09/04/2026
🏡 Just bought a home? Do these 10 things in your first 30 days to set yourself up for success.
You have keys in hand and boxes of your stuff all through the house… now it’s time to protect your investment and start to feel at home!
1. Change the locks
You never know who has a copy of the old keys.
2. Locate your water shutoff
Know where it is before you have a plumbing emergency.
3. Find your electrical panel
Label the breakers while everything is easy to identify.
4. Test smoke & carbon monoxide detectors
Replace batteries now so you KNOW how old they are. Set a calendar reminder for 6 months from now to change the batteries. If you don’t, be prepared for the 2am wake up call of a chirping smoke detector.
5. Buy a fire extinguisher
Keep one somewhere easily accessible, especially near the kitchen. You just never know when you’ll need one.
6. Find your HVAC filters
Replace them and write down the correct size for future purchases. Also good to set a calendar reminder for when to change them 🤓
7. Create a home maintenance file
Keep warranties, inspection reports, receipts, manuals, and important documents together.
8. Change out the toilet seats
Because…. You know. Some things just make you feel more comfortable in a new house.
9. Start a home maintenance fund
Unexpected repairs are part of homeownership. Start setting money aside now.
10. Make a maintenance calendar
Add reminders for filters, gutter cleaning, HVAC service, seasonal pest control, and other recurring tasks.
BONUS TIP:
Don’t try to decorate everything immediately. Spend your first month learning how your house works. 🏡
Save this post for move-in day & send it to someone who just bought a home! 👇
Kissinger, Bigatel & Brower Realtors
☎️ 814-234-4000 x3334
💻 www.happyvalleyhomesales.com