Great! You’ve closed on you’re new home, and perhaps are even all moved in! Now is the time to address these vital steps to prepare your home to safely live in. Easy to forget during this thrilling life event, these tasks and responsibilities are the basics to ensure the move-in goes smoothly, and that your new home is ready for you and your family.

1. Change Your Locks

The previous owners should have turned over all of their keys to you, but you can never be too safe when it comes to protecting the privacy of your own home. Hire a locksmith as soon as you move in or before to change the locks in your new home.

2. Set Up Utilities

Call your local gas, water, and electricity providers to verify that they are up and running before you move in. You will need to open new utility accounts in your name, or change the name from the previous owner. Also, don’t forget any telephone, internet, TV, and security system services you may want as well. Those can often take some time to complete, and are best to take care of sooner than later.

3. Find the Control Switches

When you first move in, be sure to know where the electrical box and main water valve are located on your property. They are often found in inconspicuous places, and knowing where they are can save you in an electrical failure or plumbing catastrophe. Mark the fuses if they are not already, and check that you know how to shut off the valve correctly.

4. Test Heating and Cooling Systems

Though these should have been checked by the Home Inspector already, it is good to double-check your HVAC system yourself. Make sure you know how to use the control consoles early on.

5. Check Garbage and Recycling Collection

Ask the sellers or talk to your new neighbors to find out what day of the week the garbage and recycling are collected. It’s also good to know when, if at all, landscaping debris is picked up.

6. Change Your Address

It can seem like a no-brainer, but is often overlooked! Don’t forget to contact your friends, family, and post office to notify them of your address change. Any misaddressed mail to your old address can be redirected to your new home. To smooth the transition, contact your bank, employer, drivers license, registrations, insurance, credit cards, and any other account contact addresses as well.

7. Explore the Neighborhood

Get to know the neighborhood you’re now calling home, and don’t be afraid to say hello to your new neighbors and learn which closest gas, groceries, and restaurants they recommend. This is your new home, so get settled in!