Buying a home is one of life’s biggest milestones. Between unpacking boxes, decorating, and getting settled into a new routine, it’s easy to overlook some of the important tasks that can save you time, money, and stress down the road.
Your first 90 days as a homeowner are the perfect opportunity to establish good habits, learn about your home, and get organized. Here’s a practical checklist to help you start off on the right foot.
Change the Locks and Update Your Security
One of the first things you should do after moving in is make sure you’re the only one with access to your home. Previous owners, contractors, neighbors, or service providers may still have copies of the keys.
Consider:
- Rekeying or replacing all exterior locks
- Updating garage door codes
- Changing smart lock access codes
- Resetting alarm system passwords
- Updating Wi-Fi passwords if smart home devices are included
It’s a simple step that provides peace of mind from day one.
Locate Your Home’s Shut-Off Valves
Imagine a pipe bursts in the middle of the night. Would you know how to stop the water?
Spend a few minutes locating and labeling:
- Main water shut-off valve
- Gas shut-off valve
- Electrical breaker panel
- HVAC shut-offs
- Outdoor irrigation controls
Knowing where these are before an emergency can prevent thousands of dollars in damage.
Organize Your Home Documents
You’ll likely receive a stack of paperwork at closing, along with manuals, warranties, inspection reports, and insurance documents.
Instead of stuffing everything into a drawer, organize documents such as:
- Closing paperwork
- Home inspection report
- Property survey
- Appliance manuals
- Warranty information
- Insurance policies
- Contractor contact information
- HOA documents
Having everything in one secure location makes it easy to find exactly what you need months, or even years later.
Create a Home Inventory
Most homeowners don’t think about documenting their belongings until after something unexpected happens.
Walk through your home and:
- Photograph each room
- Record major appliances
- Take pictures of electronics, furniture, and valuables
- Save receipts for new purchases
- Record serial numbers when possible
A home inventory can make the insurance claims process significantly easier if your home is ever damaged by fire, severe weather, or theft.
Register Your Appliances
Many homeowners skip this step, but registering appliances helps ensure you receive:
- Warranty coverage
- Safety recall notices
- Product updates
- Service support
Take a few minutes to register:
- Refrigerator
- Washer and dryer
- Dishwasher
- Oven and cooktop
- HVAC equipment
- Water heater
While you’re at it, save digital copies of your warranties and owner’s manuals so they’re always easy to find.
Learn Your Home’s Maintenance Schedule
Every home has ongoing maintenance needs. Creating a simple schedule now can help prevent costly repairs later.
Tasks to remember include:
- Replace HVAC filters
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Clean dryer vents
- Flush the water heater
- Clean gutters
- Service your HVAC system
- Inspect caulking around windows and doors
Setting reminders helps ensure these tasks don’t get forgotten.
Document Any Existing Issues
Even if your inspection was thorough, you’ll probably notice small items after moving in.
Take photos of:
- Cosmetic damage
- Flooring scratches
- Wall dents
- Loose fixtures
- Minor plumbing issues
Keeping a record helps you prioritize future repairs and provides a baseline for monitoring any changes over time.
Meet Your Home’s Trusted Professionals
You’ll eventually need a plumber, electrician, HVAC technician, roofer, or handyman.
Start building a list of trusted local professionals before an emergency happens.
Keep their:
- Contact information
- Invoices
- Service history
- Maintenance recommendations
Having this information organized saves valuable time when repairs are needed.
Review Your Insurance Coverage
Your home is likely your largest investment, so make sure it’s adequately protected.
Review your policy with your insurance professional and ask about:
- Replacement cost coverage
- Deductibles
- Flood insurance (if applicable)
- Sewer or water backup coverage
- Valuable personal property
- Home-based business coverage
Understanding your coverage now helps avoid surprises later.
Create a Digital Home Hub
Homeownership comes with a surprising amount of information to manage. Instead of searching through filing cabinets, email inboxes, or kitchen drawers, create one central place to keep everything organized.
Store:
- Receipts
- Manuals
- Warranties
- Home improvement records
- Contractor contacts
- Insurance documents
- Maintenance reminders
- Home inventory photos
Having all of your home’s information in one place makes everyday homeownership simpler and prepares you for whatever life may bring.
Start Strong, Stay Organized
Owning a home is exciting, but it’s also a long-term responsibility. Spending a little time during your first 90 days to organize important information, document your home, and establish maintenance routines can pay off for years to come.
PorchFile helps homeowners simplify homeownership by keeping everything related to their home in one secure place. From warranties and manuals to maintenance schedules, home inventories, and renovation records, you’ll have the information you need, right when you need it.
Your first 90 days are just the beginning. Building good habits now will make homeownership easier, more organized, and far less stressful for years to come.
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