Follow this checklist where we\u2019ll cover: You\u2019ll save headaches in the long run if you tackle these tasks that set you up for success in your new home.<\/p>\n Store important documents from your home purchase Here\u2019s what State Farm, with nearly 100 years in the home insurance industry, says you should hang onto after closing<\/a>:<\/p>\n Home insurance policies No one wants to move in with a pile of paperwork toppling over on the counter, so keep it all well organized in a central place<\/a> \u2014 even a shoebox stored in a closet is better than scattered documents all over the house.<\/p>\n You can try apps or online tools (check out HomeLight\u2019s list of 20 recommended apps for homeowners<\/a>) or organize your paperwork into this best-selling filing cabinet<\/a> from Amazon.<\/p>\n Change locks and update keypads Now that you\u2019re sufficiently creeped out by how many people might have access to your home, let\u2019s talk locks. ConsumerReports tested deadbolts for resistance<\/a> to a number of break-in methods and recommend standard lock Baldwin Prestige 380<\/a> and August Smart Lock Pro<\/a>.<\/p>\n Locate shut off valves Your shut off valve is often in the basement, or near the water heater if your home has no basement. According to the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission, the largest water and wastewater utilities in the nation, most homes will have a round wheel handle valve or lever valve<\/a>, which you\u2019ll turn to the right to shut-off.<\/p>\n Confirm and update your home warranty policy Double-check what the warranty covers, and \u2014 more importantly \u2014 what it doesn\u2019t cover. If you discover an appliance prone to repairs, like the refrigerator or dryer<\/a>, isn\u2019t included, then add it to the warranty now before something goes wrong.<\/p>\n Create an annual maintenance schedule on your calendar \u201cAs agents, we see a lot of deferred maintenance in homes, and it\u2019s a slippery slope,\u201d says Lorenz. Start tracking routine maintenance now with a simple Google calendar schedule<\/a>, and you can save yourself in the long run.<\/p>\n Take stock of your lawn care essentials The pros at ImproveNet, a trusted online resource that\u2019s been home improvement tips for over 20 years, pulled together the top ten gardening tools <\/a>that every homeowner with a yard needs:<\/p>\n Garden gloves If you\u2019re moving in during winter months, pick up an ergonomic snow shovel<\/a> that\u2019s garnered rave reviews from the pros at The Wirecutter<\/a>.<\/p>\n Find these first-day items Ideally, instead of digging through the many many boxes to find these items, you\u2019ll have packed them into a \u201cfirst-day box.\u201d If not, these are the items you should try to find and put in an accessible place right away:<\/p>\n Medicines you take regularly The first-day box includes not only day to day essentials, but also items you\u2019ll need while unpacking and tidying the home. Keeping these essentials separate from the rest of your stuff means you won\u2019t be scrambling from box to box until you\u2019re ready to unpack.<\/p>\n Even the best-planned move comes with some errands. Before the move, take note of the closest hardware store, grocery, and convenience store \u2014 it\u2019s inevitable that you\u2019ll make several trips to each during the move-in process.<\/p>\n Stock up on grocery essentials Every family has their own dietary restrictions and preferences, but the pros at TheKitchn<\/a> put together a list of essentials<\/a> to help you rebuild your pantry and fridge from scratch:<\/p>\n Make the move easier with hardware store tools No matter the skill level, here\u2019s what every homeowner should stock in their toolbox:<\/p>\n Tape measure:<\/strong> Endlessly useful for… measuring stuff. Pick out a spring-loaded tape measure that retracts smoothly. Home improvement icon Bob Vila<\/a> recommends a 3\/4 inch wide, 16-foot long measure<\/a> for most around the house projects. In addition to your tool kit essentials, grab a pack of lightbulbs to replace burnt out or missing bulbs in the home, and a small indoor step ladder<\/a> to get to hard to reach places.