First-Time Homebuyer Checklist: 20 Things to Do After Buying Your First Home

You did it!

The papers are signed, you have the keys, and you’re officially a homeowner.

Now comes the part that no one really prepares you for.

Between unpacking boxes and deciding where to put the couch, there are quite a few important tasks that can easily slip through the cracks.

To make things easier, we’ve put together a checklist of the most important things every first-time homeowner should do after closing.

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1. Transfer or Set Up Your Utilities

Don’t wait until moving day to discover the lights don’t work.

Contact your local providers to set up:

• Electricity
• Natural gas or propane
• Water and sewer
• Trash and recycling
• Internet service
• Cable or streaming services (if desired)

Scheduling these ahead of time helps ensure everything is ready when you move in.

2. Update Your Mailing Address

One of the easiest things to forget is changing your address.

Start with the essentials:

• USPS mail forwarding
• Employer
• Banks and credit unions
• Credit card companies
• Insurance companies
• Mortgage lender
• DMV/Driver’s License (if required)
• Vehicle registration
• Voter registration
• IRS
• Social Security (if applicable)
• Schools
• Doctors and dentists
• Pharmacy
• Subscription services
• Online shopping accounts like Amazon
• Friends and family

Making a checklist now can save months of missing mail later.

3. Change Every Exterior Lock

You never know how many spare keys are floating around from previous owners, contractors, neighbors, or family members.

Replacing or rekeying your locks is one of the smartest things you can do during your first week.

4. Change Your Garage Door Opener Code

If your home has a garage, erase any old remotes and program new ones.

It’s a simple step that gives you added peace of mind.

5. Change Smoke Detector and Carbon Monoxide Detector Batteries

Even if they seem to work, start fresh.

It’s an inexpensive way to help keep your family safe.

6. Locate Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve

If a pipe ever bursts, you’ll want to know exactly where this is.

Take two minutes to find it before you actually need it.

7. Find Your Electrical Panel

Label any breakers that aren’t clearly marked.

Someday you’ll be glad you did.

8. Save Important Home Documents

Create a folder (paper or digital) for:

• Closing documents
• Mortgage paperwork
• Home inspection report
• Survey
• Appliance manuals
• Warranty information
• Contractor receipts

Having everything in one place makes life much easier.

9. Walk Through Your Home and Take Photos

Document each room once you’ve moved in.

Take pictures of:

• Furniture
• Electronics
• Jewelry
• Appliances
• Tools
• Collectibles

These photos can be incredibly helpful if you ever need to file an insurance claim.

10. Test Every Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detector

Don’t assume they’re working.

Test each one and replace any units that are expired.

11. Meet Your Neighbors

One of the best parts of homeownership is becoming part of a community.

Introducing yourself can lead to new friendships—and neighbors who’ll let you know if something doesn’t look right while you’re away.

12. Create a Home Maintenance Calendar

Routine maintenance helps prevent expensive repairs.

Add reminders for:

• HVAC filter changes
• Gutter cleaning
• Furnace servicing
• Air conditioner maintenance
• Smoke detector testing
• Water heater flushing
• Roof inspections

13. Know What’s Covered by Your Homeowners Insurance

Many first-time homeowners assume every type of damage is automatically covered.

That’s not always the case.

Take a few minutes to understand:

• Your deductible
• Your personal property coverage
• Your liability limits
• Any optional coverages you’ve added

Knowing your policy before you need it can make all the difference.

14. Ask About Additional Coverage Options

Many homeowners don’t realize they can often add affordable protection for things like:

• Water backup
• Service lines
• Equipment breakdown
• Identity theft
• Personal umbrella liability

These coverages may provide valuable protection depending on your home and lifestyle.

15. Register Your Appliances

Many manufacturers offer warranties that require product registration.

Take a few minutes to register major appliances while the paperwork is still handy.

16. Create an Emergency Contact List

Keep important phone numbers together, including:

• Plumber
• Electrician
• HVAC company
• Insurance agent
• Utility companies
• Trusted family members

When something goes wrong, you won’t have to search for help.

17. Start a Home Repair Fund

Every homeowner eventually has unexpected expenses.

Setting aside even a small amount each month can make future repairs much less stressful.

18. Check Your Internet Speed Before You Need It

If you work from home, stream television, or have multiple connected devices, test your internet early.

It’s much easier to fix service issues before you’re relying on it.

19. Introduce Yourself to Your Insurance Agent

Your insurance policy shouldn’t be something you only think about when something goes wrong.

A quick conversation with your agent can help answer questions, explain your coverage, and make sure your policy fits your new home.

20. Enjoy It!

Buying your first home is a huge accomplishment.

There will be projects.

There will be repairs.

There will probably be a trip (or five) to the hardware store.

But there will also be birthdays, holidays, quiet evenings, backyard cookouts, and countless memories.

Take a moment to appreciate how far you’ve come.

Congratulations from Holley Insurance

Buying your first home is exciting—and we know there’s a lot to think about.

Whether you have questions about homeowners insurance, want to understand your coverage better, or simply need someone to explain things in plain English, the team at Holley Insurance is here to help. We’d love the opportunity to help protect one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make. Request a custom, easy, complimentary quote here.

Congratulations on becoming a homeowner. We wish you many happy years in your new home!