New Homeowner Checklist: Everything to Do When You Move In

Change the locks. You have no idea how many copies of the old keys are floating around... the previous owners, their family, their dog walker, their cleaning service, that neighbor who watered the plants. A locksmith can re-key all exterior doors for $100-$200, or you can buy new lock sets and install them yourself for $50-$100.

Locate the main water shut-off valve. If a pipe bursts at 2 AM, you need to know where this is without Googling it. It's usually in the basement, crawl space, or near the street. Turn it off and on once to make sure it works.

Locate the electrical panel. Know where the main breaker is and which breakers control which circuits. The panel should have a label inside the door... if it doesn't, mapping the circuits is a weekend project worth doing soon.

Locate the gas shut-off valve (if applicable). It's at the gas meter, usually on the exterior wall. You'll need a wrench to turn it.

Test all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries in every one, even if they seem fine. Replace any detector older than 10 years (smoke) or 7 years (CO). This costs $20-$50 per detector and could save your life.

Check that fire extinguishers are present (kitchen, garage, near bedrooms) and not expired. A basic extinguisher is $25-$40.

Transfer all utilities into your name if you haven't already (electric, gas, water, sewer, trash, internet).

Change the HVAC air filter. The previous owner probably didn't change it before leaving, and it might be months overdue. This is a $10-$30 item that protects a $3,000-$7,000 system.

Set the water heater to 120-degrees F. Many are set to 140-degrees F from the factory, which wastes energy and risks scalding. The dial is on the front of gas water heaters or behind an access panel on electric ones.

Test the garage door auto-reverse. Place a 2x4 on the floor under the door and close it. The door should reverse when it contacts the wood. If it doesn't, the safety sensors need adjustment. This is a safety issue, especially if you have kids.

Update your address with the post office, bank, employer, DMV, insurance companies, subscriptions, and anywhere else that mails you things.

Introduce yourself to the neighbors. This isn't just polite... neighbors who know you are more likely to report suspicious activity and help in emergencies. Ask them about trash day, any neighborhood quirks, and whether they know anything useful about the house's history.

Schedule an HVAC tune-up ($80-$150) if one hasn't been done in the past year. The home inspector checked that the system works, but a tune-up catches efficiency issues and minor problems before they become expensive failures. Plus, many HVAC warranties require annual maintenance.

Inspect the attic. Look for signs of roof leaks (water stains, daylight through the roof deck), adequate insulation (should be at least 10" deep), and proper ventilation (soffit vents not blocked by insulation). Also check for animal droppings or nests.

Inspect the crawl space or basement. Look for moisture, standing water, mold, pest evidence, and any exposed wiring or plumbing issues. This is the stuff the home inspector found once... now it's your responsibility to monitor.

Flush the water heater. Connect a garden hose to the drain valve and flush until the water runs clear. This removes sediment that reduces efficiency and shortens the tank's life. Takes 20 minutes.

Program the thermostat. If there's no programmable or smart thermostat, install one ($25-$250). Setting the temperature back 7-10 degrees while you're at work and sleeping saves 10% on heating and cooling costs.

Test all GFCI outlets (the ones with the Test/Reset buttons, found in bathrooms, kitchen, garage, and exterior). Press Test... the outlet should click off. Press Reset to restore power. Replace any that don't trip.

Start a home maintenance calendar. Set recurring reminders for: - HVAC filter changes (every 1-3 months) - Smoke/CO detector battery changes (every 6 months) - Gutter cleaning (spring and fall) - HVAC tune-up (annually) - Water heater flush (annually)

Build a basic tool kit if you don't have one. Must-haves: drill/driver, hammer, tape measure, level, pliers, adjustable wrench, screwdriver set, stud finder, utility knife, flashlight, and a plunger (you'll need this before you need anything else).

Create a home file. Keep all your closing documents, warranties, appliance manuals, paint colors, receipts for improvements, and contractor contact information in one place. A physical folder and a digital backup. Future you will be very grateful.

Get a home warranty if the seller didn't provide one and your major systems are aging. A home warranty ($300-$600/year) covers repairs to appliances and systems like the HVAC, water heater, and electrical. It's most valuable in the first year when you don't yet know what might break.

Learn where the clean-out access is for your main sewer line. If you ever get a sewer backup, the plumber needs access to this. It's usually a capped pipe in the basement, crawl space, or yard.

Before summer: service the AC (if not done during the HVAC tune-up), clean the outdoor condenser unit (spray it down with a hose), check that ceiling fans spin counterclockwise in summer (pushes air down), and test sprinkler systems.

Before winter: have the furnace inspected and cleaned, clean gutters and downspouts, check weatherstripping on exterior doors and windows, insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas (crawl space, garage, attic), know how to shut off outdoor faucets and drain hose bibs if you live where it freezes.

During any season: walk the exterior of the house and look for issues. Cracks in the foundation, gaps around windows and doors, damaged siding, missing caulk, peeling paint. Catching small problems early prevents expensive damage later.

Check the grading around the foundation. Soil should slope away from the house so water drains away, not toward the foundation. If you see pooling water near the foundation after rain, re-grade the soil or extend downspouts to direct water further from the house.

Understand your property tax assessment. Review the assessed value and make sure it's reasonable. If the assessment seems high compared to your purchase price, you may be able to appeal and lower your tax bill.

Review your homeowner's insurance policy. Make sure coverage limits reflect the actual replacement cost of your home (not the purchase price or market value). Understand what's covered and what's excluded. Common exclusions that surprise people: flood damage, sewer backup, and foundation issues.

Build an emergency fund for home repairs. Budget $1-$3 per square foot per year for maintenance and repairs. For a 2,000 sq ft home, that's $2,000-$6,000/year. The first year is usually cheaper because problems haven't had time to develop... but a furnace or water heater doesn't care how long you've owned the house.

Make a priority list of improvements. After living in the house for a year, you'll know what actually bothers you vs. what seemed important during the home search. Prioritize improvements by ROI and livability impact, not by what looks exciting on Pinterest.

Change HVAC filters on schedule. This is the single most important recurring maintenance task. A dirty filter strains the system, increases energy bills, and shortens the equipment's lifespan.

Keep gutters clean. Clogged gutters cause water to overflow and pool near the foundation, leading to basement leaks, foundation damage, and landscaping erosion.

Address water issues immediately. A small leak is a cheap fix. A small leak that goes unnoticed for 6 months becomes mold, rot, and structural damage... a $10,000+ problem.

Document everything. Keep receipts for all repairs and improvements. Take photos before and after. This helps with insurance claims, tax records (some improvements increase your cost basis), and future home sale negotiations.

The house doesn't care if you're busy or tired. Deferred maintenance always costs more than proactive maintenance. Set the reminders, build the habits, and your home will serve you well for years.