First Month Priorities
You're past survival mode. Now it's time to establish routines, understand your home's systems, and start making it truly yours. These tasks set you up for years of successful homeownership.
Must Do
Foundation for long-term homeownership
Finish Unpacking (For Real)
Those boxes in the corner aren't going to unpack themselves. Set a deadline and stick to it. If you haven't unpacked it in a month, you might not need it.
- Set aside dedicated unpacking time each weekend
- Tackle one room or area at a time completely
- Break down and recycle all boxes
- If you haven't opened a box yet, consider donating contents
- Find a home for everything - no piles allowed
Schedule HVAC Professional Service
Even if the inspection looked good, have a professional service your HVAC system. This establishes a baseline and catches issues early.
- Schedule with a licensed HVAC contractor
- Have both heating and cooling systems checked
- Ask about duct cleaning if previous owners had pets
- Get a maintenance plan recommendation
- Ask about smart thermostat options if you don't have one
Check Water Heater Settings
Water heater is often set too hot (scalding risk) or too low (bacteria risk). 120°F is the recommended setting.
- Locate temperature dial (usually behind access panel)
- Set to 120°F or 'warm' setting
- This prevents scalding and saves energy
- Check age of water heater (lifespan is 10-15 years)
- Drain a few gallons to flush sediment if it's been a while
Inspect and Clean Gutters
Clogged gutters cause water damage, foundation issues, and roof problems. Check them before the next big rain.
- Clear all debris from gutters and downspouts
- Check that downspouts direct water away from foundation
- Look for any leaks or sagging sections
- Consider gutter guards if lots of trees nearby
- Plan to clean twice yearly (spring and fall)
Test All GFCI Outlets
GFCI outlets prevent electrical shock in wet areas. Test monthly, but definitely test them now to make sure they work.
- Find all GFCI outlets (bathrooms, kitchen, garage, outdoor)
- Press TEST button - outlet should turn off
- Press RESET to restore power
- If TEST doesn't work, replace the outlet
- This takes 2 minutes but could save your life
Create a Home Maintenance Calendar
Your home needs regular maintenance. Set up reminders now so you don't forget later.
- Monthly: Test smoke/CO detectors, check HVAC filters
- Quarterly: Run water in unused drains, check fire extinguisher
- Twice yearly: Clean gutters, service HVAC
- Annually: Inspect roof, drain water heater, check grout/caulk
- Use your phone calendar or a home maintenance app
Should Do
Important for maintaining your investment
Build Your Contractor Contacts
When something breaks at 10pm, you don't want to be searching for a plumber. Build your list now.
- Ask neighbors for recommendations
- Find: plumber, electrician, HVAC tech, handyman
- Get multiple quotes for any work over $500
- Check licenses and insurance
- Save contacts in your phone with clear labels
Check Attic Insulation
Poor insulation means high energy bills. Take a look before your first heating or cooling season.
- Access your attic safely (wear a mask)
- Insulation should cover joists completely (10-14 inches deep)
- Look for gaps, compressed areas, or moisture
- Check around attic access door - often poorly sealed
- If inadequate, this is a high-ROI upgrade
Inspect Caulk and Grout
Failed caulk and grout lets water into places it shouldn't go. Check bathrooms, kitchen, and windows.
- Look for cracked, peeling, or missing caulk around tubs/showers
- Check grout between tiles for cracks or gaps
- Inspect caulk around sinks and toilets
- Check window seals inside and out
- Re-caulk any problem areas ($5 tube + 30 minutes)
Learn Your Landscape
What's planted in your yard? When does it bloom? What needs pruning? Spend time understanding what you have.
- Identify major plants, trees, and shrubs
- Note what's currently blooming or fruiting
- Check irrigation system (if present) and learn controls
- Identify any plants too close to foundation (move them)
- Plan for seasonal needs (fall leaves, spring mulching)
Optimize Closet and Storage
Now that you've unpacked, you can see what storage solutions you need. Don't buy anything until you've lived here a month.
- Assess what's working and what's not
- Add shelving where needed (closets, garage, pantry)
- Consider closet systems for primary closet
- Use vertical space in garage and storage areas
- Label everything for easy finding
Deep Clean Major Appliances
Your appliances deserve more than a surface wipe. Deep clean them to extend their life and improve performance.
- Refrigerator: Pull out, clean coils underneath, clean inside
- Dishwasher: Clean filter, run with dishwasher cleaner
- Washing machine: Run cleaning cycle, wipe gasket
- Oven: Run self-clean cycle or scrub manually
- Dryer: Clean lint trap housing with vacuum
Check Drainage After Rain
The next time it rains, go outside and watch where water goes. Drainage problems cause foundation damage.
- Watch for water pooling near foundation
- Check that downspouts discharge away from house
- Look for erosion patterns
- Ground should slope away from house on all sides
- Address any pooling with grading or drain solutions
Implement Pest Prevention
It's easier to prevent pests than evict them. Take basic preventive steps now.
- Seal gaps around pipes under sinks
- Install door sweeps if daylight visible under exterior doors
- Keep food in sealed containers
- Fix any moisture issues (pests love water)
- Keep firewood away from house
- Consider quarterly perimeter treatment
Register Warranties and Products
Those appliances came with warranty cards. Register them now while you remember.
- Gather model numbers for all major appliances
- Register online for each manufacturer
- Keep receipts for any new purchases
- Create a folder (digital or physical) for warranties
- Note expiration dates in your calendar
Create Home Inventory for Insurance
If disaster strikes, can you remember everything you own? Document it now for insurance claims.
- Video walkthrough of every room, opening drawers/closets
- List major items with estimated values
- Save receipts for expensive items
- Store inventory in cloud storage (survives house fire)
- Update annually or after major purchases
Nice to Do
Make it home
Start Personalizing
You've handled the practical stuff. Now make it feel like home.
- Hang art and photos
- Add plants to bring life to rooms
- Set up your favorite cozy spots
- Add personal touches to each room
- Don't rush - let your style evolve over time
Explore Your New Neighborhood
You live here now. Get to know the area beyond just your commute.
- Walk different routes through the neighborhood
- Find the nearest grocery stores, pharmacies, hardware stores
- Locate parks, trails, community centers
- Try local restaurants and coffee shops
- Introduce yourself to more neighbors
Build a Home Emergency Kit
Power outage? Water shutoff? Natural disaster? Be prepared for common emergencies.
- Flashlights and batteries
- First aid kit
- Bottled water (1 gallon per person per day for 3 days)
- Non-perishable food and manual can opener
- Battery-powered or hand-crank radio
- Keep in accessible location
Review Your Home Budget
A month in, you have real data on your housing costs. Review and adjust your budget.
- Track actual utility costs vs. estimates
- Account for any unexpected repairs
- Set up a home maintenance fund (1-2% of home value annually)
- Review mortgage statement for accuracy
- Plan for known upcoming expenses
Final Stage
First Year Checklist
Seasonal maintenance and long-term planning.