Checklist

When you finally settle on a new home, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of everything. You may find yourself picking out flowers for the front yard or light fixtures for your bathroom before taking care of necessities like updating your address or taking care of repairs. Here are five simple actions you can take before moving in so that you can focus on the fun stuff as soon as you get there.

1. Take Care of Repairs

After the home is inspected, make a detailed list of any possible repairs or maintenance items that you can address before moving in. While the extra cost may seem annoying at the time, it’s often worth it to go ahead and take care of repairs right away rather than waiting until after you move. Ripping out old carpet and putting in new windows are much easier tasks before you’ve settled into your home.

2. Set Up Utilities

The last thing you want to find out the week you move in is that you haven’t set up your utility services. Many utility companies have a lag time between when you set up an account and when services begin. You will want to begin researching how to set up utilities for your address weeks before your first night in the house.

3. Redirect Mail

Too many new homeowners move to their new address thinking they can wait a little bit before worrying about redirecting mail. However, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Your address is vital for many crucial items, such as insurance documents, bank account notices and health information. Be sure to notify the USPS as soon as possible so that they can begin forwarding mail to your new address.

4. Check Security and Alarms

Before moving in, make sure you check the security features in your new home. If the current system is not to your standards, consider replacing it before you move in. You will want to ensure that your home is the safest it can be before spending your first night there.

5. Change the Locks

Another safety precaution to take before moving in is changing the locks. Sometimes the previous owners will take care of this feature for you, but sometimes it can be hard to confirm. If you have any questions about how old the locks are, make sure you update them so you can feel confident you are the only one who has a key.

Post-Move Checklist

Congratulations! You are all moved into your new home. Perhaps a moving company helped unload furniture or you tried to do it all by hand. Regardless, you may be exhausted but oh-so-happy to be in your new space. Now that you are physically moved in, here are five steps to take before knocking out any walls or tearing up the bathroom floor.

1. Update Your Insurance

Updating your insurance is a crucial step for new homeowners. If you were previously renting, you will want to ensure that your rental insurance has not renewed, and make sure you have the right home insurance plan for your situation. You will also want to make sure all other forms of insurance have your updated address.

2. Deep Clean Appliances

Unless you hired cleaners prior to moving in, chances are good there are parts of your new home that are not as clean as you may like. This most likely includes appliances, such as your refrigerator, washer and dryer. Take some time to deep-clean all essential appliances so that they are squeaky clean before you bring home groceries or do a load of laundry.

3. Paint

Even if you are unsure what final paint colors you may want to use in each room, it’s not a bad idea to repaint everything white or another neutral tone. You may find that the previous homeowners had a colorful taste, in the form of a bright purple bathroom or green kitchen cabinets. Painting can help freshen up your whole house so that it’s a blank canvas when you decide on decorating plans later.

4. Plan Future Upgrades

As a new homeowner, you are probably already excited about the future changes you can make. You may be planning out a kitchen renovation in your head or wondering what kind of hardwood exists under the carpet. Whatever it may be, be sure to sit down and plan out all future upgrades. You just made a major financial investment by purchasing a house, so you will want to plan any future renovations in a way that is financially responsible.

5. Purchase Home Essentials

Last but not least, now is the time to make sure you have all of those easily forgotten necessities like lightbulbs, a plunger and trash cans. Take inventory of what items you already have, and make a detailed list of what items you may need to purchase. Remember to check out thrift stores or second-hand shops for home goods, as you may be able to find great options at affordable prices.

Moving Checklist for New Homeowners

Purchasing a new home can be a thrilling time, but it’s stressful, too. Moving it may take days or weeks, and the last thing you want to do is take time to update your address or set up utilities. However, as a new homeowner, making sure these simple actions are checked off before and right after moving in will ensure the transition to your new space is an easy one. Now it’s time to enjoy it. Congratulations on your new home, and good luck!

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