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Hey there, homebuyers! 🎉 Closing day is such a huge moment. You’ve signed the papers, gotten the keys, and are ready to walk into YOUR home! But before you pop the champagne and settle in, there are a few things you’ll want to take care of right away to make sure your new place is safe, secure, and ready for you to truly make it your own. Here’s a quick list of essential tasks I always recommend to my clients after closing—things that will give you peace of mind as you start this exciting new chapter!
1. Change the Locks
First things first—get those locks changed! 🛠️ You never know how many people might have had access to your home before you. From neighbors to contractors to the previous owners’ friends and family, someone might still have a spare key floating around. Call a locksmith or, if you’re handy, swap out the locks yourself. This is step one in making your new house feel like your home.
2. Reprogram the Garage Door
Don’t forget the garage! 🚗 Whether you use it regularly or just for storage, reprogramming the opener is key. The old owners could’ve shared the code with who knows how many people, so make sure you reset everything and add your own codes. It’s a small step but crucial for your home security!
3. Forward Your Mail
Nobody wants to miss important mail. 📬 Set up mail forwarding with the post office so all your bills, packages, and anything else that’s en route finds its way to your new address. You can do it online in minutes, and it’s one less thing to worry about during your move.
4. Update the Security System
If the home came with a security system, it’s time to update the account information and reset the codes. And if there’s no system in place yet, now might be the perfect time to install one. 💡 Whether it’s a full security setup or just a smart doorbell camera, a little extra protection never hurts. Plus, you can easily monitor your home when you’re not there. (And who doesn’t love a little tech upgrade?)
5. Check Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Safety first! Test all the smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms to make sure they’re working properly. 🔥 If the batteries are low or if they’re a bit outdated, switch them out ASAP. And if you’re like me and love a smart home setup, upgrade to alarms that can send you notifications right to your phone. You’ll never miss a beat!
6. Transfer Utilities
You don’t want to move in only to realize the lights won’t turn on, or there’s no hot water! 💡 Make sure your electricity, gas, water, trash, and internet are all transferred to your name and ready to go on day one. A little prep here makes move-in day so much easier.
7. Clean It Like You Own It
Even if the sellers did a good job cleaning, there’s nothing like giving your new home a fresh scrub. 🧽 I always recommend a deep clean before you unpack. It’s a great way to reset the space and get it just the way you like it. Plus, if you clean it top to bottom now, you’ll know everything is in tip-top shape from day one.
8. Learn Where Everything Is
Take a minute to familiarize yourself with your new home’s critical features—like the water shutoff valve and the breaker box. 🛑 You don’t want to be scrambling in an emergency! Knowing where these things are will make your life so much easier when it comes time for maintenance or any unexpected issues.
9. Make Copies of Important Documents
At closing, you’ll get a whole stack of paperwork—deeds, warranties, and your title insurance policy. 📑 Make copies and store them somewhere safe, like a fireproof safe or a secure digital folder. This is one of those things that’s not fun to do but super important down the road.
10. Set Up a Home Maintenance Schedule
Your new home is an investment, and keeping it in great shape means taking care of the little things regularly. 🛠️ Create a maintenance schedule for things like HVAC filter changes, gutter cleaning, and roof checks. Trust me, future you will be so glad you did this!
11. Check Your Homeowner’s Insurance
Double-check that your homeowner’s insurance is in place and up-to-date. 🏡 If you’ve made any changes to the home, like a renovation or upgraded appliances, make sure your insurance covers it all. The last thing you want is to find out you’re underinsured when you need it most!
12. Test All the Appliances
If your home came with appliances, now’s the time to make sure they all work. 👩🍳 Run the dishwasher, test the stove, and give the washer and dryer a spin. If anything isn’t working, it’s best to know right away while you’re still settling in.
Final Thoughts
These simple steps will make your move smoother and ensure your new home is safe and secure from the moment you walk through the door. Plus, once these tasks are out of the way, you can relax and start enjoying life in your new space. Welcome home! 🏡✨
If you have any questions or need help with your next real estate adventure, I’m always here to help! Call or text me at (330) 617-7844 or email me at JessicaJtheRealtor@gmail.com. Let’s make your home dreams a reality!
