Use the first week to confirm utilities, locate safe household controls, test alarms according to their instructions, secure access, document the property privately, learn local collection routines, and turn inspection findings into a maintenance plan.
Published August 3, 2026Last reviewed August 3, 2026
Confirm the essentials and emergency contacts
Verify that each account matches the correct address and responsibility date.
Confirm electric, water, sewer or septic, internet, and trash responsibility.
Save official electric outage and water or sewer emergency contacts.
Bookmark county emergency alerts and shelter guidance.
Find the current collection schedule.
Learn the home without unsafe experimentation
Locate the homeowner-accessible water shutoff and electrical panel, but do not open sealed equipment, touch exposed wiring, force damaged valves, or repeatedly reset a tripping breaker.
Confirm keys, locks, garage remotes, gates, and alarm access.
Test smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms using manufacturer instructions.
Record HVAC filter size and major equipment labels privately.
Escalate safety concerns to a qualified professional.
Create a short, prioritized home record
Combine inspection findings, warranties, appliance information, insurance inventory, and recurring maintenance dates in secure private storage.
Address urgent safety and water-intrusion issues first.
Keep receipts and warranty documents together.
Calendar the next filter, alarm, drainage, and equipment checks.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What should a new homeowner do first?
Confirm essential utilities and emergency contacts, then learn safe household controls, test alarms according to their instructions, secure access, and prioritize urgent inspection findings.
What home information should be kept private?
Keep account numbers, access codes, identification, payment details, insurance inventories, equipment serial numbers, and property records in secure private storage.
Should I reset a breaker that keeps tripping?
No. Do not repeatedly reset a tripping breaker or handle exposed or sealed electrical equipment. Use the utility emergency channel or a qualified professional as appropriate.
Official resources
Confirm details at the source.
Home Safety Education
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission · Checked July 29, 2026
Federal home-safety guidance covering common household risks.