12 Things Every New Homeowner Should Do
The keys are yours. The possibilities are wide open. Now it’s time to make the home truly yours—not just with furniture and paint colors, but by taking control of the systems, security, and details that keep everything running smoothly. A few smart moves right now can help you start this next chapter feeling prepared, protected, and ready for whatever comes next. Here are 12 ways to get started.
1. CHANGE THE LOCKS
New home, new keys, fresh start. The key handed to you at closing may have plenty of twins floating around from family members, neighbors, contractors, and others who knew the previous owner. Take control from day one by replacing the locks or having the existing ones re-keyed. Want to give the front door a fresh look while you’re at it? Explore new entry door lock sets in different styles and finishes. Many include deadbolts, and installing a new front door handle may be easier than you think. Love the current hardware? A locksmith can re-key it and create the duplicates you need.
And let’s outsmart the inevitable “I locked myself out” moment before it happens. Skip the hiding spots everyone already knows:
- Under the doormat
- Above the door
- Under a rock
- In the mailbox or planter
Consider a secure lockbox or another controlled-access solution instead. Or skip spare keys entirely and upgrade to an electronic lockset with keypad entry, biometric access, smart-home integration, or a live camera view. Welcome to homeownership with fewer keys to lose.
2. TEST & INSPECT SMOKE AND CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS
Here’s one upgrade where function definitely beats flash. Test every smoke and carbon monoxide detector, check how old each one is, and review the manufacturer’s replacement recommendations. Hardwired or battery-powered, every unit needs to do its job when it matters. You can explore recommended detector placement here.
Ready for an upgrade? Check out available smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors with current safety and self-testing features. Forbes also put together this Smoke Detector Guide to help you explore your options.
3. FIND THE GAS AND WATER SHUTOFF VALVES
Future-you will be very happy you did this. Find the gas and water shutoff valves now, make sure you can reach them, and know what tools you’ll need to operate them. If a wrench is required, keep the correct one easy to access. Add tags to identify the lines and jot down any helpful instructions. Five minutes of preparation can make a huge difference when every second counts.
4. REVIEW THE CIRCUIT BREAKER PANEL
Time to decode the breaker box. Find the panel and make sure every circuit is clearly identified with descriptive labels. If the existing labels say helpful things like “lights?” or “maybe bedroom,” it’s probably time for an update. Get everything clearly organized now and the next tripped breaker becomes a quick fix instead of a scavenger hunt.
5. RE-CODE THE GARAGE DOOR OPENER & KEYPAD
Your garage door is another gateway to your home, so give it a fresh security reset. Reprogram the remotes and exterior keypad so any old access codes are history. Find the owner’s manual and follow the reset instructions for your model. No exterior keypad? If you’d like one, you can purchase one here.
6. CHECK THE TEMPERATURE SETTING OF THE WATER HEATER
Meet one of the unsung heroes of your new home: the water heater. Take a few minutes to learn how your hot water heater operates, check its current setting, and review how to set the water temperature appropriately for your household and equipment.
While you’re there, investigate its maintenance history. If you can’t tell when it was last serviced, bring in a qualified professional familiar with the brand and model. Starting with a clear baseline makes future maintenance much easier.
7. COMPILE A HOME INVENTORY LIST
You spent years collecting the things that make your home yours. Now document them. Create an inventory list with photos, make a narrated video, or use a home inventory app. Hopefully you’ll never need it after a fire, hurricane, tornado, or other disaster—but if you do, you’ll be glad the record already exists. It can also help you determine whether you have enough personal property insurance. Take the organization one step further with a Homeowner Journal for warranties, upgrades, repairs, and service appointments.
8. READ THE HOME INSPECTION REPORT
That inspection report isn’t old news just because you’ve closed. Turn it into your home-improvement roadmap. Revisit the recommendations, identify anything that still needs attention, and start prioritizing projects. Some may be immediate fixes. Others may become future upgrades. Either way, now you have a plan instead of a pile of surprises.
9. SCHEDULE A SERVICE CALL FOR THE HVAC SYSTEM
Make comfort your default setting. Adjust the thermostat, replace the filters, and consider scheduling an HVAC maintenance visit so you know exactly where the system stands. Look for a contractor qualified to service your particular brand and model. Some companies offer maintenance plans with twice-yearly checkups and reduced repair fees. Check the warranty before choosing a provider, and don’t forget that your HVAC system typically has both indoor and outdoor components. Make sure both get checked.
10. FILE ALL CLOSING DOCUMENTS
You survived the paperwork marathon—now don’t lose the paperwork. Create one secure home for the deed, mortgage documents, promissory note, closing disclosure, purchase contract, seller disclosure, home warranty, inspection report, and important receipts. A safe deposit box or highly rated fireproof and waterproof container can protect paper copies. Want to go digital? Explore these digital storage options and build a system that makes important documents easy to find when you need them.
11. COMPILE A LIST OF TRUSTED CONTRACTORS
Build your homeowner dream team before you need them. Find reputable plumbers, electricians, HVAC professionals, and other specialists now instead of frantically searching when something stops working. Ask neighbors who they trust, check reputable online resources, read “How to Choose the Best Contractor“, and keep your favorites together. You can also ask me—I may already have reliable local service providers ready to recommend.
12. GET A HOME WARRANTY
Your new home is full of systems and appliances working behind the scenes—and some of them can be expensive when they stop working. A home warranty may cover certain repairs or replacements depending on the plan you choose. Explore the coverage, exclusions, service fees, contract terms, and renewal options so you know exactly what you’re getting. Want to dig deeper? Read this article about home warranties. I can also help you explore companies and options so you can choose coverage that fits your new home and the life you’re building in it.
