New Homeowner Checklist: What to Do in Your First 30 Days

The first 30 days after moving in are when you establish your relationship with the property — either as someone who understands what they own, or as someone perpetually surprised by what breaks next. The tasks below aren't exciting. They're the ones that prevent expensive surprises.

Security and Access: Do This First

Before a single box is unpacked, deal with these:

Re-key or replace all exterior locks. The previous owners, their real estate agent, their cleaning service, their contractors, and possibly their neighbors have copies of your keys. This is not hypothetical — it's how real estate transactions work. Re-keying costs $50–$100 for a locksmith visit; replacing deadbolts with new hardware runs $30–$80 per door if you do it yourself. Smart locks provide access code control but still require changing all existing codes.

Reset any smart home devices. If the property has a smart thermostat (Nest, Ecobee), smart locks, or security cameras, the previous owner may still have app access. For a Nest thermostat: navigate to Settings → Account → Disconnect to unlink the previous owner's account, then Settings → Reset to clear schedules and Wi-Fi credentials. For Ecobee: go to Main Menu → Settings → Reset → Reset Registration to unlink the account without wiping HVAC equipment settings. Do the account unlinking before the full reset — a "Reset All" on an Ecobee wipes the HVAC wiring configuration.

Emergency Infrastructure Mapping

Locate, test, and label every emergency shutoff in the home before you need them under pressure:

• Main water shutoff valve: Typically near the water meter, in the basement, or in an exterior ground box. Know how to turn it off. If a pipe bursts or a toilet overflows and you don't know where this is, water damage accumulates every second.
• Natural gas shutoff: On the exterior meter assembly. Know where it is; know you need a wrench to operate it.
• Electrical panel: Identify every breaker and label them accurately. If the panel uses old fuses rather than circuit breakers, consult an electrician — older fuse panels have capacity and safety limitations.
• Water heater shutoff: Usually a dedicated valve above the water heater. Also document its age — tank water heaters last 8–12 years, and replacing one unexpectedly is expensive.

Life Safety Audit

• Smoke detectors: Test every detector. Replace batteries in all of them regardless of whether they seem fine. Verify detectors are present inside every bedroom and on every floor. Standard codes require this; older properties may be non-compliant.
• Carbon monoxide detectors: Required on every floor in most jurisdictions. CO is odorless and invisible — detectors are the only protection. If detectors are older than 7 years, replace them.
• Fire extinguisher: At minimum in the kitchen. Also in the garage and any utility room. Check the pressure gauge is in the green zone.

Systems and Appliance Documentation

Do a condition audit of every major system and appliance within the first two weeks. This establishes a baseline, protects your home warranty claims (if applicable), and helps you anticipate what will need replacement.

What to document:

• Age of the HVAC system (furnace and air conditioner — average lifespans are 15–25 years and 10–15 years respectively)
• Age of the water heater (8–12 years for tank, 15–20 years for tankless)
• Age of the roof (asphalt shingles last 20–30 years depending on type)
• Electrical panel age (25–40 years)
• Refrigerator, dishwasher, washing machine, dryer ages

Note the ages. If multiple systems were installed around the same time and are approaching the end of their typical lifespans, budget accordingly. Research from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) shows that many home systems have similar 10–15 year lifespans, which means a home bought 10–12 years after construction can face several large replacements in close succession.

New Home Maintenance Checklist: First 90 Days

Beyond the security and safety audit, there are ongoing maintenance tasks to start immediately:

Monthly:

• Replace HVAC air filters (check the type — some need monthly replacement, some quarterly)
• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Within first 30 days:

• Run water through every faucet and check for leaks or drain slowness
• Flush all toilets and check for running sounds after the fill cycle
• Check under every sink cabinet for signs of prior water damage or active leaks
• Run the dishwasher and inspect around the base for leaks
• Inspect the clothes dryer vent connection and make sure it's clear of lint
• Check attic access for any signs of moisture, staining, or pests

Seasonal (first spring/fall):

• Clean gutters and check downspouts direct water away from the foundation
• Test any outdoor hose bibs and sprinkler systems
• Have the HVAC professionally serviced before the heating or cooling season

Administrative Tasks: First 30 Days

• Update DMV records within the required window for your state (typically 10–30 days)
• File IRS Form 8822 (change of address)
• Update voter registration
• Review your homeowner's insurance policy for actual cash value vs. replacement cost coverage
• If the property is in an HOA: obtain and read the full CC&Rs document, including fee schedules, parking rules, exterior modification approvals, and meeting dates

The Moving Day Toolkit includes a printable new homeowner checklist organized by week — security, safety, systems, and administrative tasks — with space to document appliance ages and service dates as you go through the property for the first time.