<\/p>\n Shop the best furniture deals IKEA<\/strong> World Market Preparing ahead of time will mean even more savings. Check out World Market\u2019s \u201cCoupons, Offers, & Promotions<\/a>\u201d page before you visit to find out what deals you can expect. The experts at Southern Living recommend calling your local store<\/a> to ask what day new arrivals come in, so you can plan a visit when the freshest finds are in and the stock isn\u2019t picked over.<\/p>\n Overstock Amazon Settling into your new home means creating a safe environment. While you hope for the best, dedicate some move-in time to prepare for emergencies at home.<\/span><\/p>\n Create a home fire escape plan The National Fire Protection Association also recommends the following<\/a>:<\/p>\n Make sure your street number is visible from the road so emergency services can find your home. Designate a tornado safe spot Once a haven is selected, share your plan with housemates, and practice the plan together, ensuring everyone can comfortably fit into the area. Make sure everyone in your house signs up for community notifications or weather warnings<\/a> on their cellphones, giving everyone ample time to respond in the event of an emergency.<\/p>\n Map out the route to the nearest emergency services or hospital Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors According to the National Fire Prevention Association, almost half of all home fires where an alarm doesn\u2019t sound<\/a> are because of a dead battery or a battery removed from a smoke alarm. You should test your fire and carbon monoxide detectors twice a year.<\/p>\n To test the battery of the alarms, simply press and hold the \u201ctest\u201d button<\/a>. It should emit a siren within a few seconds.<\/p>\n Moving doesn\u2019t just mean a new home, it\u2019s also an opportunity to create a new community among neighbors and local businesses. Creating connections right off the bat might feel daunting or stressful, especially if you\u2019re not a social butterfly, but it\u2019s never too late to introduce yourself to the people you share a street with.<\/p>\n Say hi to the neighbors If you\u2019re nervous by nature, don\u2019t worry, you can keep the visit short. The goal is to exchange names and let your neighbors know who\u2019s now living down the block. However, if you feel particularly in synch with a neighbor or two, don\u2019t be shy about sharing your contact info, says Daignault: \u201cIf you feel comfortable, share number with at least two. They can keep an eye on your home when you are away, or serve as a resource for any neighborhood questions.\u201d<\/p>\n Depending on your neighborhood, you could be at the end of a receiving line of visits from neighbors bearing casseroles and congratulations. If you\u2019re busy moving, it\u2019s alright to simply express gratitude without inviting folks inside, but you will want to send thanks with a note or kind words.<\/p>\n One thing to avoid? Searching for gossip or badmouthing the neighborhood with people you\u2019ve barely met, says Post.<\/p>\n Throw a housewarming party Leave invitations with your contact info door to door, and ask guests to RSVP if they\u2019re available. If they can\u2019t make it, at least you\u2019ll have their contact information for future events.<\/p>\n To avoid stress, don\u2019t schedule the event just after you move in, and don\u2019t make things more complicated with an exhaustive dinner party<\/a>. Instead, block out a few hours on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon and provide light snacks and bites for whoever might stop by.<\/p>\n While guests are there, ask them questions about the area. \u201cAsk, \u2018Who does your lawn maintenance?\u2019\u201d Lorenz recommends. \u201cOften I think people are happy to hear from you and are curious no matter what you ask.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n What to do around the house
\n Errands to run
\n Planning for emergencies
\n Getting social with the neighbors<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/what-to-do-after-you-buy-a-house-checklist-door.jpg\")
<\/a>Around the house<\/h2>\n
\n<\/strong>You\u2019re left with a mountain of paperwork post-closing, and the longer you leave them in a random bag or in the backseat of your car, the more likely you are to lose them for good.<\/p>\n
\n Mortgage documents
\n Purchase agreement
\n Disclosures and repair requests
\n Escrow information
