Just Moved In? 11 Things to Do Right Away

You just moved into a new home—congratulations! Now that the moving truck is unloaded, you probably have a million things to do before getting settled. Prioritize your list by focusing on these timely tasks first.

By Katelin Hill | Published Jul 09, 2018 06:40 PM

Locate and Label Your Breaker Box

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How to Locate Breaker Box

Don’t get caught in the dark during a power outage! Soon after moving in, homeowners should locate their circuit breaker panel and label each switch, if this hasn't already been done.


Related: 7 Things You Need to Know About Your Home

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Check Smoke Detectors

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How to Check Smoke Detectors

Don’t assume your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors have plenty of battery life. Clean and test these crucial safety components as soon as possible, and replace any defunct alarms with brand-new ones.

Related: 10 Things Your Local Fire Department Wishes You Knew

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Change the Locks

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Change the Locks in a New Home

There’s no telling who already has a key to your newly acquired home. Remember, the previous owners may have given spare copies to an assortment of friends and relatives. Stay safe by having all locks rekeyed after moving in, or take the opportunity to replace the hardware altogether.


Related: 7 Signs Starter Homes May Be a Thing of the Past

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Update Your Address

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How to Change Address with Post Office

If you didn't take care of this before you packed up, change your address with the United States Postal Service to ensure that your mail makes it to your new home. Also alert your bank, cellphone provider, and other service companies about your new mailing address; otherwise, you might not receive your monthly bills.


Related: 9 Things First-Time Homeowners Don't Know to Do

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Do a Deep Clean

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How to Clean a New House

It might be tempting to start unpacking ASAP, but homeowners should deep clean the property before unloading boxes. Sweep and mop the floors, wipe down counters and cabinet shelves, and sterilize the bathroom from top to bottom.


Related: 11 Packing Tips & Tricks for a Smooth Move

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Make a Homeowner’s Manual

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What To Include in a Homeowner’s Manual

When you move into a new home, you usually begin to accumulate lots of important paperwork, such as contractor repair records and warranties for appliances. Start a binder to compile all this information in one handy place.


Related: 7 Documents You're Probably Forgetting to Shred

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Inspect the Property

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Walk Through a New Home

Though you probably had the house inspected during negotiations, consider conducting your own inspection before furnishing the living space. You might discover hidden mold, crumbling caulk, sticky doors, or wobbly deck planks—all of which can be fixed through DIY repairs.


Related: 21 Brilliant Hacks for Everyday Home Repairs

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Have Your Utilities Connected

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How to Connect Utilities

Of course, every new homeowner needs to set up basic utilities—electricity, natural gas, and water—plus any applicable extras like cable, internet, trash collection, and lawn care. It's best to contact the necessary utility companies two weeks before you move into your new home to ensure that you don't experience a gap in service.


Related: 7 Things to Buy If You Want to Spend Less on Bills

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Replace Air Filters

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How to Replace Air Filters

Ideally, homeowners should replace air filters four times per year—so there’s a good chance the filters in your new home are ripe for a change. Replace them when you move in, and you'll breathe more easily in your new place.


Related: 7 Reasons Indoor Air Isn’t as Pure as You Think

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Prepare for Emergencies

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Fire Extinguishers for New House

You should have at least one fire extinguisher on every level of the house, so pick up a few right after you move into your new place. As another safety measure, you should draft a fire escape plan for your family in case of emergency.


Related: 14 Bad Habits That Could Burn Down Your House

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Meet the Neighbors

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How to Meet Your Neighbors

It’s easy to get caught up in the stress of moving day, but if you see any of your new neighbors out and about, say hello. Not only will this make a great first impression, it will also give you the opportunity to ask about the area.


Related: 11 Selfish Reasons to Make Friends with Your Neighbors

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Turning A House Into A Home

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Turning A House Into A Home

A little short term planning can make a big difference in your long term happiness.

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