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First-Time Homeowner Checklist

3 min read

New Year, New Homeowner: The Ultimate Checklist

Congratulations on buying your first home! As you celebrate this milestone, you may begin to feel the stress of the endless list of things that have to be done. Not to worry—we’ve outlined some helpful tips to keep you organized, on budget and ready to nest.

New Homeowner Checklist

While you count down the days of your move, there are plenty of things you can do beforehand.

What Should You Do Before You Move In?

Before you move into your new home, it’s important to have a few things squared away. Keeping a complete home management system is a great way to keep everything organized from the very beginning of your moving process.

Pre-Move

Update Your Address

Update your address with utility and cable companies to ensure you have access to water, electricity and Internet. You should also set up your forwarding address to your new home with the U.S. Postal Service to continue receiving mail.

Renovate Before Your Move

Make a list of what can be fixed, updated or replaced before you move. Home improvement jobs are easier (and faster) to complete when your home is empty. Paint jobs, lock changes and other projects can all be done beforehand. Damaged windows, doors, siding, or roofing should be addressed as quickly as possible.

Do a Deep Clean

A new home deserves a fresh (and clean) start. Before moving, do a thorough clean of the kitchen, bedrooms, bathrooms and any other areas. You’ll want to dust, wipe down surfaces, sweep and mop at the very least. Don’t neglect the exterior of your home—pressure washing, cleaning the gutters and general landscaping will do wonders for your home’s curb appeal.

Carefully Pack and Label Your Belongings

While you’re preparing to move, remember to pack smart. Organize your personal belongings by room so that boxes can be placed where they belong. You’ll want to pack bathroom essentials and clothing separately to avoid digging through boxes come move-in day.

Contact Your Child’s School

If you have children, be sure to keep in touch with their new school. Have the necessary documents ready for a seamless first day after your move. If they’ll be taking the bus, ensure your home is on the driver’s route for pick-up and drop-off.

Post-Move

Familiarize Yourself with Your New Home

Your home has already been inspected, but it’s a good idea to check everything out for yourself. Establishing a baseline for parts of your home, especially your exterior products, will help you to address problems or changes in the future.

Take this opportunity to learn where your shut-off valves and breaker boxes are for future reference. The last thing you’ll want to do is frantically search for shut-off valves in an emergency.

Introduce Yourself to Your Neighbors

Go ahead and introduce yourself to your new neighbors and HOA (if you have one). Getting to know your neighbors is a great way to get involved in the community, have a support system and learn more about your new neighborhood a lasting impression.

Create a Seasonal Home Maintenance Checklist

Besides basic cleaning tasks, there are loads of other chores that happen on a quarterly, biannually and yearly basis. Some tasks, like replacing fire extinguishers or re-caulking your windows and doors happen on a less frequent basis. Having a comprehensive list of these tasks and actively completing them is the best way to keep your home at its very best for years to come.

Change Air Filters

Changing your HVAC filters should be done on a quarterly basis, so go ahead and change them either before or right after moving into your new home. You’ll set yourself up for success in the long run by completing quarterly tasks now.

How Window World Helps New Homeowners

Did you uncover a damaged or aged window during the inspection of your new home? Contact Window World of Lafayette to learn more about our replacement window options and other product offerings.