Moving Out: What to Do After You Close

Day 1: Secure the House

Your first 24 hours in the home:

• Change the locks: Rekey or replace all exterior locks. You do not know who has copies (previous owners, contractors, realtors). A locksmith costs $100–$300. - Change garage codes: If the garage door opener has a keypad, reset the code. - Change alarm codes: If the home has a security system, get a new code and update the monitoring account. - Locate shut-off valves: Find the main water shut-off, gas shut-off, and electrical panel. Label breakers. You will need this in an emergency.

Week 1: Essential Services

Set up or transfer these immediately:

• Utilities: Electricity, gas, water, trash/recycling. Call ahead to schedule start dates so services are active when you arrive. - Internet and cable: Schedule installation. This can take 1–2 weeks in some areas. - Postal service: File a change of address with USPS. Do this online at USPS.com ($1.10 verification fee). Mail forwarding lasts 12 months. - Homeowners insurance: Confirm your policy is active effective closing day. Keep the declaration page with your closing documents.

Week 1: Clean and Prep

Before you move furniture in, do the things that are much harder with boxes everywhere:

• Deep clean: Clean carpets, wipe down every cabinet, clean inside the refrigerator and oven. '- Paint rooms: Much easier with empty rooms. - Replace toilet seats: New seats cost $20 each and feel like a fresh start. - Install blinds or curtains: If the previous owner took their window treatments. - Switch out locks: Already mentioned, but do this before moving furniture.

Month 1: Change Your Address Everywhere

USPS forwarding is not enough. You need to update your address with:

• Banks and credit cards: Every account you have. - Employer: Payroll and HR. - Insurance: Health, dental, vision, life, auto insurance all need your new address. - Vehicle registration and driver's license: Most states require this within 30–60 days. - Voter registration: Update with your county election office. - Subscription services: Amazon, meal kits, streaming services, pet food deliveries. - Doctors and dentists: Update your contact information. - IRS and tax forms: Submit Form 8822 for address change.

Create a checklist and work through it over the first few weeks.

Month 1: Introduce Yourself to the Home

Learn your home's systems before something breaks:

• Change furnace filter: Do it immediately. You do not know how old the current filter is. Replace every 1–3 months. - Test sump pump: If you have one, pour water in and make sure it kicks on. - Set thermostat schedule: Program your thermostat for efficiency. - Find the water shut-off valve: If a pipe bursts at 2 AM, you need to know where this is. - Check smoke and CO detector batteries: Replace if unsure.

Month 1–3: Build Your Service Team

Now is the time to find reliable local providers before you need them urgently:

• Plumber: Get a recommendation from neighbors or look at Google reviews. - HVAC company: For annual maintenance and emergencies. - Electrician: For small fixes and future projects. - Handyman: For minor repairs you cannot do yourself. - Lawn care: Mowing, leaf removal, snow removal (seasonal).

Save their numbers now. When the water heater leaks at 9 PM on a Saturday, you will be glad you have a reliable plumber on speed dial.

Month 1–3: The First Homeowner Projects

Resist the urge to do everything at once. Prioritize:

1. Safety and security: Locks, alarms, smoke detectors. 2. Essential functionality: Working appliances, plumbing, HVAC. 3. Comfort: Adjust your environment to your liking. 4. Cosmetics: Paint, decor, landscaping. 5. Dream projects: Renovations, upgrades, additions.

The Bottom Line

The first month of homeownership is busy but manageable. Focus on security, address changes, and learning your home's systems. Build a service team before you need one. And take time to enjoy the milestone — you bought a home.