GET STARTED WITH YOUR NEW HOME
Moving into a new home is exciting but can also feel overwhelming. This guide highlights the key steps for your first days, weeks, and year – so you can settle in with confidence while keeping your home in great condition.
Day One: Welcome Home
- Garage Keypad: Clear preset code and set a personal code, if applicable.
- Watering: Begin daily lawn watering, if applicable.
- Ventilation Fans: Confirm fans are running continuously.
- Utilities: Set up trash, internet/cable, and other services.
- Change of Address: Notify the postal service, banks, credit cards, and other important contacts.
Weeks 1-4: Finding Your Routine
- Appliances: Register with manufacturer.
- 30-Day Check-In: Prepare to submit questions or concerns.
- Lawn & Landscape: Consider a professional treatment plan.
- Community: Meet neighbors and get connected.
- Local Services: Identify nearby essentials (hospitals, pharmacies, groceries) and keep a contact list for emergencies and utilities.
- Community Guidelines: If your home is part of an HOA, review rules and responsibilities.
- Document Storage: Organize and safely store important home documents (warranties, manuals, contracts, etc.).
- Watering: Continue daily lawn watering for 3-5 weeks.
- Furnace Filter: Install a new filter (MERV 8 or lower).
- Dehumidifier: Install and set up.
- Mowing: Begin once grass reaches 3 inches.
- Maintenance Schedule: Create a routine (furnace filter, sump pump, smoke detectors, etc.).
- Homeowner Manual: Review the manual and Limited Warranty.
- Mechanicals: Revisit and familiarize yourself with shut-off valves, GFCI resets, and other key components.
Year One: Making It Yours
- 11-Month Check-In: Prepare to submit questions or concerns.
- Lawn: Overseed and spot repair as needed.
- Annual Maintenance: Complete seasonal and yearly maintenance tasks.