\n Inspection reports
\n Closing statement
\n Abstract
\n Title
\n Appraisals
\n Deed
\n Home warranties<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>You won\u2019t know whether the previous owners still have copies of keys to the house on hand or how many might still be floating around out there. Once you\u2019ve closed on the home, take an afternoon to change the lock yourself<\/a>, or hire a locksmith, which costs an average of $153<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Don\u2019t wait for an unexpected water leak in your house to go searching for the water main shut-off valve, which you\u2019ll need to use in the event of emergencies or repairs<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>\u201cA lot of times buyers believe a home warranty covers the home carte blanche, and that\u2019s often not the case,\u201d explains top Asheville, NC real estate agent<\/a> Josh Mimken<\/a>. In his experience, many buyers don\u2019t take the time upfront to confirm and update the home warranty policy their property came with.<\/p>\n
\nSetting up your home maintenance calendar as soon as possible will save you in the long run, says top real estate agent Alona Lorenz<\/a>, who works with Mimken.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Remember that lush, green lawn that made you fall in love with the home? You\u2019re now on the hook for keeping that green carpet pristine. Instead of panicking and buying a lawnmower when the grass is knee-high, take a look at the lawn care tools you have, and what you\u2019ll need to get through the season.<\/p>\n
\n Lawnmower
\n Hand Trowel and rake
\n Spade
\n Rake
\n Trimming shears
\n Hand pruner
\n Long-handled shovel
\n Garden hose and nozzle
\n String trimmer and edger<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Home stager and professional organizer Tatiana Daignault<\/a>, owner of Ideal Property Care Services, has helped people move, organize, and unpack for nearly two decades. She gave us her list of must-have items when you first move in.<\/p>\n
\n Phone chargers
\n Laptop\/Computer
\n 1 set of bedding, 1 pillow per person
\n A set of pajamas per family member
\n Towels
\n Snacks
\n Bottled water
\n Flashlight
\n Pen\/paper
\n Toiletry bag with toothbrush and toothpaste
\n Hairdryer
\n 2 changes of clothes per family member
\n Pet\u2019s food, leash, and bed
\n 1 roll of toilet paper
\n 1 roll of paper towel
\n Bottle of Lysol
\n Scissors
\n Box opener
\n Garbage bags<\/p>\n![\"Groceries](\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/what-to-do-after-you-buy-a-house-checklist-groceries.jpg\")
<\/a>Quick errands<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n<\/strong>Take out will get old (and expensive) fast. It can feel overwhelming to restock a fresh kitchen from nothing, but one big trip can provide basic meals and snacks for at least a week.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>An average American moves about 11 times<\/a>, but essential tools seem to disappear every time. A well-stocked toolbox can make move-in easier. Check your toolbox for these necessities, or assemble one for the first time to avoid numerous trips tor your local hardware store.<\/p>\n
\n Screwdrivers:<\/strong> Get a variety of screwdrivers, including a Phillips<\/a> and slotted<\/a>, or an all-in-one with an interchangeable head<\/a> to save space.
\n Crescent wrench:<\/strong> This adjustable wrench<\/a> will come in handy for tightening or loosening threaded pipes<\/a> and fixtures in the home.
\n Level:<\/strong> You\u2019ll need a level so you don\u2019t end up with a bunch of crooked wall hangings. Find a canoe or torpedo level<\/a> that has two or three \u201cspirit tubes\u201d<\/a> that you can use across various size spaces.
\n Pliers<\/strong>: You can use these multi-purpose tools<\/a> to get a grip on just about anything.
\n Multipurpose drill and bits:<\/strong> A cordless drill<\/a> might seem overkill for a novice DIY-er, but the simple to use tool will come in handy for a variety of tasks<\/a> like when you need to drill holes, drive in screws, or stir up some paint.
\n Hammer:<\/strong> The best-stocked toolbox comes with at least two hammers, explain experts at HGTV<\/a>, but an all-purpose hammer<\/a> should do the trick for most beginner projects.
