New homeowner checklist: what to do after moving in

Review basic access and security. Depending on the property:

• Identify every exterior key
• Review locks
• Update access codes
• Review alarm systems
• Remove access for previous users where relevant
• Understand garage or gate controls
• Identify spare keys

If you do not know who may still have physical or digital access, consider updating the relevant locks, codes or credentials.

Before you need them in an emergency, locate the home's key systems. Record where to find:

• Main water shutoff
• Electrical panel
• Heating controls
• Hot water controls
• Ventilation controls
• Alarm controls
• Internet and network equipment
• Relevant utility meters
• Other important home systems

A simple note about where something is can be extremely useful months later.

Collect the documents received during the purchase or handover. These might include purchase documents, inspection reports, surveys, plans, certificates, warranties, manuals, insurance documents, previous renovation records and equipment information.

Read: What documents should homeowners keep?

Make a basic record of recurring home services, such as electricity, gas where applicable, water, heating, internet, insurance, security, waste services, relevant property charges and service contracts.

The goal is not to build a household finance system. It is simply to know which services belong to the home.

Walk through the property and identify important equipment: heating, ventilation, hot water, kitchen appliances, alarms, pumps, smart home equipment, garage systems and installed garden equipment.

Even if you do not know every detail, recording the model can save time later.

You may not know when everything was last maintained. Start by recording what you do know. Review heating, ventilation, gutters, drainage, roof condition, windows, wet areas, exterior surfaces, installed equipment and safety equipment.

Then sort each item into one of three lists:

Known

Last service date is documented.

Unknown

Need to inspect or ask.

Needs attention

A visible issue or overdue task exists.

Read: Home maintenance checklist

Room information is easy to forget once the move is over. Capture practical facts such as:

You do not need to document everything at once. Start with information that would be difficult to identify again later.

Save useful contacts before you need them again: electrician, plumber, heating specialist, painter, carpenter, roofer, locksmith, insurer, and a property manager where relevant. If a previous owner supplied trusted contractor details, record them.

For each contact, note what they worked on.

Take clear photos of the home soon after moving in. Useful areas include rooms, installed equipment, utility areas, the exterior, visible defects and areas you expect to renovate.

Photos create a useful baseline and can help you understand how the home changes over time. Where relevant, keep inspection reports alongside the photos.

Most new homeowners quickly create a long list of possible improvements. Separate them into:

Needs attention

Work required for function, safety or preventing deterioration.

Planned

Projects you expect to complete.

Ideas for later

Things you may want to do eventually.

Not every idea needs to become an active project. Keeping the list organized makes it easier to decide what deserves attention next.

Read: Home renovation checklist: what to do before you start