When you purchase a home, even if it’s not your first house, there’ll be plenty of excitement and anxiety blended together. It’s elating to think about the new chapter in your life, but, it won’t start until you get settled-in. The transition takes a bit of time and effort to get through and there’s really no such thing as “move-in ready.” Even new construction, with fully appointed with wonderful built-ins, furniture, and decor still requires you to unpack and organize.

Of course, you’ll want to make the house into your home, but that’s not going to happen on its own. It’s during the brief period after the formal move is complete you’ll start to realize just how much there’s left to do. Suddenly, you realize the irony in discovering those old boxed from your last move, just lurking in a dark corner, collecting dust.

Things to Do after Buying a New Home

One of the most unenviable tasks in life is moving — whether it’s just a few blocks away or relocating to another city, it’s not typically greeted with enthusiasm. When you start your home search and finally decide on a particularly property, you discover that’s when the real work begins.

You searched for homes over the course of months or even years. You endured a series of offers and counteroffers, property disclosures, inspections and reports. Finally, after so much excitement, stress and anxiety, the house hunt has come to an end. But the story isn’t over yet. —Zillow

You’ll schedule home, pest, and wind mitigation inspections, bite your nails as the appraisal is conducted, and, deposit your earnest money with a third-party fiduciary. You’ll still likely be juggling work and the move, adding to your stress level, and, drawing-out the process of getting settled-in to your home. To make it an easier transition, you should do a a few things right after you move-in:

• Know where the breaker panel and water shutoff valve are located. There are two unexpected scenarios you definitely don’t want to be caught off-guard by: an electrical problem, or, a water leak. Find the main breaker panel and main water shutoff valve immediately when moving-in.
• Change the exterior door lock locks. Even in a new construction property, you really don’t know who has keys to your home, and, there’s no reason not to give yourself peace-of-mind. You can opt for a keyless entry lock, or, go traditional, with a finish and style you like. Once you do, be sure to make copies for others and have them labeled and ready to hand-out.
• Inspect every area of the home. Before closing, you’ll do a final walk-through with your buyer’s agent. Since getting through the closing will likely be crowding your mind, you might miss details you would otherwise spot. Now is a good time, before your home is filled with boxes and furniture, to give it an inspection. Look for any defects, and, if you do discover anything, speak with your real estate professional.
• Install closet organizers. This is something many homebuyers just don’t consider, that is, until faced with a mountain of boxes and luggage to unpack. By installing closet organizers, you’ll be able to, well, get organized — from the get-go. When you unpack, do so by putting rarely used items in the back and items of everyday use in the front for easy accessibility.
• Hang new window treatments. Depending on the home and the sales agreement, you might find yourself to be the sole, sudden curiosity of the entire neighborhood. Well before the sun goes down, you should hang new window treatments for privacy.
• Become familiar with the layout. Once the furniture is arranged and boxes are out-of-the-way, you should walk through the home consciously to learn the layout. This way, you’ll minimize bumping into and tripping over things when you’re trying to maneuver about in the evening hours.

If you’re in the market to buy a home, now’s a great time to speak with a real estate professional, about new construction, low interest rates, and finding the right home for you.