You Bought a House… Now What? The 30-Day Move-In Survival Checklist

by Ian Elliott

Congratulations! You just bought a house. 🎉 The papers are signed, the keys are in your hand, and the excitement is real. But now comes the part that no one really talks about, what happens next?

Moving into a new home can feel overwhelming, especially during those first 30 days when everything is new, unfamiliar, and, let’s be honest, a little chaotic. The good news? With the right checklist, you can stay organized, avoid costly mistakes, and settle into your new space like a pro.

Here’s your 30-day survival guide for moving into your new home, courtesy of Ian Elliott, your trusted Alberta real estate expert serving Edmonton, Sherwood Park, and Leduc.

Week 1: Essentials First

1. Change the Locks 🔐

You never know who else has keys from previous ownership, contractors, cleaners, friends, relatives. Swap out all exterior locks or rekey them immediately.

2. Set Up Utilities 🌐

Make sure you’ve transferred or set up:

Electricity
Gas
Water
Trash and recycling
Internet and cable
Security system (if applicable)

Pro Tip: Call a week in advance of possession day to avoid service interruptions.

3. Locate Shutoffs and Breakers 🔌

Find your:

Main water shutoff
Gas shutoff
Electrical panel and main breaker
Furnace switch

Knowing where these are in an emergency can save you thousands in damage.

4. Clean Before Unpacking 🧹

Even in a spotless home, you'll want to:

Wipe down cupboards and drawers
Deep clean floors
Sanitize bathrooms
Clean appliances

You’ll never get a better opportunity to clean everything.

Week 2: Get Settled and Safe

5. Unpack Strategically

Start with:

Bedroom (you’ll need to sleep!)
Bathroom (you’ll need to shower!)
Kitchen (you’ll need to eat!)

Then tackle rooms based on frequency of use and necessity. Leave decor and garage stuff for later.

6. Test Smoke and CO Detectors

Replace batteries and test all detectors. Install additional units if needed.

7. Update Your Address

Don’t forget to update your info with:

Canada Post
Banks and credit cards
Driver’s license and vehicle registration
Work and school
Subscriptions

Pro Tip: Set up mail forwarding with Canada Post to catch any stragglers.

8. Introduce Yourself to the Neighbors

It’s easy to overlook, but this helps build trust and community. A quick “Hi, I’m new here!” goes a long way.

Week 3: Preventative and Practical Tasks

9. Check for Warranty and Maintenance Info

Keep manuals and paperwork for:

Appliances
HVAC systems
Roof and siding
Water heater
Anything new or under warranty

10. Create a Maintenance Schedule

Homeownership = responsibility. Start a monthly checklist to track:

Furnace filter changes
Smoke detector testing
Gutter cleaning
Seasonal lawn care

A few minutes a month can prevent thousands in repairs.

11. Make a Home Emergency Kit

Include:

Flashlights
First aid kit
Batteries
Fire extinguisher
Bottled water
Non-perishable snacks

Bonus: Add a binder with emergency numbers and local contacts.

Week 4: Make It Feel Like Home

12. Personalize Your Space

You’ve earned this! Add:

Wall art
Rugs
Plants
Family photos

This is where the magic happens, your house becomes your home.

13. Plan Your First Home Gathering

Invite a few friends or family over. It doesn’t have to be fancy, a pizza night works. It gives you a deadline to finish unpacking and creates a happy memory in your new space.