What To Do After Closing On Your House

Congratulations! You just closed on your house and received the keys to your new home. You can finally relax and breathe a big sigh of relief. Well… not yet.

Closing on your home can feel like the end of a long journey, and while it is definitely a reason to celebrate, the work is not quite done. There are a few jobs to tackle before getting fully settled. While you’re understandably excited about moving into your new home, the first few days (or weeks) of moving can be stressful and overwhelming. There’s a lot to do and some tasks can easily fall through the cracks. Here’s a post-closing checklist of what to do after you move.

Find a Safe Place for Closing Paperwork

The closing paperwork, including the promissory note, closing disclosure, the deed, the mortgage and the home inspection report, should be stored together in a safe, dry place such as a safe deposit box or a fireproof safe.​

Change the Locks

Even if the seller has recently changed the locks, you have no way of knowing who has keys to your new home. Prior to moving in or shortly after, change the locks to ensure your household’s safety.

Fill Out Change of Address Forms

When you move to a new address, a seemingly endless list of parties need to be notified, including your bank, the IRS, utility companies, the post office, insurance companies, subscription services and TV and internet providers. You may also have personal contacts that need your updated information.

Water, Sewer, Gas and More

Cable, Internet, Security

Once you know your closing date, contact utility companies in advance to set up services. This way, you’ll have electricity, gas, and water on move-in day. For other services like cable, Internet, and security, you might arrange set up after closing. It can take a few days for utility companies to fit you into their schedule, so the earlier you request services the better.

Fill Out Change of Address Forms

When you move to a new address, a seemingly endless list of parties need to be notified, including your bank, the IRS, utility companies, the post office, insurance companies, subscription services and TV and internet providers. You may also have personal contacts that need your updated information.

Mail Forwarding

Submit a mail forwarding to the Post Office. This will catch any friends, family, or other contacts that you forgot to notify.

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Update Your Driver’s License

In Nevada, you have 30 days after you move to update your driver’s license with your new address. Those days will pass quickly, so it is a good idea to visit your local DMV as soon as possible.

Change Batteries in Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Ideally, batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be changed out at least once per year to ensure they are functional when necessary. As a new homeowner, you have no way of knowing when the batteries were last changed out. Replacing the batteries right away is a quick, affordable way to get peace of mind.

Have the HVAC Unit Serviced

Maybe the previous homeowners were diligent with having annual furnace and air conditioner tune-ups and kept records of dates and services rendered. If that is not the case, however, you may want to give a local HVAC company a call and have a technician sent out to ensure the equipment is in good working order.