First 90 days homeowner checklist
The practical tasks that make a house start feeling like your home.
The first few months of homeownership are full of small, easy-to-forget tasks that make a real difference once they're done. Knock these out early and the rest of the year feels a lot more settled.
Checklist
- Change or re-key every lock, since you don't know who else has a key
- Find your main water shutoff valve and the breaker panel
- Replace HVAC/air filters and test every smoke & CO detector
- Set up trash & recycling, and register for any HOA/building portals
- Start a home file: closing docs, manuals, warranties, and paint colors
- File for any homestead or property-tax exemption your area offers
This step is general educational guidance, not legal, financial, or real estate advice. Your contract terms, deadlines, and local requirements always take precedence, so confirm specifics with your licensed professionals. Read our full disclaimer.