Your first week at home: what to do before you unpack everything

Start with safety, not decorating

Before tackling the boxes, make sure everyone in your household knows how to leave the home in an emergency. Keep exits clear and choose a meeting place outside.

Locate the main water shutoff and electrical panel without opening equipment or touching exposed parts. If labels are unclear or anything looks damaged, ask a qualified professional to identify it safely. For gas concerns, leave the area and contact the gas utility or emergency services from a safe location.

• Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms using the manufacturer's instructions.
• Arrange for locks or access codes to be changed.
• Save local emergency, utility, and insurance contact details.

Bring the paperwork together

Keep your closing documents, inspection report, insurance policy, and any appliance manuals in a place you can find again. Create a short list of issues from the inspection that still need attention.

Check warranty terms and transfer requirements rather than assuming coverage automatically follows the home. Keep purchase receipts and serial numbers when you can access them safely.

Make a manageable first-month list

Separate urgent safety concerns from routine upkeep and cosmetic wishes. Address active leaks or signs of electrical trouble with a professional; paint colors can wait.

Schedule only a few practical tasks at a time. A clear maintenance calendar and an honest monthly budget are more useful than a long list you never look at again.