First-Time Homeowner Checklist: What to Do After Closing
Congratulations on your new home! The excitement of getting the keys is quickly followed by the reality of everything that needs to happen. This checklist ensures you cover the critical items in the right order.
Week 1: Security & Utilities
Your immediate priorities are securing the home and getting essential services running.
- Change all exterior locks and garage codes immediately
- Set up utilities: electricity, gas, water, sewer, trash
- Transfer or set up internet and cable service
- Update your address with USPS, bank, employer, insurance, DMV
- Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms — replace batteries
- Locate the main water shutoff, electrical panel, and gas shutoff
Week 2: Insurance & Documents
Make sure your home and belongings are properly protected before you start moving things in.
- Verify homeowner's insurance is active and coverage is adequate
- Create a home inventory (use PAMKIT to scan and document everything)
- Store closing documents, deed, and title in a secure digital vault
- Review your mortgage details: payment amount, due date, escrow
- Set up automatic mortgage payments to avoid late fees
Week 3-4: Systems & Maintenance
Get to know your home's systems and establish a maintenance routine.
- Schedule HVAC inspection and servicing
- Replace HVAC filters
- Inspect and clean gutters
- Check water heater age and condition
- Test all appliances and note any issues
- Register all appliances with manufacturers for warranty coverage
- Schedule pest inspection
Month 2-3: Organization & Planning
With the urgent items handled, focus on long-term organization and financial planning.
- Set up a home maintenance calendar with seasonal tasks
- Create a home improvement budget and priority list
- Organize all manuals, warranties, and receipts digitally
- Research and select preferred contractors (plumber, electrician, HVAC)
- Review property tax assessment and appeal if needed
- Understand your homeowner tax deductions (mortgage interest, property tax)
Checklist
- Change all locks and garage codes
- Set up all utilities and services
- Update address everywhere
- Test smoke detectors and CO alarms
- Locate water, electrical, and gas shutoffs
- Verify homeowner's insurance coverage
- Create a complete home inventory
- Store closing documents securely
- Set up automatic mortgage payments
- Service HVAC and replace filters
- Register all appliances with manufacturers
- Inspect water heater and major systems
- Set up a maintenance calendar
- Organize all documents digitally
- Research and save contractor contacts