10 Things to Do Immediately After Buying a House

Congratulations—your offer is accepted, the papers are signed, and you’re now a homeowner! That’s a tremendous milestone. But the real work begins once you have the keys. Settling in properly not only makes your life more comfortable—it protects your investment and gives you peace of mind. Here are 10 essential tasks to take care of right away.

1. Secure and Organize All Important Documents

Now that you’ve closed, gather every document related to your home in one safe place. This includes your deed, mortgage paperwork, inspection report, warranties for appliances, survey, insurance policies, and contact details for your agent, lender, and insurance provider. Make copies—store originals in a fireproof safe or secure place, and keep digital backups. Being well-organized from the outset prevents headaches later.

2. Change Exterior Locks Immediately

Even if you just received keys, there’s no way to know how many copies exist or who still has them. To protect your security, replace or rekey all exterior locks—front, back, side doors, garage entrances, etc. If you wish, consider installing smart locks for extra safety and convenience. Better safe than sorry.

3. Deep Clean Before or Right After Moving In

A thorough cleaning gives you a fresh start. Before moving in your furniture, deep-clean everything: inside cabinets, behind appliances, air vents, baseboards, and windows. If you don’t have time, cleaning key areas like the kitchen, bathrooms, and main living spaces first will make your move feel smoother. Freshly cleaned home also helps you spot any minor issues or damage sooner.

4. Set Up All Utilities

Don’t wait: arrange for electricity, water, gas, waste collection, internet, cable or streaming services, and heating or cooling systems. Having utilities ready on or before moving day prevents frustration and discomfort. Also, set up billing and automatic payments where possible to avoid service interruptions or late fees.

5. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors & Safety Systems

Safety is a top priority. Check every smoke detector and carbon monoxide monitor—replace batteries if needed or replace units that are old. Locate water shut-off valves, gas shut-offs, electrical panels and ensure everyone in your household knows where they are. If any security system or lock codes are in place, test them and change them as necessary.

6. Submit Change-of-Address and Update Contacts

Your address needs updating across many accounts. Notify banks, credit card companies, insurance companies, your employer, subscriptions, government entities, licenses, vehicle registration—everywhere. Also, update your voter registration and inform friends and family. Forgetting this can lead to lost mail and unexpected complications.

7. Review Your Inspection Report & Prioritize Repairs

Even after closing, the inspection report remains a valuable tool. Go through it carefully to find items that aren’t urgent—and ones that are. Schedule the most critical repairs first: anything impacting safety, structure, or major systems like plumbing, roofing, heating or electrical. Minor cosmetic fixes can come later. Having priorities helps you budget and plan.

8. Unpack & Stock Up Essential Supplies

Don’t wait to settle in. Unpack essentials first—kitchen items, bedding, toiletries. Also, stock up on groceries, cleaning supplies, and consumables. Having your home functional from day one makes the transition smoother. Over time you’ll bring in decor and extras, but basic comfort comes first.

9. Meet Your Neighbors& Get to Know the Community

Introducing yourself to neighbors is more than just polite—it builds goodwill, helps you learn local shortcuts, and improves your sense of belonging. While moving in, observe your neighborhood: traffic patterns, noise levels, where amenities are located. Also identify nearby service providers—plumbers, electricians, landscapers—so you know whom to call when you need help.

10. Make Your House a Home

Once the essentials are handled, start personalizing. Paint rooms, hang pictures, place rugs, choose furniture. Personal touches bring comfort and help you feel grounded. Build routines—where things go, how spaces are used. These small choices help transform a building into your home.

Final Thoughts

Buying a home is more than a transaction—it’s the start of a new chapter. Taking these immediate steps lays a strong foundation for your homeownership journey. You’ll gain security, comfort, efficiency, and satisfaction.

At Jag Sidhu Real Estate Group, I believe in helping clients not just close deals but build homes that support their lives long term. If you're preparing to move, I’m here to help you with checklists, resources, or recommendations—so your transition is smooth and your investment secure.