New Home Checklist: 7 Essential First Week Tasks

New Home Checklist: 7 Essential First Week Tasks

Congratulations, you’ve bought a house! Purchasing the home you want is exciting. We’re here to help you minimize the inevitable stress of moving. After planning a move for months and diligently doing all the packing, prepping, and logistics, many people moving into a new home find themselves at a loss about their next steps.

Settling in takes time, and it's easy to procrastinate tasks that should be handled during the first week. Luckily, we've compiled a convenient new home checklist to help you stay organized and reduce stress.

We'll discuss these seven essential first-week tasks:

1. Transfer utilities and services to your name
2. Schedule installers for new tech or appliances
3. Inform the postal service and forward your mail
4. Change your locks
5. Update your address with services and institutions
6. Set aside emergency items
7. Follow up on deposits

1. Transfer Utilities and Services to Your Name

This task can cause major headaches if delayed. Many utility providers track usage closely and have limited ability to backdate changes. Failing to transfer services immediately may leave you responsible for someone else's usage - or vice versa.

Utilities and services to remember include:

• Gas or propane
• Electricity
• Internet
• Water
• Trash and recycling
• TV
• Phone

2. Schedule Installers for New Tech and Appliances

This is one task many homeowners delay - only to regret it later. Internet, TV, and appliance installers often book out weeks in advance. Scheduling these appointments as early as possible ensures you can settle in without unnecessary disruption.

Moving in is also the easiest time to replace appliances or install smart home features like security systems, cameras, or smart thermostats. Handling these upgrades immediately helps you avoid working around boxes and furniture later.

3. Inform the Postal Service and Forward Your Mail

Relying on the new occupants of your old home to forward your mail is risky. Missing mail can lead to serious issues - especially when it involves financial documents, tax records, or sensitive personal information.

You can change your address easily through
the USPS website. Mail forwarding lasts 12 months and can be scheduled up to three months before your move or 30 days after.

4. Change Your Locks

Changing your locks immediately is essential. Previous homeowners, real estate agents, or contractors may still have copies of your keys. You have no way of knowing how many exist or who has them.

Many new homes include a home warranty that covers lock changes in the first year. Take advantage of this service and secure your home right away.

5. Update Your Address With Services and Institutions

Beyond utilities, you'll need to update your address with banks, credit card companies, subscription services, and government agencies. Mail forwarding helps temporarily - but it's not permanent.

Agencies like the DMV often require address changes within a specific timeframe. Handling this during your first week prevents future complications and potential penalties.

6. Set Aside Emergency Items

After a move, it's common not to know where everything is. Prepare for the unexpected by setting aside emergency essentials immediately.

Items like flashlights, batteries, water, and basic tools should be easy to access. Families with children may also want comfort items readily available.

7. Follow Up on Deposits

You may be owed security or utility deposits from your previous home. Even if there's no reason for concern, following up early helps ensure your money doesn't get lost in the shuffle.

Enjoy Your New Home

Moving into a new home is exciting. Turning a blank space into the center of your life is full of opportunity. This checklist helps you stay focused on what matters most - so you can enjoy your new beginning.

If you need guidance navigating the home buying process, contact our experienced team at Galaxy Lending Group.