You've officially closed on your new home – how exciting! Now what? Post-closing, aside from planning for the big move, there is a short list of things you don't want to forget to do when you get there.

We've written this blog post to help you check all the important boxes. Keep reading for everything you need to know.

#1 Change the Locks

Almost immediately upon arrival, you'll want to change out the locks. This is simply a precautionary measure because even if the previous owners handed over their keys, you never know who could have had a copy during that time.

Don't convince yourself it isn't necessary just because the purchase agreement states that all keys need to be handed over. There could always be keys the previous owners didn't know about, so it's better to be safe than sorry.

The same goes for any keypad that provides access to the home. Changing the codes is the smartest thing you can do!

#2 Make Necessary Address Changes

Next up, you'll want to make any necessary address changes. Here are a few examples.

Driver's License

Subscriptions and Memberships

Documents from your Employer

Insurance Providers

Credit Card / Bank Providers

Healthcare Providers

As a last quick tip that may seem obvious to some, share your new address with your family and close friends! You never know who may want to send you a letter or invitation, so it's best to make sure the most important people in your life know your new whereabouts.

#3 Set Up Recurring Bills

Whether you're transferring these services over or creating new accounts, don't forget to set up important recurring bills like water, electricity, WiFi, and cable.

As a pro-tip for all of our readers that don't use auto-pay, write down what calendar day each bill is due. If you create a new service account with a new or different billing date, it will help you avoid confusing it with an old date.

#4 Check Your HVAC and Water Heater

HVAC and warm water are two things you don't want to fail when you need them. Although both have been checked during your home inspection, it's crucial to make sure your ducks are in their row. Here's what to look at and what questions to ask.

HVAC:

- Do the furnace and air conditioning filters appear to have been changed recently? Pro-tip: HVAC filters generally need to be changed around every 90 days.

- Are the right type of filters being used? Pro-tip: If you're not using the right filters or the most efficient ones for the job, you could be wasting money.

Water Heater:

- Has the water been drained recently? Pro-tip: Drain the water to check its condition. Water heaters should be drained typically once a year.

- Do the settings fit your water temperature preferences?

- If no to the question above, do you want to make changes that can potentially lower your water bill or increase energy efficiency?

#5 Test Detectors  

Testing your detectors is not a task you want to overlook. This is a really simple one because it takes little to no time to check off your list. Test both your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, maybe even right when you get there, so you don't have to worry about it when things get busier.

If you find yourself at the store, grab a fresh pack of batteries for those detectors. You never know when the current ones were last changed, so it's better to do it yourself before looming low batteries creep up on you.

#6 Deep Clean

Your new home should look pretty nice when you arrive, but the sellers are only asked to do a baseline job when it comes to cleaning. Deep cleaning will set you up for success in your new space and allow you to adjust comfortably.

You can get the floors professionally cleaned or waxed, or you can take it upon yourself to mop, broom, and vacuum. Next, spray countertops and appliances, freeing them of dust and dirt, and finally, light a candle to mark your home with a signature, familiar scent.

You will feel so much better moving in furniture and decorating the place when you know it's been deep cleaned properly.

#7 Settle Into Your New Digs

Last but not least, it's time to settle into your new digs! Get to know the neighborhood. After you're done with all of the big things, take a step back, breathe, and explore the place. If you didn't make a far move to begin with, you might already be familiar with the community. But, if this isn't the case, walk around and familiarize yourself!

What local businesses do you want to visit? What restaurants are you dying to try? This is the perfect time to have some fun and maybe even make a list.

If you're up to some human interaction after the stress of your move, it's always a good idea to pop over and introduce yourself to your new neighbors. That way, if you ever need anything or vice versa, you can feel comfortable asking each other.

We hope this blog helped make your experience moving a little less stressful and a little more actionable. The Masiello Group is always here to set you up for success when it comes to your real estate needs. If you are looking for a buyers' agent, sellers' agent, or a real estate professional to ask about either process, we are here to help.

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The Masiello Group is a second-generation family company that has been a trailblazer in New England real estate since 1966. With now more than 35 offices throughout northern New England, we're the largest residential real estate firm north of Boston to offer a complete suite of home services, including buying, selling, mortgage, title, insurance, relocation, and more.

You can find more information on today's market and other real estate trends by reading our blog weekly at https://www.masiello.com/news-and-updates/.