New Homeowner Guide
Buying a home is exciting - and overwhelming. Our timeline-based checklists tell you exactly what to do and when, from the day you close through your entire first year.
Your First-Year Timeline
We've organized everything by when you need to do it. Start with the stage that matches where you are right now.
Stage 1 • Closing to Move Day
Before You Move In
Essential tasks between closing and moving day. Change locks, transfer utilities, deep clean, and set yourself up for a smooth move.
Top Tasks
- Change all the locks
- Transfer utilities to your name
- Deep clean before furniture arrives
- Document the home's condition
Stage 2 • Days 1-7
First Week Essentials
Safety first, then comfort. Locate shutoffs, test detectors, secure the home, and handle the essentials while you unpack.
Top Tasks
- Locate water, gas & electrical shutoffs
- Test smoke & CO detectors
- Check all door and window locks
- Introduce yourself to neighbors
Stage 3 • Days 8-30
First Month Priorities
Get settled and learn your home. Understand your systems, establish maintenance routines, and make it feel like yours.
Top Tasks
- Learn your HVAC system
- Find your water heater & set temperature
- Change HVAC filters
- Create a home maintenance binder
Stage 4 • Months 2-12
First Year Checklist
Seasonal maintenance, deeper projects, and building long-term habits. By year's end, you'll know your home inside and out.
Top Tasks
- Seasonal maintenance tasks
- Service major systems (HVAC, water heater)
- Inspect roof and gutters
- Build your contractor network
Common New Homeowner Mistakes
Learn from others' experiences - here's what NOT to do
Not changing the locks immediately
You don't know who has copies of the old keys - previous owners, contractors, neighbors, real estate agents.
Change or rekey all exterior locks before moving in or on day one.
Skipping the deep clean
Much easier to clean an empty house than work around furniture. Plus, you'll find issues.
Deep clean everything before the moving truck arrives.
Not locating shutoffs
In an emergency, seconds matter. A burst pipe can cause thousands in damage per hour.
First week: locate and label water main, gas shutoff, and electrical panel.
Ignoring the HVAC filter
Dirty filters reduce efficiency, increase bills, and can damage your system.
Check and change filters monthly for the first few months to establish a baseline.
Big renovations right away
You don't know the house yet. Live in it first to understand what you actually need.
Wait 6-12 months before major renovations (unless something is broken).
Not documenting everything
Warranty claims, insurance, taxes - all need documentation you won't remember later.
Photograph everything, save all receipts, create a home binder.
Quick Start Guides
Jump directly to the most important tasks
Want a Printable Checklist?
Each stage page includes a printer-friendly version you can check off as you go. Perfect for keeping on your fridge or in your home binder.
Start with Before Move-InFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions from new homeowners
What's the first thing I should do after closing on a house?
Change all the locks. You have no idea how many people have keys to your new home - previous owners, their family, contractors, cleaning services, real estate agents, neighbors. Either replace the locks entirely or have them rekeyed by a locksmith (usually $15-25 per lock). Do this before moving in if possible.
How do I transfer utilities to my name?
Contact each utility provider (electric, gas, water, trash, internet) 1-2 weeks before closing. You'll need your closing date, new address, and sometimes the previous owner's account number (your real estate agent can help). Schedule transfers for your closing date to avoid any gap in service.
What should I do before moving furniture in?
Deep clean everything while the house is empty - it's much easier without furniture. Check for any damage or issues you missed during inspection. Change the locks. Paint any rooms you want painted (empty rooms are 10x easier). Clean carpets professionally. Replace toilet seats. Check that all smoke detectors work.
How do I find the water shutoff valve?
Main shutoffs are typically near the street (in a ground box), in the basement near the front foundation wall, in the garage, or in a utility closet. There should also be individual shutoffs under sinks and behind toilets. Test the main shutoff to make sure it works - old valves can seize up.
What maintenance should I do in the first month?
Change HVAC filters, check water heater temperature (120°F is ideal), test all GFCI outlets, check under sinks for leaks, test garage door auto-reverse, clean dryer vent, inspect caulk around tubs/showers, and start a home maintenance binder with all your documentation.
When should I start renovating my new home?
Unless something is broken or a safety hazard, wait 6-12 months before major renovations. You need to live in the space to understand how you actually use it. That kitchen layout you thought you hated might work fine. That bedroom you planned to convert might be perfect as-is. Live first, then decide.