\n Drywall patch kit:<\/strong> Whether from blemishes left by the previous owner, or the evitable \u201coops\u201d moment you might have while mounting something, pick up a tub of drywall patch<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Homeowners generally spend between 20%-30% of the cost of the home<\/a> furnishing it, but if you\u2019re on a strict budget post-closing, hunt for the steals. You might not want a home that looks furnished from sales bins and yard sales. BUt making strategic purchases at affordable retailers can help you achieve the high-end look for less.<\/p>\n
\n<\/em>Too much from this Swedish mega-store will make your home feel like a college dorm, but a few staples can make your home feel modern and high end. Check out Real Simple\u2019s list of the store\u2019s best furniture, sourced by a panel of interior designers<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/em>If you\u2019re looking for bohemian-inspired decor on a budget, you can\u2019t do better than World Market. The store stocks everything from international snacks to bed frames, but it\u2019s best finds include accent living room pieces<\/a>, uniquely patterned chairs<\/a>, and side tables<\/a> recommended by interior design magazine Domino<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\n<\/span><\/em><\/strong>The wide selection on Overstock means you can find just about anything for you home, and if you shop the site smart, you can save even more with these tips:<\/p>\n\n
\nExpect to find even deeper discounts<\/a> on Black Friday, President\u2019s Day, Labor Day, and daily flash deals on the site.<\/li>\n
\nOverstock\u2019s loyalty program<\/a> costs $20 annually, and means you\u2019ll earn 5% on every purchase you make on the site. It also includes free shipping and returns.<\/li>\n
\nIf you like any Carson Carrington Home or Laurel Creek <\/a>brand items, purchase them straight from the site \u2014\u00a0they\u2019re exclusive to Overstock and you won\u2019t find them anywhere else.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n<\/strong><\/em>Yes, you can decorate your home using the same site where you bulk buy toilet paper, but you\u2019ll want to be careful. Amazon carries tons of brands, and it can be challenging to figure out what\u2019s a deal, and what\u2019s a dud. To steer clear of regrettable purchases, follow these tips:<\/p>\n\n
\nTons of home decor brands<\/a> sell products from an Amazon storefront. Before making a purchase elsewhere, check Amazon to see if you can get a better deal.<\/li>\n
\nNot everything is as it seems in Amazon listing photos. If an item catches your eye, check the reviews for user-submitted images<\/a>. This can give you a more realistic sense of color, finish, and quality.<\/li>\n
\nAmazon launched two in-house furniture brands in 2017<\/a>, and both offer free shipping through Amazon Prime, as well as 30-day return policies. That means a stress-free shipment, and the chance to return if something doesn\u2019t work out.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/what-to-do-after-you-buy-a-house-checklist-attic.jpg\")
<\/a>Plan for emergencies
\n<\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n<\/strong>Your ability to get out of a house fire safely can largely depend on your preparedness beforehand. Gather your family together and make a plan soon after move-in. Highlight exits, escape routes, and the working smoke detectors in each room. If you have young children, consider creating a floor plan<\/a> of your home with a designated escape route.<\/p>\n
\n Plan an outside meeting place close to your home, where everyone can meet in the event of a fire.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>In the event of a tornado in your area, you\u2019ll want to seek shelter in an underground area of your home, such as a basement or storm cellar. If your home has no below-ground space, select an interior room<\/a> or hallway far from windows and outside walls.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Find out which hospital with an emergency room is nearest to you, before the emergency. News nonprofit ProPublica created an ER inspector tool that identifies and evaluates the emergency room nearest to you<\/a>. However, in the event that you\u2019re hurt, you should never drive yourself to the emergency room.<\/p>\n
\n<\/span><\/strong>Your alarms should be freshly tested post home inspection, but it never hurts to double-check these lifesaving tools.<\/p>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.homelight.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/what-to-do-after-you-buy-a-house-checklist-door-1.jpg\")
<\/a>Get social
\n<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n<\/strong>When moving into a new neighborhood, there\u2019s no hard and fast rule about who says hello first \u2014 the new or established neighbor. Expert in all things etiquette, Emily Post<\/a> says it\u2019s more about timing. If you see someone outside collecting their mail or working in the yard, don\u2019t be afraid to say hello and introduce yourself.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>Breaking the ice with neighbors can be as simple as an afternoon open house. \u201cDepending on the season, a little cookout or potluck is a great way to reach out,\u201d says Lorenz.<\/p>\n