Your First 30 Days After Closing: A Practical Checklist

Closing day feels like the finish line. In some ways it is the starting line. A few simple steps in the first month can save you a lot of hassle and money later.

Day one

• Change or rekey the locks. You do not know how many keys to the old locks are out there. Reset garage door and keypad codes too.
• Find the main water shutoff and the electrical panel. Label the panel if it is not labeled. You do not want to be looking for these during an emergency.
• Test the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace batteries or units as needed.

The first week

• Put utilities in your name if you have not already: power, water, gas, trash, internet.
• Update your address with the post office, your bank, your employer, your insurance and anyone else who sends you mail. If you moved from another state, check your new state's rules for updating your driver's license and vehicle registration.
• Store your closing documents somewhere safe. Keep both a paper copy and a digital copy of the settlement statement, deed, title policy and loan documents. You will want them at tax time and when you sell.
• Watch for your first mortgage statement. Confirm who services your loan and when the first payment is due. It is common for loans to be transferred to a different servicer, so read any notices you receive carefully, and be wary of unexpected requests to change where you send payments.

The first month

• Go through your inspection report again. Make a list of the items you did not fix before closing, and sort them by urgency.
• Change the HVAC filter and put a recurring reminder in your calendar.
• Learn what each appliance and system needs. Find model numbers and manuals online, and note any warranties. On new construction, note your builder warranty deadlines.
• Check your homeowners insurance. Make sure the coverage reflects the home and its contents. Ask your agent whether flood coverage makes sense for you; standard policies usually do not include it.
• Look into property tax relief programs. Some counties offer programs for certain homeowners. Check your county's website to see whether anything applies to you. The property tax guide is a good starting point.
• Read your HOA documents if you have an HOA, including how dues are paid and how to submit requests for exterior changes.

Be wary of unsolicited mail

New homeowners often receive official-looking letters offering copies of their deed for a fee, or "warnings" about their mortgage. Many of these are legitimate marketing, some are not. Copies of recorded documents are generally available from the county Register of Deeds. If something says it is from your lender, contact the lender using the number on your official statement, not the number on the letter.

Sir Ashley's take

You do not have to do everything at once. Do the safety items on day one, the paperwork in the first week, and start your maintenance routine in the first month. After that, the house becomes a lot less mysterious.

Should I start renovations right away?

It can be easier to do messy work like floors or paint before you move furniture in. For bigger projects, many people find it helpful to live in a home for a while first so they understand how they actually use the space.

How much should I set aside for repairs?

It depends on the age and condition of the home. Your inspection report is the best guide to what is coming up. Building a dedicated savings cushion for repairs is a good habit regardless of the home's age.