Summary

22 items · 2–3 hours (spread across 90 days)

Why the First 90 Days Matter Most

Closing day feels like the finish line, but it's actually the starting gun. The weeks immediately after you take possession of a home carry a concentration of administrative, safety, and maintenance tasks that, if delayed or skipped, can create real financial and legal headaches later.

If you haven't already reviewed the full purchase process, the first home purchase overview is a useful reference for understanding how you got here. This checklist picks up where closing documents end.

Work through the items below in roughly chronological order. Some tasks are time-sensitive (lock changes, utility transfers); others are important but flexible (setting up a maintenance schedule). Use the priority labels to triage your attention.

Required

Home Binder or Digital Filing System

Store your deed, title insurance, inspection reports, warranty documents, and appliance manuals in one accessible location.

Optional

Licensed Home Inspector

Conduct a post-move-in inspection to identify defects or safety concerns not caught during the purchase inspection.

Required

County Assessor Website

Verify property ownership records, assessed value, and homestead exemption eligibility for your jurisdiction.

Required

USPS Change of Address Portal

Forward mail from your previous address and notify the postal service of your new residence.

Required

HVAC Service Professional

Service your heating and cooling system, confirm filter specifications, and identify any deferred maintenance.

The Checklist: 22 Tasks Across 90 Days

The checklist below is organized into four phases. Complete each group before moving to the next where possible — earlier tasks often unlock or inform later ones.

Week 1: Safety and Security

Rekey or replace all exterior door locks, including any attached garage entry, before your first night in the home. Must
Reset all garage door codes and smart home access credentials (keypads, alarm systems, smart locks) from prior owner settings. Must
Locate every circuit breaker, water shut-off valve, and gas shut-off valve and label them clearly. Must
Test every smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector; replace batteries and note expiration dates on sensor units. Must
Identify the nearest fire extinguisher and confirm it is charged; add one to the kitchen if none is present. Should

Month 1: Administrative and Legal

Update your address with the USPS, employer, bank, IRS, and any subscription services immediately after moving in. Must
Transfer or open accounts with all utility providers — electric, gas, water, sewer, and trash — in your name. Must
Register with your county assessor's office and verify your property tax records reflect the correct ownership and assessed value. Must
Review your homeowner's insurance policy in detail; confirm coverage limits, deductibles, and that the dwelling value matches current rebuild costs. Must
If your property is governed by an HOA, obtain a copy of the CC&Rs and bylaws and register your contact information with the association. Should
File for a homestead exemption with your county if eligible — this can reduce your annual property tax bill. Should

Month 2: Inspection and Maintenance Baseline

Schedule a post-move-in walkthrough with a licensed home inspector to identify any issues the purchase inspection may have missed. Should
Have your HVAC system serviced and confirm filter size; establish a recurring filter-change reminder every 1–3 months. Must
Locate and test all GFCI outlets (typically in bathrooms, kitchens, and garages) to confirm they trip and reset correctly. Should
Inspect attic insulation, crawl space ventilation, and any visible roof framing for signs of moisture intrusion or pest activity. Should
Run water through every drain and check under all sinks for active leaks or slow drainage that may signal a blockage. Must
Document the condition of major appliances (age, model, serial number) and check whether any warranties transferred with the sale. Nice to have

Month 3: Financial and Long-Term Setup

Open or designate a dedicated home maintenance reserve fund and aim to contribute at least 1% of your home's purchase price annually. Must
Set up automatic mortgage payments through your lender's portal and confirm the first statement reflects the correct principal, interest, and escrow breakdown. Must
Create a home binder (physical or digital) containing your deed, title insurance policy, survey, inspection reports, appliance manuals, and warranty documents. Should
Research any local programs for first-time homeowners — some municipalities offer rebates, weatherization assistance, or low-interest improvement loans. Nice to have
Draft a seasonal maintenance calendar covering tasks like gutter cleaning, exterior caulking, and water heater flushing so nothing falls through the cracks. Should

Never Skip the Lock Change

Prior owners, contractors, real estate agents, and neighbors may all have copies of your home's existing keys. Rekeying or replacing locks is the single most important safety step you can take on Day 1 — before boxes are even unpacked. Smart lock systems should also have all previous user codes and access histories cleared.

Homestead Exemption Deadlines Are Strict

Most counties impose an annual filing deadline for homestead exemptions — often January 1 through April 1 of the tax year following your purchase. Missing the window means waiting another full year for the savings. Check your county assessor's website promptly and don't assume the exemption transfers automatically from the prior owner.

Many of the terms you encounter in this phase — from escrow accounts to property easements — are explained in plain language in our homeowner terminology reference. Keep it bookmarked as you work through these tasks.

Once your home is stable and you're settled in, you may be thinking about improvements. Before breaking ground on any project, walk through the pre-renovation checklist to confirm permits, budgets, and utility locations are handled first.

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